《Abyss Solo》 Chapter 1 - 1: 001 Arrival Chapter 1: 001 Arrival Earth exploded. Yang Ming remembered vividly that, about half an hour ago, Earth had exploded. The sky was tumultuous with fiery clouds, and he sat in his living room at his childhood home, tightly embracing his parents and younger sister, facing the flames spewing from the cracks in the earth, succumbing to the agony of the flames and plunging into the abyss of unconsciousness. Am I dead now? Yang Mings heart, on the contrary, calmed. The television, internet, and mobile phone messages had been announcing from three days ago that Earths civilization was about to collapse and human civilization was entering a countdown. High-energy rays from the outer Solar System were hitting Earth directly without any hindrance, and Earths technology was powerless against it, rapidly disintegrating the civil order. (This message was not directly detected.) ... The human civilization that hadnt managed to leave Earth just vanished like that. Before the explosion of Earth, there was a rather absurd theory circulating onlinethat Earth was attacked by rays because of a virtual reality space exploration game called Abyss. Yang Ming, who had been addicted to Abyss since college, had reached the story arc of Abyss Descends three months ago. The climax of the story arc was betting on the home planet base, calling for global players to unite to counter the threat from the Ninth Natural Disaster Army. How could players from all over the world unite? The main storyline wasnt that big a deal anyway. Over the past three months, various fleets were still waging wars against each other, and it was generally assumed that when the countdown of the expansion pack ended, the official phantom troops would overturn the powerful NPC fleets. Just three days ago, the main fleet of the Ninth Natural Disaster Army broke through the outer lines of defense and reached near the Origin Mother Star of Earths humans, firing a star-destroying missile at Earths Origin Mother Star in the game world. All global players were simultaneously kicked out of the game. Half a day later, Earths external satellites detected that high-energy ray, and Earths human civilization entered a three-day countdown. Was it really a coincidence? Wasnt that too much of a coincidence? During those three days, Yang Ming saw many conspiracy theories and analytical posts, saying humans are a common species in the universe, and the game Abyss was a test of civilization given by higher human civilizations, which Earths humans failed, hence their destruction. But Yang Ming really couldnt accept the absurd theory that he played Earth to destruction. But all that was in the past. Although Yang Ming couldnt open his eyes at this moment, he could still remember, think, and feel the existence of his body. Now it was probably Did he arrive in heaven? Or had he fallen into hell? If not for the previous burning pain being too intense, Yang Ming would also have liked to think it was just a dream. Professor. Suddenly, footsteps and a conversation between a man and a woman reached his ears. The man was addressed as professor, his voice deep and strong; The woman should also be middle-aged, her tone very gentle. Doctor Lina, how is our third deputy now? the man asked. Hanton is no longer in serious danger, his bodys various indicators have returned to normal, but his head has suffered a severe concussion and may experience some sequelae. This poor guy, he played a crucial role in shaking off the Human Councils detection ship; dont skimp on medical resources. Dont worry, Professor, I will take good care of Hanton. Hanton? Human Councils detection ship? What is all this mess? Yang Ming struggled to think, a series of memory fragments flashed through his mind; These blotchy, illogical images suddenly assaulted his brain, causing intense pain that made Yang Ming convulse. Yang Ming quickly realized. If he couldnt withstand the assault of these memory fragments, he might become an idiot, likely losing the personality known as Yang Ming! Enduring the severe pain in his forehead, he tried to divert his attention, repeatedly recalling his brief life as Yang Ming. Finally, the pain started to subside, and the memory images from this body became blurry and tame. He had won. Yang Ming sighed in relief in his mind, not having had time to review these newly surfaced memories, when he heard messy footsteps again. Whats wrong with him? The professor asked in a deep voice. It might be a central nervous system disorder The problem is worse than we thought. I need to redo the examination for him, Doctor Lina said. Let me take a look. Two ice-cold fingers clad in leather gloves pried open Yang Mings eyelids. The glaring light met his eyes, and a shadow loomed in front of itanother head peeking from the side. Yang Ming was startled. He had seen this middle-aged man before! The mans flickering red mechanical eye and the exposed mechanical skeleton on the left half of his face had left a deep impression on Yang Ming. The dark red scars where mechanical skin met natural flesh looked nauseating up close. He he is A name nearly slipped out of Yang Mings mouth. Kigrov! Holy crap, wasnt this Kigrov, the hidden boss from the level 30 Empire faction epic dungeon in Abyss? He could drop rare skills for bio-engineered classes and core components for all classes! His original name seemed to be Right, Professor Kigrov! Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This level 30 epic dungeon was called Voice of Abandonment. Voice of Abandonment was the second squad-based epic dungeon players challenged after leaving the Origin Mother Star, and it was the hardest dungeon of that time. Batch after batch of players died in the final battle against Valkyrie, whose miniskirts were the hottest topic on the Abyss forums. Oh, that pure, powerful, and amazingly shaped Valkyrie. After conquering the dungeon, Yang Ming would even go out of his way to guide newcomers, all to catch a glimpse of that beautiful Valkyrie. Though, it hadnt been half a month before he got smitten with the curvy career guide at Mink Port Uh, this is not what I should be thinking about now. The icy fingers released his eyelids, and Yang Mings sight plunged into darkness again. Instantly, someone gently manipulated his arms and neck and attached some metal patches. Yang Ming tried to remember every detail of Voice of Abandonment, having battled through it dozens of times. The introduction to the dungeon seemed to go like this [A boundary detection ship discovered a scientific vessel abandoned on the fringe of a desolate Resource Star. The vessels internal structure hadnt been entirely destroyed, and there were signs of life activity in several chambers. The ship bore the emblem of the Sherman Empire. During further exploration, genetically transformed monsters, with strength beyond the limits of carbon-based lifeforms, were found inside.] Yang Mings brain was racing. At the beginning of the dungeon, a blond-haired, blue-eyed virtual NPC in a nurse outfit would guide players, introducing the person in chargeProfessor Kigrov, and progressively unveiling the most powerful being therethe out-of-control Valkyrie. The research ship had encountered a crisis thirty years ago. The powerful Valkyrie, created by genetic experiments, had escaped their control, leading to a bio-disaster and massacres of the crew by the transformed beings. To prevent the infinitely evolving Valkyrie from becoming the Empires nightmare, Professor Kigrov decided to use the non-directional instant jump technology to head towards a black hole near the star road. However, the Valkyrie destroyed the ships propulsion system, and the vessel was trapped in this desolate Star Domain. Thats it, the backstory of the Lost Voice dungeon! Genetic modification, war machinery, experiments to explore the limits of carbon-based lifes power! After players defeated the Valkyrie, they could proceed to explore the storyline, which led to the hidden bossKigrov, who had turned into a monster himself trying to destroy the Valkyrie. Wait a minute! Something is not quite right. Yang Ming clearly rememberedthe hidden boss Professor Kigrov in the Lost Voice dungeon didnt look middle-aged. He was supposed to be a hunched, skinny old man with a receding hairline, messy white hair, somewhat out of his mind, turning into an ugly tumor-like monster after swallowing a red pill! The research ship had encountered a crisis thirty years ago Does that mean, he had been resurrected in Abyss, thirty years before the game even started? Right now, the Valkyrie had not yet started the riot, and this research vessel continued cruising within the Sherman Empires territory, conducting sinister experiments on genetically modified human beings. And he was, he was Hanton, one of the three mates on this research vessel, a formally commissioned officer of the Empire, a captain who had spent two years aboard, mainly responsible for maintaining the ship, solving technical issues, and managing the fire safety systems. To put it simply: [An unassuming crew member about to be slaughtered.] Chapter 2 - 2: 002 Eve of the Riot Chapter 2: 002 Eve of the Riot Grass, a kind of plant. Having finally been given a second chance at life, was he about to die by a Valkyries blade? Yang Ming felt he needed to do something to save himself. He began to carefully review the recent memories of this body, looking for any useful information that might aid him. Unfortunately, in Hantons memories, Yang Ming found the Imperial Martial God Plan and confirmed the existence of the Valkyries. Luckily, Hantons life for the past two years had been monotonous, so it didnt take much effort to skim through his memories. sea??h th n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Hantons recent memories could be simply summarized as: C One medal; C Two mistresses; C Three wishes. Yang Ming was feeling very tired at the moment and simply fell asleep; when he woke up again, he was able to open his eyes, but he continued to feign sleep. To survive on this research ship, he had to play the role of Hanton well. Only by staying alive could Yang Ming figure out why he was in the world of Abyss and have the chance to explore the connection between Earths explosion and this holographic game. Lets first look at the three wishes of this fool, Hanton: C One, to be appreciated by Professor Kigrov and get the opportunity to transform himself into a powerful Martial God Warrior. C Two, to be transferred back to Head Star or another affluent and stable area of the Empire by the age of 30, to retire and become a peace officer in a city with a vibrant nightlife. C Three, to marry a woman from the Imperial Nobility. Only female nobles. Regarding these three wishes, Yang Ming, who had taken over this body, could only apologize. He might help fulfill the second wish if there was a chance. But as for the first and third wishes, forget it. Why would he choose to become some bio-membrane freak thats neither human nor ghost by his own volition? That was not an aesthetic Yang Ming could accept at this stage. Moreover, when Yang Ming played Abyss, he spent half his time mingling in the Empires faction, and the purest Imperial noblewoman NPC had three or four lovers! Marrying a noblewoman was he hoping to evolve to the point where he could sustain himself through photosynthesis? But back to the point. This world felt so real. Yang Ming could breathe freely, and when he opened his eyes just now, there was no peripheral distortion inevitable with holographic glasses. What about the attribute board? The attribute board that one could click to check their stats? In the game Abyss, even the most streamlined interface kept a button for the attribute board, but now there was no trace of it to be found. Yang Ming felt that he was in a real world. This realization became clear and firm. After looking over Hantons three wishes, now to consider those two mistresses. Space travel was so lonely. In the narrow and labyrinth-like cabins of this research ship, which after departure typically couldnt return to its home port for half a year, men and women driven by biological factors would be drawn to each other, weave beautiful stories, and perform rehearsals of the rites of reproduction this was nothing out of the ordinary. Everyone was accustomed to these things, and as long as it didnt interfere with their work, there would be no trouble, no need to be concerned about each other after leaving the ship. Yang Ming watched the little movie in the memory fragments for a while, soon feeling a reaction in his body. It was healthy. That was good. He quickly sealed away that part of the memory to avoid any uncontrollable physical reactions. As for one medal, that was much simpler. Because Hanton had worked diligently and outstandingly completed several high-risk operations, he had recently received a Thorn Flower medal, similar to the little red flowers from kindergarten. At this point, Yang Ming fell into a long silence. Earth had exploded, and he was revived in the background world of the game Abyss, at least thirty years before the games opening, becoming this hardworking and lucky third officer on the research ship. But the crisis of survival had not been resolved. The Valkyries rebellion loomed over him like a dark cloud. Should he stop the Valkyries rampage? Or should he look for an opportunity to leave this research ship before that? Yang Ming racked his brain analyzing the situation. The primary task now was to determine how much time remained until the Valkyrie insurrection. If there were still a few years before the rebellion erupted, there wouldnt be too much cause for panic, and hed have ample opportunity to escape the vortex. Time is critical. Yang Ming didnt continue to read through Hantons memory fragments. Instead, he decided to find a calendar himself; this self-imposed minor task would mark the beginning of his new life. Anyway, he had to figure out a way to integrate into this environment, both familiar and strange. This space research vessel was engaged in nefarious human experimentation that couldnt stand the light of day. To maintain secrecy, the use of any network-connected terminals was prohibited onboard, and the crews work uniforms were not allowed to contain any extraneous electronic devices. You can find a calendar in your own cabin. Not a bad newbie guide task. Yang Ming slowly sat up, still feeling a slight dizziness. The reason this body was injured was that he hit his head while repairing the stabilizer on the tail of the research vessel during an external operation. It must be a concussion now. Yang Ming looked down at the body that would carry him into the future. So fit! Referring to the chest muscles. The bulging pectorals seemed almost ready to burst through the white tank top, and the two sturdy thighs filled out the light blue military trousers, with a pair of milky blue boots to one side. In fact, Hanton held a Second Level Battle Mecha pilot certification, having graduated from a formal military academy and participated in more than a dozen minor campaigns. Yang Ming bent over to put on his boots, taking in the narrow medical office crowded with various instruments and cabinets, feeling the simulated gravity from the floor. Above was an oval window, outside of which was a dazzling nebula. He spaced out for a moment. Until the sound of footsteps came from behind the curtain next to him, Yang Ming snapped back to reality and cleared his eyes of confusion. A middle-aged female doctor with pale golden hair pulled back the curtain. She had features that resembled a mix of Eastern and Western ancestry, dignified in her composure with a slender figure, although the crows feet at the corner of her eyes were becoming hard to conceal. Hanton was quite familiar with this doctor. Lina was the on-board physician responsible for the health care of several hundred crew members and soldiers, a very gentle character. How are you feeling, Hanton? Doctor Lina asked. Not bad, have I developed any lasting illnesses? Youre very healthy, you just need to avoid strenuous activities now, and be careful not to bump into anything when walking. Doctor Lina handed over a transparent bag containing a dozen yellow capsules. Go back to your cabin and continue to rest. Youve slept enough here. If you have a headache or dizziness, take one; it will help you recover quickly. Thank you, Yang Ming whispered. He remembered something and didnt continue the conversation with Lina. Suddenly asking someone what year it was according to the Imperial Calendar would seem a bit abrupt. He successfully left the medical office and walked along the corridor, where at most three people could walk side by side. The corridor seemed endless, with a narrow door every few meters, each equipped with a bio-identification cats eye. Inside were the single dormitories of the senior crew members and officers. Fortunately, though Third Officer was a technical laborer, he was considered a senior crew member. The medical office was at the edge of the senior crew dormitory area. After taking a couple of turns, Yang Ming arrived in front of his own dormitory door, having already calculated the background time for the opening of Abyss in his mind. Yang Ming was an avid gamer, and the time conversion mechanism of Abyss for Galaxy Time had been a hot topic among players. The game started in the Imperial New Calendar year 753. Going back thirty years would be the New Calendar 723. The background description in the instance was a bit vague, only mentioning that a rebellion occurred thirty years ago, without specifying an exact year, month, or day. The bio-identification processed smoothly, and the iron door in front of him slowly opened, revealing the real face of the ten square meter dormitory. Pretty tidy, probably because a woman often stayed overnight. Yang Ming closed the dormitory door behind him and headed straight to the desk, grabbing the elongated electronic clock and started pressing buttons. He read the language and numbers on it effortlessly. Yang Ming also realized belatedly that the language he had heard and spoken before was the Galaxy Universal Language, surprisingly without any barriers. Oh, thank you, Hanton. Lets see, how long until New Calendar 723 He had pulled up the calendar and squinted at it, then froze in place. New Calendar 724, 01, 22. Damn! It was last year. Chapter 3 - 3: 003s First Encounter with the Valkyrie Chapter 3: 003s First Encounter with the Valkyrie Is that thirty years a rounded-up result? Could the rebellion by the transformed people break out at any moment? Images began to flash across Yang Mings mind. In the dimly lit game instance, fully armed player squads were chased and wildly chopped by the sexy and powerful Valkyrie, meeting their demise amid curses and swears. The gloomy corridors were plastered with dark red bloodstains, decapitated skeletons still dressed in the light blue uniforms of the Empires military, while monstrous lumps of flesh seemingly devoured something at the entrance to the bridge, with occasional deep sobs echoing from the depths of the hallway. This was the fate of the research ship. ... No, sitting ducks we shall not be. It had not been easy for him to be alive again; the taste of death was unbearably unpleasant. Yang Ming turned and rushed towards the hatch, now completely daring not to rest. He wanted to speak with Kigrov, the person in charge here, they must urgently escape the research ship that could turn into a Shura hell at any moment. However As the hatch opened, a young woman who was just raising her hand to knock on the door made the hurried Yang Ming stop in his tracks. She appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five. Although the current cosmetic medical technology made it impossible to judge the specific age by appearance, Yang Ming knew that she was of the same age as him, the ships intern navigator, whose job was to check the Star Map, confirm the navigation route, and serve tea and water. Of course, she also had a unique personal identity: Hantons mistress number one. She was a sexy woman with plump lips, bright eyes, and a high nose bridge, her fair skin and shapely figure evident even though her waistline was not so pronounced, but Yang Ming was captivated by the bulges in her swollen work uniform. Hi, darling! Are you feeling better? Surprise flitted across her eyes as she expertly wrapped her arms around Yang Mings waist. Yang Ming instinctively took a half step back, and before he could speak, a pair of plump, soft lips tasting of sweetness blocked his own. Ah, what? Are Empire girls always this warm and welcoming? Thanks, Hanton. After a bout of entangled lips and teeth, just as Yang Mings breathing was about to become labored, he finally regained some sense. This young woman was a navigator, one who could read sea maps, so she must know the current heading of the spaceship, right? Since the time node was a bit fuzzy, he might try to probe the spatial node. Where have we flown to now, my dear? Yang Ming asked. Oh, darling, are you sure you want to discuss such a mood-dampening topic right now? the woman complained with coy annoyance. Yang Ming firmly gripped his belt. Mistress number one quickly yielded. Darling, why have you suddenly started caring about this? Weve just shaken off the Human Councils Detection Ship and are near the Empires boundary tower 4339. In two hours, well pass by an abandoned Resource Star where we can extract water for supplies. Yang Ming nodded, ready to resume their earlier academic exchange between Earths civilization and extraterrestrial culture, when suddenly his hands trembled. Resource Star? An abandoned Resource Star? How does the first sentence of the Lost Voice instance background introduction go? Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [The Detection Ship discovered a research ship abandoned at the edge of a deserted Resource Star.] My dear, hold on a minute! Yang Ming once again pushed away the octopus-like woman, Doctor Lina said I shouldnt engage in strenuous activity right now. Oh, right, youve been honorably wounded, said mistress number one, revealing a tender smile, then biting her lip seductively, her eyes suggestive, and slowly pushed Yang Ming onto the single bed. This is your reward as our hero; you just lie down today, you dont need to do anything. Yang Ming quickly asked, Is that abandoned Resource Star surrounded by a Planet Ring? Made of rocks and dust, looking like a yellowish soil on the surface, with a massive storm in the atmosphere that never dissipates? She seemed puzzled, staring at Yang Ming for a while, the passion in her eyes subsiding a bit. How did you know all this? Our Star Map is confidential He knew it! Yang Ming swiftly turned back over, gently laid her on the bed with a touch of reluctance, then bit her plump lips, tightened his belt, pulled off his tank top, grabbed the military jacket and ID card hanging on the wall, and without a backward glance, bolted towards the metal door. Sorry, my dear, I have some things to take care of. The woman on the bed seemed rather confused. Before leaving, Yang Ming paused, turned to look at the beautiful girl, and memories of their blissful times together flashed through his mind. There are three lifeboats on the ship; you can stay near any of them if you like. It wasnt rational and might easily lead to misunderstandings. But Yang Ming felt he should warn her. Darling? confusion filled the eyes of mistress number one. Bang! The hatch slammed shut. Yang Ming hurried towards the nearest elevator, springing into his step. At the convex mirror at the corner, he saw his current appearance, a chiseled face, standard Empire military buzz cut, a long neck, and a muscular physique, no wonder he was popular with female crew members. But, nothing was more important than the need for survival. No one was going to let him die again! Yang Ming had already started running. To find Kigrov, only Kigrov had the authority to order the Valkyries abandonment! Yang Ming found the ID card in his shirt pocket, quickly swiped it, dived into the elevator, pressed the uppermost button with the bridge label, and instinctively held onto the handrail. While the elevator moved, it would enter a low-gravity environment, and the ships simulated force field would temporarily fail due to the limitations of domain technology. Chapter 4 - 4: 003 First Encounter with the Valkyrie_2 Chapter 4: 003 First Encounter with the Valkyrie_2 This detail was exactly the same as the one in Abyss. I must clear my thoughts now. Hantons memory showed that because of the Valkyries enormous destructive potential, Kigrov had long made corresponding preparations. The chamber housing the Valkyrie was located at the very bottom of the spaceship, a separate module that could be ejected at any time. Yang Mings thoughts were exceptionally active, and he quickly realized some problems. With the identity of the third officer, he could directly request an audience with Kigrov, but how would this evil and arrogant professor ever heed the advice of a senior technician like himself? How to prove that the Valkyrie was about to lose control? ... Claiming to have suddenly acquired the superpower to foresee the future? That would most likely result in being dissected for experiments by Kigrov, the kind that would split ones skull open. The current problem was that Kigrov saw the Valkyrie as the masterpiece of his life, the only near-perfect semi-finished product of the Martial God project, and also the trump card that Kigrov used to demand a hefty sum of funds from the Empires ministers. Kigrov would not want to part with the Valkyrie. That was the most fatal issue. Theres no time left. Yang Ming looked up at the elevator and pressed the top button twice, then switched it to the bottom floor marked with a red exclamation point. He should now check the status of the Valkyrie, look for evidence of her impending loss of control, then go convince Kigrov. There must be some signs. Yang Ming thought so. The elevator moved silently and slowly downward, as Yang Ming watched the smooth alloy panels, his mindset gradually stabilizing. Chi The elevator door opened, and microgravity gradually increased to normal gravity. Yang Mings military boots stepped into the line of sight of two guarding soldiers. Shua, shua, both soldiers saluted at the same time. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Captain! Mm, good work on your shift, Yang Ming casually nodded and continued forward. As one soldier was about to remind him that the area ahead was off-limits to non-experimental staff, the other soldiers gaze stopped him, and the two ultimately kept silent. This was the ships third officer, entitled to inspect every corners fire safety equipment and ventilation ducts. The scene before him made Yang Ming slightly uncomfortable. The bottom cabin was like a round hall, with each area tightly segregated. At the moment, Yang Ming was standing in the upper left position, with a spiral alloy stairway to his left hand. On the left side of the bottom cabin, there was a row of canned-shaped sealed chambers, inside which were sealed a dozen men and women, filled with various input tubes, obviously in a dormant state. The special bathrobes they wore preserved their dignity as genetic experimental subjects. Among these Transformed, Yang Ming spotted a Lost Voice boss clone and two or three muscle men who looked like the clones elite monsters. When not out of control, they all still had the physique of normal humans. The central area consisted of an array made up of dozens of precision instruments, with narrow passages connecting small laboratories in all directions, and researchers in protective suits bustling back and forth. On the right side was a small playground, with several strong figures undergoing physical training, their heads always pointed at with laser guns. The security level here was quite high. Every entrance was guarded by soldiers, and on the ceiling and walls were arrays of high-energy laser guns for bio-use, controlled by the bridge. The Valkyrie should be in a special cabin at the front left corner. Hanton had once come here to inspect the fire system. Yang Ming quickly descended the staircase and followed a narrow path lined with experimental equipment. The door to the cabin was ajar, and two researchers in protective suits were busy at the instrument table by the door, whispering something to each other. Yang Ming thought he could hear the thump, thump of his heartbeat. He reached the door, paused his steps, and glanced inside as if nonchalantly. The cabin in front of him was about thirty to forty square meters, with a five-meter-diameter canned bio-pool in the center. The familiar yet strange beautiful Valkyrie was quietly suspended in the pale green pool water. She possessed an impeccable perfect figure, her pretty face full of girlish innocence, her orange-red hair floating upwards in the pale green nutrient solution; The silver-white collar around her neck that probably was some kind of explosive device oddly complemented her transcendent beauty that went beyond gender. However, right now, Yang Ming was more concerned about the nutrient liquid that was slowly draining away beside the Valkyrie. Hanton? A stern, sharp female voice came from behind, Youre not a member of the research team; by regulation, you cant enter the lower deck, much less this restricted area! Yang Ming turned his head to look at the middle-aged woman behind him and without any chitchat, pointed directly at the Valkyries nutrient pod and asked, Im doing a fire safety inspection What is this? Changing the nutrient liquid? The woman coldly replied, Yes, changing the nutrient liquid and conducting a periodical test, please leave immediately. Can it be suspended? Yang Ming asked directly. The woman, walking in high heels, was full of skepticism. Her expression softened slightly as she crossed her arms and furrowed her brows in response, This is a normal experimental activity on the schedule; whats the matter, Hanton? This doesnt seem to be within your job scope, and your complexion looks rather poor. I heard you sustained a brain injury while working on the mechas tail wing maintenance. Yang Ming made his gaze appear as sincere as possible. Thats right, I hit my head, and then I vaguely saw some images that, well, Im quite concerned about, relating to a situation where the Valkyrie lost control Lost control? The woman crossed her arms, her figure slim under the white coat, and smiled while shaking her head, continuing, Shes like a baby now; a pure and powerful baby. She wont break free from our control. And also, Hanton, we have no need to deliberately control her. Shes my friend, my best friend. Yang Ming sharply caught a hint of something amiss. As she spoke these words, her thin face, unsatisfied and covered with light freckles, revealed an intoxicated look, filled with delusional devotion and a strange sense of piety. Could it be? Yang Ming clearly remembered that in the second phase of taking on the Valkyrie, the Valkyrie would unleash a move called Spiritual Control, all-encompassing, leaving no blind spots, and players without mental protection gear were highly likely to fall into confusion, attacking teammates indiscriminately; a difficult point that often wiped out entire teams. At this moment, Yang Ming suddenly had an unpleasant association. He decided to probe this lady before him. Yes, shes so beautiful. Yang Ming whispered his admiration, then squinted his eyes smilingly, trying to make himself appear sordid as he said slowly, Im falling in love with her. Hanton! The woman beside him looked disgusted, Please dont defile her purity with your filthy thoughts! Isnt she just a test subject? Yang Ming looked puzzled, raising his voice on purpose, Although she is beautiful, shes ultimately just an unfinished product, essentially an artificial creation. It reminds me of those high-value non-intelligent mechanical companions that can even be customized in body shape and facial features, and special vocalizations. Shut up just shut up! She is perfect! She is magnificent! A god! She is a god! The womans voice suddenly became high-pitched. She clutched her ears in apparent pain, uttering low growls, She is the most perfect deity! Hanton! You will pay for your frivolity and arrogance! This womans mental state indeed had problems. Kigrov, take a good look, your subordinate is already the Valkyries little treasure. Having found the evidence he was looking for, Yang Ming immediately stepped back, keeping as far away from the woman as possible. The nearby workers began to notice the commotion, with some of them casting scornful and disdainful glances at Yang Ming. A peculiar feeling suddenly surged in the depths of Yang Mings heart. He looked up subconsciously, through the ajar special protective door to the chamber where the Valkyrie was, and immediately felt a chill run down his spine, and his heart skipped a beat. Behind the translucent wall of the nutrient pod, the Valkyrie was opening her eyes, her nearly transparent eyelashes slowly lifting, and her ruby-like pupils twinkling with red light. Visible light red ripples, like those on water, faintly undulated. This was the Valkyries Spiritual Control! Chapter 5 - 5: 004 Thank you Hanton Chapter 5: 004 Thank you Hanton Escape! Yang Mings ears buzzed continuously, and dizziness accompanied by a strong urge to vomit overwhelmed him. The moment the red hoop erupted, Yang Ming already sprinted for an escape, but he still couldnt avoid the influence of that red light. Valkyrie has escaped! He yelled at the top of his lungs. Many men and women nearby began to vomit, some precision instruments emitted faint electrical arcs, and screams and shouts erupted intermittently. ... Seven or eight men and women in white laboratory coats surged toward the cabin where Valkyrie was; their eyes shone with a faint red light, their expressions devout. Valkyrie had long secretly taken control of the researchers who were most closely associated with her! Yang Ming ran straight to the nearest emergency fire escape, and didnt forget to slap the alarm bell on the wall, letting the shrill alarm sound throughout the entire research ship. I can only help you guys this much. Rushing up the spiral staircase, he climbed hundreds of steps in one breath before Yang Ming heard screams coming from below. Direct gunfire! Three horizontal safety gates were rapidly closing, cutting off the spiral staircase, with the topmost right under Yang Mings feet. Can these alloy gates, capable of resisting high-energy laser beams, stop Valkyrie? At that moment, Yang Ming felt utterly insecure. The walls transmitted the calm voice of a broadcaster, announcing refuge tips, urging all departments to prepare for evacuation, and marking the positions of the lifeboats. Soon, the ship started to tremble slightly, and the battle in the lower deck grew intense. sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Perhaps because the act of climbing stairs was too vigorous, it aggravated old injuries; as he ran, Yang Mings eyes began to fill with blood, his ears buzzed, and waves of intense dizziness hit him. He had no intention of stopping. The concussion intensified, but with the medical means of interstellar civilization, it wasnt much of an issue. But if he slowed down and Valkyrie caught up, his head would be shaved off! His robust physique played a key role, allowing Yang Ming to rush directly to the top level of the safety passage. He barely made out the nearby exit. The dizziness grew worse, making it nearly impossible to stand. But when Yang Ming saw the safety gate ahead that was slowly closing, he took a strong step forward, dove forward, and barely rolled inside. Ding, ding ding The noise was like a dozen coins spinning in a metal bowl, ringing continuously beside Yang Mings ear. Yang Ming thought of something, pulled out the small pocket, and poured out the capsules Doctor Lina had given him, squeezing two and swallowing them down. Then, he lay down on the floor, eyes closed, gasping heavily. The ringing in his ears lasted a good while. Yang Mings breathing gradually stabilized; the veins on his forehead slowly receded, his body drenched in sweat. He raised his hand to cover his forehead, the dizziness receding like flowing water, his chest no longer stifled, and his mind became exceptionally active. Was there a steroid in that medication? The effect is strong. When Yang Ming got up, he had to support himself against the wall, but after walking more than ten steps, his body had returned to normal. According to the information in Hantons memory, his current location was very close to the command bridge, and there should be no more safety gates ahead. Yang Mings pace gradually quickened. Warnings of disasters continuously came from the walls, and the embedded displays showed prominent red words. Of the three lifeboats, one was located in an outer storage near the command bridge, able to hold a hundred people. Including the guards, there were usually only about forty to fifty people on the command bridge, so the probability of successfully boarding a lifeboat from here was the highest. Of course, the best outcome would be to persuade Kigrov to abandon Valkyrie and eject the lower decks laboratory quickly; boarding a lifeboat would be the worst-case scenario. The lifeboat did not have jump capability, and being on the border of the Empires territory, there was a risk of being stranded in space. After walking along the silver-gray corridor for a long time, two doors bearing the Empires emblem came into view. Entry required biological recognition; he pressed his palm on the control panel to the left, and the two large doors slowly slid open. It was like the voice of a starving electronic announcer in a small area: Third officer arrives on the command bridge. Quite impressive. If the engine room, housing the jump drive, was the heart of the spacecraft, then the command bridge was its brain. Yang Ming quickly stepped inside and surveyed the environment. This research ship obviously spent all its budget on the laboratory in the lower deck; the command bridge could be described as quite shabby. Directly ahead was a connected arch window, outside of which was the best view of the stars the entire ship could offer, and to the left and right were control panels, enough to scare anyone with claustrophobia, with their rows of buttons causing the scalp to tingle. A dozen men and women in Empire military uniforms sat straight at their posts, calmly and concisely passing information, listening to commands, and pressing buttons. They were responsible for controlling the navigation of the spacecraft and the real-time monitoring of the spacecrafts overall condition. Behind these operators was a closed and transparent fire control cabin; inside sat several middle-aged military officers controlling all types of weapons on the spacecraft. Above the fire control cabin was the main control desk, standing just where Yang Ming was now looking forKigrov, along with the captain and several high-ranking crew members. Directly in front of Kigrov was a one-sided projected screen wall, showing a chaotic view of the lower deck without any blind spots. Yang Ming looked down and moved forward, not caring whether he had the qualifications to go to the main control desk or not, quickly stepped up the stairs, and stood behind a few superiors. Chapter 6 - 6: 004 Thank you Hanton_2 Chapter 6: 004 Thank you Hanton_2 Kigrovs face was ashen as he leaned on his cane, his mechanical eye flickering a red glow, his sparse hair somewhat disheveled. Yang Ming was drawn to the surveillance footage on the screen. There was a standoff in the lower hold, where a fierce battle had clearly just erupted. A dozen nutrition pods had already been opened. Several transformed people lay bloodied near the nutrition pods, their bodies bearing high-energy ray induced penetrating wounds. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A little further away, more than ten Imperial soldiers lay dead, most with necks gruesomely twisted. ... In front of the Valkyries chamber door, rows of men and women in white lab coats had their hands raised high and stood in an awkward human wall, being held hostage by several menacing transformed people. Where was the Valkyrie? Yang Ming looked up and searched, finding the Valkyries chamber on the monitor. The nutrition pod had been shattered, and the Valkyrie stood before it with her arms open, like a Saintess who had just bathed prior to a prayer ritual. Two women under the Valkyries control were busy at the side, holding two transparent control panels, attempting to unlock the silver collar around the Valkyries neck. This? Professor, Yang Ming spoke directly, Arent we going to do something? Several senior officers turned their heads to look over. The first officer cursed, Captain! This is not your place to speak out of turn! Yang Ming immediately bowed his head and closed his mouth, cursing under his breath. These old fools really are fools, why dont you just detonate the bomb around the Valkyries neck to settle this? To think I barely survived, just to come here and witness history? Captain, what are you still standing here for? Is the sedative gas ready? Kigrov suddenly spoke up, interrupting the first officers reprimand. The first officer replied hurriedly, Its ready to be deployed at any moment, and the assault team is also in position. Kigrov said, Captain, release double the standard concentration no, triple the concentration. Understood, Professor, the ships captain pressed the button on his collar and ordered with a deep voice, Carry out the professors instructions immediately. Yang Ming frowned deeply. Kigrov still wasnt willing to destroy the Valkyrie. As a third officer and repair technician, I had no way to change the course of the situation. Yang Ming stepped back twice, standing on the edge of the platform, his gaze fixated on the changes on the screen. A light red gas mixed with identifiers appeared throughout the lower hold, and the figures standing around quickly started collapsing haphazardly. Click, a soft sound came from the screen. The collar around the Valkyries neck slowly opened, the two women beside had already slumped to the ground. The Valkyrie raised her head to look towards the corner where the camera was hidden, her face innocent like a girls, appearing right in the center of the projection screen. She seemed to be watching Kigrov quietly. Standing further back, Yang Ming couldnt see Kigrovs expression clearly, but he heard the damn professors muttering to himself. Child, dont be nervous, I wont hurt you. Yang Ming looked toward the location of the escape passageway, starting to search Lifesaving Boat Operational Standards in Hantons memory. He had already seen it. Seen the Valkyrie standing up amidst the sedative gas; Seen the Valkyrie deftly twisting the necks of each and every assault team soldier; Seen this spaceship descending into purgatory within the starry expanse amidst despair! In the screen, the Valkyrie slowly laid down. The captain spoke into the button, Assault team Should we! Yang Ming suddenly spoke out, ignoring the puzzled and impatient looks from the senior officers, and very seriously said, Professor, Captain, to ensure foolproof security, shouldnt we use a high-energy laser beam to pierce the Valkyries limbs? This wouldnt cause her any substantial harm, but it would prevent her from moving due to her self-healing injuries, wouldnt it, Professor? Hanton! The first mate, who had been harassing Yang Ming, suddenly bellowed, How much longer are you going to cause trouble here! But Kigrov turned his head to look over, eyeing Yang Ming with a frown, How do you know about these things? The old mans vigilance was quite good. Yang Ming ignored the insignificant first mate, and calmly started to bluff, There are a lot of rumors aboard the ship Professor, you are the creator of the Valkyrie, and you know how powerful the genetics she has integrated are, now everyone on the ship is under her threat. Enough, Hanton! The burly first mate charged over in two steps, grabbing Yang Mings collar: This isnt your place to speak! Do you want to be locked in solitary? Huh? Let him go, Kigrov said with a frown. The first mate was a bit taken aback, but on this ship, Kigrov was the pinnacle of authority. The first mate pushed Yang Ming against the bulkhead with a heavy huff, seemingly warning him. Kigrov stared at Yang Ming for a few moments, and Yang Ming met his gaze coolly. Is this old man waiting for me to convince him? Yang Mings thoughts turned swiftly. Kigrov had special feelings for the Valkyrie; The background introduction of the Lost Voice copy; The lines that beating up the hidden boss Kigrov spoke Yes, Kigrovs most cared about thing, besides the Valkyrie, was the powerful Sherman Empire! Yang Ming suddenly spoke up, his voice always calm, Professor Kigrov, it may sound a bit exaggerated, but I overheard the researchers saying that the most terrifying aspect of the Valkyrie might be her potential for unlimited evolution. This is the Empires border; she might harbor hatred for the Empire. Kigrovs hand, leaning on his cane, clenched the round orb at the end tightly. Take Third Officer Hantons suggestion, Kigrov looked at the captain, let the most skilled technicians operate, use a laser to penetrate her palms and soles, and absolutely do not target the heart, neck, or brain It must be as precise as a scalpel. The captain glanced at Yang Ming, and the slightest smile appeared on his meticulous face, and he immediately said, Rest assured, Professor, I will operate myself. Yang Ming visibly let out a sigh of relief. Kigrov continued, First mate, you and the others head down to the lower decks to supervise the battle now, Hanton stays. The three senior officers briskly gave a Sherman military salute, swinging their left hands behind them, and their right hands in frontswiftly departing with heads bowed. Yang Ming felt the first mates animosity but didnt even cast a glance at him, focusing instead on the screen where the Valkyrie lay unconscious. Had he essentially changed history? No, the crisis was only temporarily averted; he still needed to leave this spaceship as soon as possible. Hanton. Kigrov said in a grave voice, The request you made earlier, I can agree to it now. You have shown great rationality in the face of crisis, a truly commendable talent. Congratulations, youve been given this opportunity, Third Officer. A request? An opportunity? What the devil is that. What had Hanton previously requested from Kigrov? Yang Ming was a bit confused and quickly searched through Hantons memories. His expression nearly broke when he found the memory of his last conversation with Kigrov. Professor, I want to become a powerful Transformed! For this goal, Ive already dedicated years to physical training! All for the glory of the Empire! I am willing to attempt it, even at the cost of my life! The young third officer had earnestly volunteered. And according to the subsequent talks between Hanton and Kigrov, Yang Ming learned that the gene transformation experiments aboard this research ship had a failure rate of 92%, and a mortality rate of 35%. Thank you, Hanton! Yang Ming almost gritted his molars to dust. Chapter 7 - 7: 005 Runaway Chapter 7: 005 Runaway Yang Ming was contemplating how to refuse the reward. In the projection screen, several faint red laser beams flashed by, creating thumb-sized holes in the limbs of the Valkyrie who was laying on the ground. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There were two additional wounds on the shoulder joints than what Yang Ming had proposed. The captain in the fire control cabin below asked through the radio, Do we need to inflict more injuries, Professor? Enough, Kigrov immediately said, Its enough, dont hurt her anymore. Let the assault team go up, and let all the Transformed Bodies enter deep sleep; they are all our precious results. Alright, Professor, the captains voice sounded somewhat reluctant. ... In the projection screen, rows of Empire soldiers wielding laser guns and wearing protective suits stormed into the lower hold and swiftly pressed the necks of the transformed people with their knees. The Valkyrie suddenly opened her eyes, and again red ripples blossomed. But the helmets of the soldiers displayed a light blue protective film, safeguarding their fragile brains and sensitive brainwaves. Just as Yang Ming had said earlier, the Valkyrie would lose her ability to move when multiple penetrating injuries appeared on her body. Several syringes attempted to pierce into the Valkyries pale, smooth skin, her limbs trembled incessantly, but she was unable to move. The voice of the assault team, in disarray, emanated from the consoles built-in speaker: My God! Captain, look, the Valkyries wounds are healing, the burn marks have vanished. Unlimited cell proliferation? Has she fused with the genes of the Insect Race? What kind of monster is this! Although she is beautiful! Damn it, bring over the thickest syringe, my syringe cant get through! Inject the sleeping agent through her wounds, her skin has extremely high resilience she is indeed a monster. Kigrov sternly said, Captain, make your people shut up! Alright, Professor. The captain cut off the voice sync of the action team, and the console returned to silence, leaving only Kigrovs rapid breathing. Yang Ming, standing behind, stopped himself from speaking. Kigrovs breathing gradually smoothed, and he slowly turned around, his mechanical eye shining with dark red spots. Lets go, Hanton, Kigrov gathered his spirit, I will personally perform your transformation surgery. Yang Ming immediately said, Professor, I think at a time like this, I need to maintain the spacecrafts equipment, especially after such a major disturbance. Isnt this what you have always wanted? Kigrov stared at Yang Ming, Why dont I see a hint of happiness on your face, Hanton? Professor, Yang Ming forced an ugly smile, I just injured my head, and Im still feeling dizzy now; I worry it might affect the success rate of the transformation. That wont impact anything, Kigrov seemed to be looking for something on Yang Mings face, This is the reward you should receive, Hanton, why do I feel like you have suddenly changed? Damn, am I about to be exposed? Yang Ming was shocked at Kigrovs insight and frantically pondered the current situation in his mind. Although Kigrov looked amiable at the moment, deep down he was a murderous psychopath who valued life less than dirt; If Kigrov became suspicious of him, his situation would be extremely dangerous. But that 35% fatality rate Professor, how about we wait until this matter is over, I still have lots of work to handle. I do not easily make promises, Captain Hanton, and when I do make them, I do not change my mind. But Professor! Yang Ming took a half step forward, suddenly, halting footsteps sounded from the side, four guards appeared left and right, with the red dots of laser guns aimed at Yang Mings forehead. Dont be nervous, Hanton, I understand you. Kigrov, leaning on a cane, walked towards the staircase, no longer looking at Yang Ming, but instead turned and said: Captain, personally escort Vice Captain Hanton to the backup laboratory, encourage this young man, let my assistants prepare him if they are still able to move. The captain, just leaving the console, looked at Yang Ming with a complex gaze and gestured for him to follow. Thank you, Professor. Yang Ming squeezed out a smile and turned towards the captain without looking back. In the projection screen, the Valkyrie was lifted by the soldiers onto an adjacent laboratory table, quickly bound up like a rice dumpling, and more sleeping agents were injected. The captain was a meticulous soldier, entirely loyal to the Empire and to Professor Kigrov. On the way to the backup laboratory where he was escorted, Yang Ming constantly looked for opportunities to breakthrough, the moment they left the bridge, the moment they entered the elevator, the moment the elevator transitioned to a microgravity environment All the possible moments for resistance were thoroughly blocked by the experienced captain. From Hantons memory, it was known that when the situation arosewhen the soldiers aboard the ship turned off the safety on their laser guns and aimed at the head of the experimental subject, it indicated they were ready to shoot at any time. There had been incidents before where experimental subjects had their brains blown out. The current situation was that undergoing transformation still held a chance for survival, confronting them directly had slim chances of survival, plus there was some leeway in the matter of transformation. After all, theres still a 65% chance of survival Yang Ming thought, trying to comfort himself. The backup laboratory was located one floor above the lower hold, the restarted elevator directly took them to the laboratorys door. On either side, the silver-grey alloy doors opened, and several pre-instructed lab personnel, with faces full of terror, anxiously watched the door. Chapter 8 - 8: 005 Rampage_2 Chapter 8: 005 Rampage_2 Hanton, the captain patted Yang Ming on the shoulder, thank you, you might have just averted a disaster for us. Yang Ming clenched his fist slightly. If it had been the real Hanton who had been given such an opportunity, he naturally would have been ecstatic; his current anxiety and resistance had already aroused Professor Kigrovs suspicion. Even, Yang Ming faintly realized that Professor Kigrov was now observing him. Soldiers stood beside him holding laser guns, their fingers near the trigger, and the biological safety on their firearms activated. This meant that the soldiers had already received orders to kill Hanton at any moment, and the only one who could have issued this order was Professor Kigrov. ... Captain. Yang Ming said softly, If possible, please suggest to the professor to use some more mature technologies on me, as only by staying alive can I serve the Empire. Before the captain could speak, the person who was usually inconspicuous as third mate had already bowed his head and walked into the chamber, calmly lying on the experimental table. Without needing the soldiers to assist, he placed his limbs in the designated positions, securely fastened by the shackles that sprang from below. The professor may have made an unwise decision. This thought inexplicably popped into the captains mind. Signaling the soldiers to stay in the laboratory, the captain turned and hurried towards the lower hold, his mouth pondering words that could plead for the third mate Hanton without enraging Professor Kigrov. The wait on the experimental table seemed particularly long. Yang Mings mood gradually shifted from anger and irritation to calmness and restraint. This life was, after all, one that had been salvaged; now, all he needed to do was find a way to survive. Drip, drip, drip. He didnt know which instrument was making the sound, its rhythm perfectly matched Yang Mings heartbeat. Needles pierced the back of his hands and feet, a cool liquid seeped into his veins, and Yang Ming felt his mind grow foggy, soon slipping into unconsciousness. Drip, drip. Yang Ming groggily opened his eyes and saw Professor Kigrov in a surgical cap and mask, intently watching a nearby instrument panel. Professor, the Genetic Stabilizing Liquid has very low rejection, its an excellent material. Should we try Type 2 Genetic Fluid, Professor? Or use the most conservative Type 1 Genetic Fluid? After all, this is a loyal Imperial soldier. Professor Kigrov said, Bring over the No. 6 Genetic Fluid, this time it might work. No. 6? Professor, isnt that the gene sequence extracted from Valkyries bodyonly theoretically possible His key metrics are very close to those of Po Suo originally, Professor Kigrovs voice revealed impatience, If only a cluster of Ancient God Cells wasnt all that was left, I would transform Hanton just like I transformed Po Suo! Be quick, dont miss the chance! Alright, Professor. Po Suo? Is that the Valkyries name? Really a mouthful. Yang Ming wanted to flip off Professor Kigrov, but he was already sedated, and his thoughts soon faded. He didnt know how long he was unconscious, maybe just for a moment, or perhaps several hours. Excruciating pain shattered the void dreamscape woven by the anesthetic. The agony of being burned by underground fire reappeared, and it felt as if he were being thrown into an incinerator post-anesthesia but this blaze was erupting from beneath his own skin. Let the mechanical arm hold him down! Two doses of Genetic Stabilizing Liquid! Administer them intensively! Bleed him! Arterially bleed and inject the Stabilizer! These bastards! Sear?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming was roaring in his mouth, roaring like a wild beast. Buzz Suddenly, a sound like ten thousand bees flapping their wings at high speed appeared in his head. In the midst of pain, Yang Ming saw several rapidly flashing images. [A dark cloud floated in the tranquil starry sky, far from the stars, with no destination; it was material belonging to this universe, a gift of possibility from the universe, capable of thinking, of feeling existenceit was a Life Form.] Ancient God Life Form? Amidst excruciating pain, Yang Ming forced himself to keep thinking. Ancient Gods, cosmic creatures of Abyss, referred to special life forms that could survive in near-vacuum environments without any external help. In the games, they often appeared as legion world bosses, possessing tremendous destructive power, usually with capabilities like Spiritual Control, devouring, infinite reproduction, each appearance heralding a massive disaster. If the Ancient God Life Form represented the ultimate path of evolutionary life; Abysss classic antagonist, the second Natural Disaster known as Insect Race, represented the ultimate evolution of life as a collective. Research on the Ancient Gods Life affords us a shortcut to immortality. This was a line from a scene in Abyss. Yang Ming suddenly understood. Valkyrie was a product of the Sherman Empires research on Ancient God Life Forms, a monstrosity created by combining Ancient God Cells with humans. The Ancient God had already revived within Valkyrie! Other fragmented images surged forth, but they were ruptured and incomplete, interspersed with the experiences of two life forms. [The dark cloud besieged, the Ancient God Life Form gradually dissolving under the bombardment of the Star Destroyer, meeting its end. A cute little girl with a ponytail, holding her fathers hand, frolicking in glass-colored waves, her tiny feet constantly kicking the waves. Po Suo. The fathers hand gently touched the girls head. You will become the perfect life. Daddy, what is perfect?] What?! Yang Ming stared at that memory fragment. His physical pain and agony seemed to fade a bit as he slowly looked up with the little girl, catching sight of Kigrovs face before he had prosthetic eyes installed. Kigrov and Valkyrie were father and daughter! This old guy had modified his own daughter! The broken scenes flickered away like sparks, and Yang Mings pain swiftly subsided, leaving only a soreness throughout his body. Had he endured it? Right then, Yang Ming heard Kigrov laughing, Very nice, Hantons modification was very successful, the genetic stability coefficient is at 0.92, which is a great number; prepare enough Genetic Stabilization Liquid and nutrient solution for him Kigrov was waxing eloquent, brimming with pride and satisfaction. But Yang Ming was in no mood to keep listening. In a daze, he felt as though he was in a starry space, dazzling nebulae above and below him. He and the girl floating ahead were facing each other. The girl was Valkyrie. She was enveloped in divine, pure white light, naked yet devoid of any desire or vulgarity. Goo-goo-woo A deep-sea whale call resonated through the starry space. Words surfaced in Yang Mings heart, as if Valkyrie was conveying and summoning. How should one interpret the message Valkyrie was sending now? It was complex yet simple, a higher level of direct communication beyond language. If it were described in terms understandable to humans, it might be Combine? Devour? Return? Merge into one? No, none of those were accurate. The most precise translation would be: I want to eat you. Yang Ming trembled unconsciously. The girl was openly revealing her desire for Yang Ming! In the lower deck laboratory and the backup laboratory, on two similar experimental tables, a man and a woman, both restrained, opened their eyes almost simultaneously. Valkyries pupils filled with dense compound eyes, which in an instant formed a dense crystal structure. She opened her mouth and let out a silent shriek, a red energy wave emanating from her forehead, instantly sweeping across the entire cabin. Soldiers wearing anti-neural interference helmets clutched their heads and screamed; more than a dozen people without adequate protection slowly collapsed to the ground, their eyes bloodshot, blood flowing from their nostrils. Explosions sounded from various instruments. The high-energy ray emitters that had been continuously targeting Valkyrie lost contact with the bridge! Simultaneously. In the backup laboratory, Yang Ming violently shook his head, the red in his eyes fading instantly. With no time to think further, he shouted at the frantic staff nearby: Quick, release me! Valkyrie was hiding her strength, preparing to unleash something big on you! Shes going to devour me now! The few remaining laboratory staff looked bewildered. Kigrov was not present in the lower deck laboratory. Believe me! Yang Ming earnestly faced the few staff members, Only I can stop Valkyrie; this is a secret mission the professor gave me! For the glory of the Empire! The light of the Emperor Star shines upon us! The few staff seemed to hesitate slightly. Chapter 9 - 9: 006 Subordinate Ancient God Life Form Chapter 9: 006 Subordinate Ancient God Life Form Emperor Star, you bastard of a grandma! Yang Ming shook his slightly numb left hand, looking at the researchers and soldiers he had just knocked out. He spat viciously, then bent down to strip a soldier of his helmet and jacket. Dammit, Kigrov had modified him, but he still went to stop Valkyrie? The only reason Yang Ming did not offer Valkyrie cigarettes or knives was that Valkyrie would chop him up too! The hull trembled continuously. Valkyries second rebellion had begun. ... Yang Ming rummaged through his body, finding that the body he inherited from Hanton was unharmed, only stronger. He dared not delay, and while dressing in the helmet and jacket, he pondered his genetic modification and the strange connection he had formed with Valkyrie. Suppose Valkyrie is a Subordinate Ancient God Life Form; Then Yang Ming was now a Subordinate Ancient God Life Form. The Ancient God extinguished by the Sherman Empire had transformed into Valkyrie with Kigrovs help; Valkyries original personality had been obliterated, and now Valkyrie was a life form that could not be understood with carbon-based thinking. Most fatally, after Yang Ming had fused and perfectly accepted Valkyries Genetic Fluid, Valkyrie had sensed his existence! This sensing was mutual! Now she wanted to devour Yang Ming, reclaim the genes, perfect herself! [Selfishness] is the first characteristic of an Ancient God Life Form! Yang Ming cursed that perverse Kigrov in his heart, his movements growing increasingly urgent. The ship conveyed continuous explosions, and evacuation instructions played everywhere, the situation was quite pessimistic. As Yang Ming burst out of the backup labs door, attracted by the explosions, he turned his head toward the corridors end just in time to see a ball of fire gush from a descending passage. In the flames, a burly, plump Empire soldier screamed as he flew backwards and crashed heavily against the wall, an alloy plate broken off in his chest. It was a very un-artistic death. Yang Ming retreated a few steps and, like a gust of wind, rushed towards the emergency passage, only to return within seconds and dashed towards the elevator. The emergency route was blocked by safety gates! Although the elevator had also stopped operating, there was still a path hidden here that went straight up and down. The elevator shaft. The explosion sounds at the end of the corridor had grown denser. The research ships hull continued to shake. Using an identity card he had scrounged, Yang Ming swiped open the elevator door and hid in the inoperative elevator. The simulated gravity disappeared quickly, and with a light leap, Yang Ming touched the elevators top, his left foot on the handrail, and his right foot braced in the corner. He fumbled next to the overhead light fixture, activating a small screen which displayed a digital lock. Maintenance password No, why the heck is there a maintenance password for a broken elevator! Yang Ming punched the silver panel on a whim, and the lights in the fixture began to flicker gently. It was just a punch out of frustration, yet it made Yang Ming freeze, staring up at the clear indentation left by his fist. When did my strength become so great Yang Ming, as if discovering a new continent, slowly clenched his fist, felt the muscles in his arm slightly heating up, took a few deep breaths, and delivered an uppercut to the metal panel! Bang! Sarch* The N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The twenty-centimeter-thick modular device flew upwards, its embedded circuit board and warning lights shattering simultaneously, a piercing alarm resounding inside and outside the elevator. Yang Ming stared at his fist, which swelled and then quickly un-swelled, lightly scratching the fist edge as the pain in his bones quickly faded. Uh, those he had just knocked unconscious Wish them reincarnation. Was this the power of Valkyries Genetic Fluid? Yang Ming dared not think further, violently dismantled the side panel, floated out of the elevator like a fish, and, under the influence of a weak force field, landed steadily on top of the elevator. Looking up, the deep shaft seemed to lead to outer space, the floor indicator lights of the ships cabins flickering gently like signs guiding the spaceships course. Head to the bridge? No, dont go to the bridge. Going directly to the bridge might cost him his chance to escape; Kigrov would not let him go. Yang Ming now understood why Kigrov insisted on modifying himhis proposal had harmed Valkyrie Po Suo. Three lifeboats were distributed outside the bridges cargo hold, outside the crew rest area, and at the rear hangar; the rear hangar also housed a squadron of carrier aircraft, seven or eight Battle Mechas, and two landing crafts, all of which could be used as temporary escape equipment. The lifeboat outside the rest areas cargo would definitely be very crowded, and it was too close to the bottom cabin laboratory To the rear hangar! Yang Ming exerted a slight force on his legs, his body lifting off from the top of the elevator and glided diagonally, grabbing the inner wall of the elevator shaft. His field of vision suddenly trembled, Yang Ming naturally couldnt see the changes appearing in his pupils, but this dark elevator shaft had turned into a grayish tone in his eyes, with every detail visible. He even had night vision capabilities. Chapter 10 - 10: 006 Subordinate Ancient God Life Form_2 Chapter 10: 006 Subordinate Ancient God Life Form_2 Now, Yang Ming had a bit of an understanding of those Transformed Soldier players who loved to show off their biceps. The sensation of becoming stronger was indeed exhilarating. This passageway cut through the vast outer engine room. Through the thick peripheral glass, Yang Ming could clearly see the various complex mechanical structures and the heart of the spaceship the inner engine room, glowing with a pale blue light. Passing through this long corridor would lead to the rear half of the spaceship. Yang Ming turned a corner, planning to detour to the weapon storage to find some equipment for self-defense, when he had barely run a few steps before he saw over a dozen fully armed Imperial soldiers charging towards him. ... While Yang Ming was hesitating whether to let these soldiers experience mechanical deformation in their necks, the leader of the soldiers took the initiative to greet him, Captain Hanton! Hows the fight going in the lower hold? The captain issued an evacuation order earlier, and everyone has rushed to the lifeboats. Yang Ming immediately realized that the news of his transformation hadnt yet spread. It was extremely fierce, Yang Ming raised his hand to his forehead, his expression filled with apprehension, I wouldnt recommend you join the fight. Better save yourselves, lads, and go find lifeboats. The leader frowned, But Captain! Our only job is to follow orders. Youre right, Yang Ming stated firmly, so Im going to find some equipment and then take on the Valkyrie! The Empires honor must not be tarnished! The weapon storeroom is this way, right? The dozen or so Imperial soldiers looked at him with eyes full of admiration and respect. Right, could I get one of your radios? Yang Ming pointed to the small earpiece in their ears, I also want to receive orders from above in time. Use mine, Captain, I have a spare! Thanks! My honor! Yang Ming took the rather clean earpiece. The group of soldiers saluted in unison, fists raised, then snapped down the transparent visors on their blast helmets, clutching their laser guns and carrying micro thrusters, they ran without looking back towards the inferno ahead. Yang Ming saluted in the Imperial military fashion, watching the soldiers disappear around the corner before putting on the earpiece and continuing towards the weapon storeroom. Only a bit of static noise came through the earpiece. The armory was usually guarded by soldiers, but when Yang Ming arrived, he found that the group of soldiers he had just encountered must have been the guards. Now, all that stood in his way were two ordinary cabin doors ten centimeters thick. Yang Ming bellowed to intimidate and unleashed a series of combination punches at the alloy doors, then winced and cradled his swollen right fist, kicking open the cracked door panel. What greeted his eyes were two rows of neatly stacked laser rifles, and the shelves on the left and right were filled with standard individual soldier equipment. Yang Ming yanked a tactical backpack off the wall and headed straight for the grenade area. High-frequency flashbangs, electromagnetic Shock Bombs, rapid-action sleep gas, thermobaric grenades, enemy-facing mines Yang Ming grabbed two of each type of throwable weapon he recognized and had used in the Abyss game, along with two emergency gel capsules and three spare laser magazines, slung the backpack across his chest, fastened the safety rope, and jumped up and down a few times before picking up an unlocked laser rifle and setting his biological information. Click-click. He skillfully disengaged the safety and adopted a standard firing posture with the rifle; Yang Ming aimed at the blank wall and pulled the triggertwo purple beams flashed by and left burnt marks on the cabin wall. The power was satisfactory, though it was uncertain if it could harm the Valkyrie. Yang Ming slung the rifle and prepared to make his escape when his gaze was drawn to a few boxes in the corner. The Valkyrie in the Lost Voice instance, donning fiery red Strong Breeding Armor, held a dark-red ion blade, unstoppable and destructiveonly high-level protective shields could withstand her onslaught. The current Valkyrie, draped in a yukata showing off her figure Wait, could the Valkyries equipment also be here? Yang Ming quickly rushed to the boxes, shot through the locks with his laser gun, lifted the lid, and his eyes lit up. Ion blade and protective shield! Sadly, they werent the Valkyries set. Yang Ming grabbed the ion blade that looked like a flashlight out of the box, firmly grasped the hilt, and pressed the hidden button with his thumb. Hum Amid the low hum, Yang Mings short hair stood on end one by one, and a strong magnetic field constrained the high-energy ionized gas into the shape of a slender blade. Well, well, the Light Sword he fought for half a year in the Abyss to get his hands on, was now zero cost? Bring it along, bring it along! Pressing the switch, Yang Ming stowed away the Light Sword and the glove-style energy shield into his backpack before he left the weapons cache contentedly. A series of scrambled conversations suddenly came through the headset. It was the same squad of soldiers from before. The target has breached the bottom hold line and is heading our way! Find cover on the spot, permission to use all weapons! Damn it! Did the bottom cargo ejection fail? Or was there no ejection at all? Target sighted! Fire! My god, is she flying? Shoot! Shoot! The red energy shield around her! We cant break through her shield! Captain! Shock Bomb! Use the Shock Bomb! The Shock Bomb doesnt work either! Damn it! No, dont! Ah! Dont come here! From the initial conversation to the explosion, the roars, and then those last few panicked screams, the entire sequence lasted no more than half a minute. If Yang Mings judgment hadnt failed him, the Valkyrie appeared to be flying in his direction! Boom! The entire starship shook, then the lights flickered a few times before going out completely, leaving only the dim glow of emergency lights in the corridors. The Valkyrie had destroyed the starships power system. Yang Ming hadnt stopped moving; the temperature around him had already dropped a degree or two, indicating he was now not far from the rear mech hangar. He searched through Hantons memories for information about this scientific research ship and tapped a few times on the headset to access a busy communication channel. Captain, the Valkyrie has broken into the armory! Shes looking for weapons Oh, Emperor Star, she understands our civilization! Yang Mings mouth twitched violently. He should have blown up the armory with a grenade! The Valkyrie is heading toward the hangar! Shes flying fast, we cant mount a defense! Shes trying to escape our starship! There are two squads assembling in the aft cargo hold, with a few old Mechas there. Their high-energy cannons can be activated but might puncture the hull. Have them start the Mechas and target the Valkyrie! The captains voice was no longer calm, Close the lifeboats doors at the aft in twenty seconds to disengage from the ship! The resting area lifeboats will disengage in one minute! The bridge lifeboats, stand by! Breach the Valkyries protective shield, shoot her body with a laser gun! Twenty seconds? Yang Ming stepped out of the corridor, and his view suddenly widened, revealing a hangar as big as three or four basketball courts. Also catching his eye were soldiers hiding behind various covers and two Mechas over six meters tall, Imperial Star escort Mechas. The door to the lifeboat at the rear was to the left and front! Over a dozen people were running towards the door, but it was already closing slowly. Those who had entered the lifeboat didnt even want to wait for the last few seconds of the countdown! It was too late! Completely unconcerned about frightening anyone, Yang Ming leaped from a three-story staircase, the sound of the wind whooshing past his ears. He could make it! Even if it meant a hard crash, he would break through that door and board the lifeboat! Hum Yang Ming, suspended in the air, suddenly felt time slowing down, like a slow-motion scene in a movie. He strained to turn his head to look at the side wall of the hangar; the silver-gray wall seemed to burst into a radiant blossom. A two-meter-diameter red light sphere melted through the wall. Inside the light sphere, the Valkyries hair fluttered, her feet hanging in mid-air, as her clear eyes focused on Yang Ming falling. A hint of an excited smile appeared on her lips. Sear?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ill devour you. Chapter 11 - 11: 007 Fierce Battle Chapter 11: 007 Fierce Battle Bang! The red light flickered violently. Yang Ming was sent flying by the light shield, soaring over the heads of several soldiers before crashing heavily between two mechs. Captain Hanton! Fire! Fire! Laser light bullets erupted densely, causing overlapping ripples around the Valkyries red light sphere, momentarily stopping its momentum. ... But the mysterious light red protective shield remained solid. Her gaze slowly withdrew from Yang Ming and emotionlessly settled on the soldiers ahead. She slowly raised her left hand, and two soldiers screamed as they began to rise slowly into the air. The next second, dense blood burst from inside their helmets. Screams came from a corner; the soldiers witnessing this turned pale and let out a string of expletives. Two old-fashioned mechs, with their chest vortex turbines lit, simultaneously raised their fire control arms. The barrels had been charging for three seconds, and the soldiers inside the control rooms no longer waited for commands from above. They locked onto the Valkyrie and pulled the trigger. Buzz, buzz! Two purple light spheres shot out, hitting the protective shield around the Valkyrie. The Valkyrie was sent flying. Both mechs took half a step back to stabilize their centers, and the barrels began recharging. Break her shield! Requesting backup! Tail cabin requesting backup! The shouting of the commanding officer on the scene boosted morale, and the soldiers continued firing their laser guns. The protective wall around the Valkyrie showed irregular, tiny cracks. A few soldiers behind Hanton staggered to their feet. Yang Ming glared at the Valkyrie and continued running towards the pair of closed hatch doors. Outside the transparent hatch was the external hangar that hadnt yet closed. Yang Ming could clearly seea small spaceship, flat like a wooden box, gliding into the deep starry sky, rapidly moving away from the research ship under the propulsion of a light blue halo, with several human-shaped ice sculptures floating nearby and gradually drifting away. Yang Ming flipped a middle finger toward the lifeboat outside, while the men and women beside him who had failed to board were nearly in despair. Damn it! Doesnt that monsters shield consume energy? Cries of agony were heard both behind him and through his earpiece. Yang Ming turned just in time to see seven or eight Empire soldiers floating up; they struggled in mid-air, and a few seconds later, their brains burst. Screams rose and fell in succession. This scene was enough to make the soldiers lose their will to fight. Yang Mings Adams apple shook uncontrollably, and his breathing grew rapid. The Valkyrie seemed to have decided that Yang Ming couldnt escape, or perhaps she felt threatened after being hit by the mecha cannons. She temporarily turned her attention to the Empire soldiers on site. It was a unilateral massacre. As she continued to raise her left hand, soldiers lost control in succession, unable to be held down by the simulated gravity field, their helmets becoming containers for their grey matter. He couldnt stop here! Yang Ming clenched his fists. The fate awaiting him if captured by the Valkyrie would be far worse than what these soldiers were suffering! Cursing Kigrovs ancestors in his mind, Yang Ming struggled to regulate his breathing. He took out a small bag of capsules from his pocket, popped two, and swallowed them. Thats right, the landing craft. Now, only the advance landing craft and carrier-based mechs could leave the research ship! Yang Mings eyes darted around, quickly locating the landing crafts access tube. The tubes indicator lights were pale green. Yes, thats it! Yang Ming was about to rush over, but as he took a step, an invisible pressure came crashing down on him. His muscles uncontrollably locked, leaving Yang Ming lying flat on the ground. Using his peripheral vision, Yang Ming saw the Valkyries right hand pointing at him, slowly pressing down. What was this? Telekinesis? Or was it disrupting the nervous system of living beings? Did the Ancient God Life Form evolve for billions of years just to develop such bizarre skills? Yang Ming sharply inhaled. Pressing his hands against the floor, his muscles began to swell, veins in his forehead, neck, and arms bulging. The upper half of his body struggled to lift off the ground before he crashed back down again with a thud. A human-shaped dent appeared in the hard metal floor. The tactical backpack hanging on his chest clanked, but fortunately, the safety ratings of those throwing weapons were quite good. Another try! Hanton, Hanton! A familiar voice came from ahead. Struggling to rise, Yang Ming looked up and spotted Doctor Lina crouching behind a parts box. Blonde-haired Lina. Not far away were lasers flying wildly and mechanical ion cannons firing, as well as the Valkyrie who had just effortlessly killed more than a dozen soldiers. The slender doctors legs were trembling, but she still rushed to Yang Mings side; she tried to pull him up but felt as if he were glued to the floor. Doctor Linas face was pale: How can I help you, Hanton? Are you okay, Hanton? Yang Ming adjusted his breathing and spoke quickly, The landing ship can you pilot a landing craft? That craft, I remember it can hold three or four people I-Ive piloted a medical ship, if their operating systems are similar. The control panel is the same! Yang Ming affirmed with certainty about something he didnt actually understand. Looking at the Valkyrie who was nearing the two mechs, he whispered, Go start the landing craft, Ill draw the Valkyrie away Make sure to save a spot for me, okay? Lina. Okay, okay, Doctor Lina immediately nodded, her panic almost bringing her to tears, Ill definitely wait for you to come, Hanton. Yang Ming roared, Go now! Dont attract the attention of the Valkyrie. Doctor Lina took a breath, bent low, and ran towards the landing cabin. Yang Ming took another deep breath as if performing a difficult sit-up. He tried three times but only succeeded in deepening the human-shaped dent in the floor. The group of Empire soldiers kept dwindling. Through his earpiece, he heard the captain leading the last remaining soldiers on the ship to provide reinforcements. The Valkyrie had raised her left hand, targeting the two old mechs that had threatened her. The lifeboat in the stern cabin was accelerating its escape. In the soldiers eyes, only despair remained Despair, like the base color of the universe, wrapped around Yang Ming, causing the fire in his eyes to slowly fade. No. He couldnt give up like this. He hadnt been blown to death when Earth exploded; what reason did he have to give up now? There had to be a way! Child, try to use your brain to control your body, instead of letting your nervous system carry out some monotonous conditioned reflex. Yang Mings mind suddenly flashed back to when hed first gone through Abyss vocational guidance missionthe swordsmanship master who served countless players had been giving perfunctory introductory advice. Concentrate your attention; its the foundation of everything. Try to summon your body, feel your body, and release the latent power within it. Nature has taken a whole billion years to lay the groundwork for the birth of consciousness, dont underestimate it. Consciousness, yes! Consciousness! Consciousness wasnt just the firing of neurons; It wasnt just the constantly changing brainwaves under the detectors. Yang Ming didnt know if he was going mad, but at this moment, he was relentlessly searching for that feeling, quickly sweeping away the distractions in his heart, his hands propped against the floor, focusing on just one thingto stand up; he had to stand up! Then, bit by bit, inch by inch, he lifted his back off the ground. Yang Mings face was fierce. Large patches of red appeared on his skin, a sign of bursting capillaries. Suddenly! Yang Ming sprang to his feet, but couldnt stop his momentum and rolled forward several times. The Valkyries raised right hand seemed to have been forced open. She frowned and looked at Yang Ming, reaching out with her right hand again and pressing down with force! A thin, pale red glow appeared around Yang Ming, yet he stood steadfast. A hint of confusion entered the Valkyries eyes. Yang Ming, expressionless, cradled the laser gun across his front, lighting up the barrel with his thumb and pulling the trigger with his index finger. With a soft whoosh! A new point of fire joined the fray! The Valkyrie was about to pounce on Yang Ming when the glow of a mecha cannons ion discharge flared up again beside her. The third and fourth mechas lurking in the corners had been activated. The ion cannon, capable of piercing the armor of small spacecraft, blew the Valkyrie away again. Yang Ming took the opportunity to run, firing pinpoint shots from his laser gun at the fissures in the Valkyries protective shield, pulling two grenades from the tactical backpack in front of him and throwing them directly at the Valkyrie. His shots were incredibly precise. When Yang Mings attention was highly concentrated, it was as if he had an eightfold scope in sight, magnifying the outer gaps in the Valkyries protective shield several-fold. Yang Ming targeted the weakest part of the protective shield. During the intense fight, more than a dozen figures rushed out from the corridors on either sidethe captain and the first officer leading the remaining soldiers came to support, wildly firing their laser guns at the Valkyrie. Yang Ming kept an eye on the indicator lights at the entrance to the landing craft. The icon of the little green airplane that represented the successful activation of the ships systems had still not lit up. Move faster, Lina! The captains voice came through the headset: Get all the mechas up and running! The Valkyrie is evolving rapidly. If she escapes, the Empire will face an unprecedented threat! Damn it, what took them so long! Yang Ming cursed in his heart and immediately ran to the next cover point, always staying near the entrance to the landing craft. Suddenly. Enough! This hoarse, angry female voice made everyone pause as if it contained some mysterious power. The captain asked, What did the Valkyrie say? She said enough, a soldier responded quietly. Fire! the captain roared, Break through her protective shield! Yang Ming already sensed something was wrong. He turned and dove toward the nearest parts bin, shouting at the top of his voice, Find cover! The soldiers reactions were ultimately too slow. The Valkyries protective shield, full of cracks, suddenly shattered. A wave-like red mark burst from her forehead, sweeping in all directions. This time, the soldiers minds were not attacked, but their bodies were thrown into the air, the supposedly safe power packs in their laser guns exploding one after another. Two newly activated mechas toppled over, unable to stabilize. The captain fell in a pool of blood. Only a few of the soldiers were still able to move. Yang Ming glanced at the corridor where the lander was located, slightly regretting having given such a daunting task of starting the ship to a doctor. The Valkyrie, who had actively blown up her shield, now held a flashlight in her hand. With a humming sound, a pale red light sword illuminated her youthful face, and her gaze, fixated on Yang Ming, revealed a twisted smile. Reclaim. Devour. Merge into one. Sarch* The novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming took a deep breath, raised the still functional laser gun, aimed directly at the Valkyries neck, and pulled the trigger hard. The purple beam flashed, but the Valkyries skin was unscathed, with a layer of transparent film flowing on the outside. If thats how it was going to be! Damn it! If it had to be this way! Yang Ming tossed the laser gun aside and reached into the tactical backpack with his right hand, pulling out a pair of goggles commonly used for welding. Putting them on, he indeed saw minor distortions in his peripheral vision. Just like the streamlined interface of Abyss game! Yes, this wasnt a game, he had no infinite chances for revival, the tolerance for error in the upcoming battle was virtually zero, and there were no teammates to form combat synergies with But here, at this moment! A blue-white glow reflected off the side of Yang Mings face as he grasped the hilt of the Light Sword, his hands no longer trembling. All he wanted was a way to survive. He braced himself! Chapter 12 - 12: 008 Do you just call yourself Valkyrie? [Please favorite, please follow!] Chapter 12: 008 Do you just call yourself Valkyrie? [Please favorite, please follow!] Dont be nervous, judge the actions, and get ready to move, Yang Ming reminded himself over and over in his mind. Memories of dozens of team wipes began to assail his brain. He shifted his weight downwards, his gaze level with the blade of his Light Sword, just as he often did in his starting stance in the game. Valkyrie made a fierce dive. Yang Ming turned all his stress into a loud shout. He lunged forward, swinging the Light Sword in his hand. Time seemed to slow down. The sharp movements of Valkyrie became predictable, and Yang Mings muscles were about to erupt with great strength. ... Buzz! The two Light Swords collided head-on with afterimages! Almost within a second, Yang Ming leaned back, bending his legs quickly to complete the unloading movement and retreating smoothly, his hands sliding the Light Sword downwards directly toward Valkyries wrist, forcing her unable to pursue. Both collided figures backed off simultaneously, one leaping away, the other hanging in flight, distancing themselves again. Silence. The entire rear cabin seemed as if the pause button had been hit. Valkyrie was clearly stunned. She displayed an expression similar to an Intelligent Machine crash, with faint wrinkles forming on her smooth forehead, staring at Yang Mings sword-holding posture. Not just Valkyrie, all those who could still keep their eyes openthe soldiers, the captain lying in a pool of blood, crew members hiding in corners, and researcherswatched this scene in disbelief. The moment Yang Ming charged forward, everyone thought Captain Hanton had gone mad. But Valkyrie was blocked. By that inconspicuous third officer on the ship, who had just parried her with a Light Sword! Valkyries slightly psychotic smile finally faded; she took a gentle breath and dived again. Behind the goggles, Yang Mings eyes were filled with determination, his hands on the sword swinging forward again, ready to sweep side to side. Buzz, buzz. The sound of the Light Sword rubbing against the cabin air was so sexy. Another head-on clash, another skillful retreat. Yang Mings movements became smoother, his muscles providing even more power. Valkyrie was still unstable. Yang Ming chose to advance proactively; the afterimage of the Light Sword seemed like a swimming python. Valkyrie chopped vertically with her sword. Yang Ming feinted to the left, misleading Valkyries attack, then exploded with power from his stance, flipping to the left. He passed by Valkyrie, his Light Sword whipping her on the back like a lash! Valkyrie staggered forward two steps, her kimono torn, a blood trace appearing on her skin. Yang Ming himself was somewhat disbelieving, looking down at the Light Sword in his hand. He was nowvery strong. Stronger and faster than he had ever been in the game. Captain Hanton, this Hanton! Well done, third officer! Show her what youre made of! Suddenly, from the side, several soldiers shouted loudly. Yang Ming paid them no attention, his gaze fixed on Valkyrie, watching her slowly land, her toes just inches from the ground. Valkyrie had realized the severity of the situation. She now had very few combat skills. Yang Ming had also noticed that the current Valkyrie was not the complete entity from Lost Voice; she had just broken out of control. The two figures charged at each other again on the same straight line. Yang Ming felt as though he had returned to that dilapidated and oppressive instance space, facing the formidable Valkyrie, falling into despair time and again. But whats left if the garment of despair is stripped away? Moving positions. Yang Ming dodged left and right; Valkyries Light Sword always missed him by a split second, always inches away from touching him. Skill prediction. Each of Valkyries lifting movements had slight differences that could be used to predict what kind of moves she was about to use. Besides dodging, Yang Mings Light Sword always appeared at some unbelievable angles, waiting for Valkyrie to run into it, leaving slight scars on her high-tensile smooth skin. Valkyries expression had transformed from sickly to shocked, to stifled, to angry. She was actually humiliated by her subordinate lifeform! Yang Mings onslaught became even more fierce, and the wounds on Valkyrie multiplied rapidly. Valkyrie let out a fierce screech; a red light wave emanated from her forehead again. But when she turned around, Yang Ming was already a few meters away, a light red Light Shield surrounding him, shattering the red light wave like a rock in front of a wave. Yang Mings lips curved slightly. Is this the second phase already? He put on a black fingerless glove on his left hand; the disc on the back of his hand rotated gently, and a round shield, eighty centimeters in diameter, appeared on Yang Mings hand. Sword and shield attack! sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming dashed forward, and Valkyrie showed obvious hesitation. Arent you going to devour me? Po Suo, is this how you devoured me? The warrior launched his elegant taunt. Valkyrie was clearly provoked, carrying the Light Sword to dive again. Of course, Yang Ming didnt forget the gap in absolute power between them. His attack seemed fierce, but it was still just a feint. At the moment Valkyries sword swished through thin air, the Light Shield wedged between them, thrusting against Valkyries developed yet soft chest muscles. Valkyries form immediately skewed, Yang Mings Light Sword followed through, a twist of his waist and a step reposition belatedly. Before Valkyrie could stabilize her form, Yang Mings Light Sword had already struck her wrist, the following shield hit breaking her balance again. Yang Ming suppressed Valkyrie! A faint laser shot whizzed past, a laser gun opened fire on Valkyrie, yet failed to inflict a visible injury. However, better than nothing. Behind the goggles, Yang Mings eyes grew colder, his movements more precise, with no iota of his strength wasted. Chapter 13 - 13: 008 Is that what you call yourself, Valkyrie? [Please favorite, please follow!]_2 Chapter 13: 008 Is that what you call yourself, Valkyrie? [Please favorite, please follow!]_2 He might actually be able to flip the Valkyrie right onto the ground. Its time to end it all. Kigrov, leaning on his cane, hurried down the corridor leading to the tail cabin. There were hardly any sounds left in his earpiece; the brave Empire soldiers were almost entirely dead or wounded, and the captain was no longer able to command. Po Suo, where are you going, Po Suo. ... Kigrov muttered incessantly. But when he turned the corner, dashed through the last passage, and reached the edge of the tail cabin, he suddenly froze. Kigrovs red cybernetic eye flickered faintly, and his expression oscillated between stupefaction, astonishment, and disbelief. His intact eye reflected the scene below: The disordered tail cabin, the overturned Mechas, only a few soldiers still able to move; The formidable Valkyrie pressed to the ground by a Light Shield, while the continuously swinging Light Sword tried to add fatal injuries to the Valkyrie, yet could only leave strips of bloodstains on her smooth skin. Oh, Emperor Star above! Hanton? Kigrov, with a trembling voice, looked at the figure suppressing the Valkyrie. This overturned Kigrovs perception of their powers. If thats the case, if Hanton could still follow his command, if Yang Ming suddenly looked up and glanced at Kigrov. That one glance led Kigrov to a judgment so absurd it even he found it ludicrous. This was not Hanton. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Or rather, Hanton, too, was controlled by the thoughts of the Ancient Gods! Hanton, answer me, Hanton! Kigrov shouted with a hoarse voice. Suddenly, the Valkyrie looked up at the professor, her already scar-ridden self forcefully smacking the deck of the tail cabin. That movement! Yang Ming immediately withdrew, distancing himself from the Valkyrie, and grabbed two Shock Bombs from the tactical backpack strapped to his chest. Sure enough, the Valkyrie started to tremble, red halos pulsing back and forth, and gradually, Light Wings condensed from red light appeared on her back, as her form began to ascend once more. Two black dots flew in and exploded simultaneously on her left and right. The Valkyrie tilted her head back and howled, her long hair fluttering, and the wounds on her body closed at a rate visible to the naked eye. She abruptly turned, staring unyieldingly at Yang Ming. At this moment, Kigrov no longer hesitated. He shakily pressed thrice on the tip of his cane, the sound of gears meshing from within as it disassembled itself, presenting a small hourglass to Kigrovs hand. This hourglass was wrapped in blue arcs of light, with a floating particle at the center, and at the top and bottom, two peanut-sized pieces of pink flesh that seemed to still be writhing. When Kigrov gripped the hourglass, the blue light gradually faded. The Valkyrie, poised to rush at Yang Ming, and Yang Ming himself, who had both hands on the Light Sword, ready to perform a warriors frontal roll to grapple with the Valkyrie, both stopped their movements in unison. Red glints appeared in their eyes, fixating on the hourglass held by Kigrov. Yang Ming, desperately craving those two clusters of cells, suddenly realized. Were they organ-like structures cultivated from Ancient God Life Form cells? Yang Ming maintained his restraint, but the Valkyrie threw caution to the wind and charged forth. Kigrov held the hourglass aloft and pressed a red button with his finger. Po Suo, you know what this is! Stop! Kigrov shouted loudly, his gaunt face, half eroded by machinery, displaying a hint of madness and determination. The Valkyrie actually indeed stopped. She looked at Kigrovs raised left hand, the harshness on her face vanishing quickly, reverting to the pure and adorable countenance of a young girl, and then she gazed at Kigrov with her clear, bright eyes. Professor, she began to speak, her voice like the most beautiful music in the world, you will grant my wish, wont you? Pushed aside, Yang Mings Adams apple quivered a few times. It was then, out of the corner of his eye, Yang Ming caught sight of a green small aircraft sign appearing on the landing crafts cabin. Yang Mings heart surged with joy, without a moments hesitation, he immediately turned and dashed towards it. Praise the Ancient Gods! Doctor Lina had finally activated the landing crafts operating system! The Valkyrie paid no attention to Yang Ming at all, her gaze fixated on the hourglass in Kigrovs hand. Yang Ming ran, still observing, as Kigrovs voice came through the earpiece. Po Suo, I can fulfill you, but you must not lose control. You have to keep your own sanity. You will become the greatest existence in this Empire, a godlike presence, but you must stay sane. Prove to me your sanity, Po Suo. Give it to me, Professor. Its impossible, Po Suo. I must figure out if you are that beast or still my Po Suo! You wouldnt really destroy me, Professor, Valkyries voice had a hint of ethereality, as if she was using mental manipulation, I am your proudest masterpiece, the work of your lifetime. I am irreplaceable to you. Do not come any closer! Listen to me! Po Suo! Professor, hand it over to me, and I can make you my consort, my closest consort. Po Suo. Kigrovs voice suddenly calmed down. Having rushed to the boarding passage, Yang Ming turned his head and saw this scene: Valkyrie, holding a Light Sword, was hovering in mid-air with her hair naturally done up in twin ponytails, seemingly to trigger Kigrovs memories. She continued to release psychic interference. The gaunt Kigrov held aloft an hourglass in his hand, his mechanical eye flashing red, while his other normal eye was filled with reluctance and affection, unaffected by the psychic disturbance. No, thats not right! Kigrov would surely destroy those two cell masses! And that hourglass-like device must possess the power to destroy both Valkyrie and this scientific research ship! Yang Ming did not know how he came to this conclusion. But from Kigrovs expression, Yang Ming read this information: Kigrov wouldnt go soft this time! The hourglass storing the cell masses, that unique structure, it looked like Fuck! An Antimatter Bomb! Yang Ming felt his soul leaving his body, tumbling and crawling into the passage, flying towards the opened hatch in the microgravity environment. Doctor Lina sat in the co-pilots seat, anxiously watching Yang Ming rush over. Prepare to eject! Yang Ming bellowed. Suddenly. Hanton, the first officers figure appeared at the end of the passage, floating over in a panic, Wait for me! Oh, no! I beseech you, Hanton! I order you to stop! Hanton! Doctor Lina clearly hesitated for a moment, but there was not a trace of wavering in Yang Mings eyes. He swiftly took off his tactical backpack and turned to aim at the first officer. The first officers expression was somewhat blank: Hanton, what are you doing! No, you cant do this! I am your superior! Hello, superior. Yang Ming prepared his muscles, forcefully pushing the backpack with both hands, his body accelerating forward as it floated. The first officer was hit directly by the backpack, his forward-moving body immediately arching backward, temporarily unable to find leverage in zero gravity, sliding back into the rear cabin, crashing into the simulated gravity area. Goodbye, superior. Yang Ming adjusted his collar, his figure already floating into the landing craft, decisively hitting the hatch closure button. Hanton, the first officer! Doctor Lina cried out with a tremble in her voice. Personal grudge. Yang Ming stated calmly. As the hatch slammed shut with a heavy sound, he turned and hit the illuminated launch button. The gate in the passage quickly closed, and a series of pale blue indicator lights appeared in front. A powerful electromagnetic field enveloped the hull. Before Yang Ming could sit properly in his seat, the sudden thrust pinned him against the rear cabin door. They had just burst into space when a rapidly expanding flash appeared behind them. The Antimatter Bomb had been detonated! Fortunately, the small landing craft had already been ejected some distance away, and given that it was designed for landing on and exploring planets, it already boasted an excellent hull structure, equipped with a miniature protective shield, and was highly robust. Yang Ming suffered though, as he didnt have time to fasten his seatbelt, he was tossed around like a chestnut in a giant centrifuge, knocking himself out cold. As he continued to tumble, he saw a scene: Valkyrie suddenly struck, diving fiercely at Kigrov, her Light Sword thrusting towards Kigrovs chest, her left hand reaching for the hourglass. But Kigrov just sighed, fully pressing down the red button, allowing the Light Sword to pierce through his chest, and his right hand tightly embraced Valkyrie. You are perfect, Po Suo. Kigrov muttered as if in a dream. Chapter 14 - 14: 009 Seamless Docking Chapter 14: 009 Seamless Docking Hanton Hanton? Doctor Linas voice came closer from the distance. It was as if Yang Ming, like a drowning man suddenly waking, gasped for air with his mouth wide open, the red patches on his skin rapidly fading, and his pupils slowly brightened with light. The landing craft wasnt destroyed in the explosion? Before him was the low hatch door, and the beautiful, shocked face of Doctor Lina. Hanton, your injuries? Did you undergo genetic modification, Hanton? ... Yang Ming shook his head gently, feeling his strength had recovered substantially, and he quickly sat up to survey his surroundings, the microgravity environment making him slightly uncomfortable. The narrow cabin was about the same volume as the interior of a medium-sized sedan as Yang Ming remembered from Earth. Yang Ming clearly remembered The battle with Valkyrie, Kigrov, the cell clump, the chance to escape He had passed out due to a severe collision. At this moment, Yang Ming didnt bother to check his injuries but was first concerned about the status of this spacecraft. This was their last lifeline, for both him and Doctor Lina. And Yang Mings standard for judging the condition of the spacecraft was simplechecking how many red lights were on the various displays. Oh, Hanton, can we talk? Doctor Lina, supporting herself on the seat cushion, looked at Yang Ming with concern: What happened? Why did only you rush in here at the end? It seems like we left the first officer behind we murdered him, didnt we? Youre wrong, Lina, Yang Ming said firmly, In such a desperate situation, all we can do is apologize to those who couldnt escape, but we cant change much. Doctor Lina covered her cheeks with her hands, her voice trembling, So many people died, what exactly are we doing? Yang Ming sighed, his thoughts a bit jumbled. He slowly settled into the pilots seat, his mind flashing through scenes. Glance at the timer. He had been unconscious for about six minutes; The explosion of the research ship happened seven minutes ago; What about that pair of maintenance goggles? Yang Ming searched carefully but regretfully found that the goggles which had restored his sense of operation were lost at some unknown time. What Yang Ming was thankful for was that it was precisely the transformation with the Valkyrie genetic fluid that had given him the excellent physical strength to qualify for a direct confrontation with the Valkyrie. For that, Yang Ming could only utter Damn, Im really lucky. Lucky to be alive. Hanton, what happened before? Doctor Linas mood seemed more stable, and she asked gently, I think I need to know the truth. Yang Ming surveyed the pitch-black space outside the front window and the orange-red constant star to the upper left: Ill tell you what I can, of course, just a quick summary. Thank you, Hanton. No need, we need to help each other. Yang Ming closed his eyes and exhaled, Its like a nightmare, what do you know about the Valkyrie Plan, doctor? Lina sighed, Im just a doctor accompanying the ship, by the rules, I shouldnt know anything, but Ive heard them discuss it many times. Ive come to know almost everything, whether I should or shouldnt. Do you know about the existence of Valkyrie? All I know is she is called a time bomb, a demon, a divine being imprisonedthis is what the crew calls her. A hint of curiosity shone in Doctor Linas eyes. Yang Ming spoke in a low voice, Then let me explain briefly. This research ship is where the Valkyrie Plan is being carried out. It never enters the heartland of the Empire, always wandering at the edge, because it detains Valkyrie. Po Suo. Her name was Po Suo. Valkyrie is Kigrovs daughter. Kigrov fused her with the genes of an Ancient God Life Form, she is gradually transforming into a new Ancient God Life Form, and slowly losing her humanity. She has always lived on the research ship, and the turmoil that occurred was her attempt to take control of the research vessel, to escape this cage. Doctor Lina frowned tightly, The experiment uses human bodies as samples? Hanton, were you also transformed? Your injuries just now recovered too unnaturally Yes, Professor Kigrov didnt give me a choice, Yang Ming didnt avoid the question, The mortality rate was thirty-five percent, and the failure rate was ninety-one percent. Fortunately, I am part of that nine percent. ` This Doctor Lina frowned slightly. Seeing her companions disappointed expression, she hurriedly said, Genetic modification experiments actually exist all across the Milky Way, Im aware of that. The Sherman Empire, New Federation, Free Federation, Guel Alliance these major forces that control most of the resources in the Milky Way all have their own militarized applications of genetic modification. There are many beneficial genetic modification technologies that have matured and gained interstellar recognition, and a small part of the elite forces professional soldiers will undergo genetic modification to enhance their physical qualities. Hanton, cheer up. We survived, and you are now normal. Thank you for your comfort, Lina. Yang Ming showed a grateful smile and complained with distress, I dont know if Ill be captured and studied next, I hope you can help me keep this secret. I will, Hanton, you know, Ill help you, Lina replied gently. Yang Ming was somewhat reassured, but as he planned for his future, he couldnt help feeling a bit lost and helpless. The two engaged in idle chat. The military power on the research ship was unilaterally destroyed by the Valkyrie. The Valkyrie is that powerful? If shes given enough time and a continuous supply of nutrient fluid, she could grow into a new Ancient God Life Form, Yang Ming said seriously, If she can maintain a smaller size, rather than expanding chaotically like the original Ancient God life forms, she will become the Sherman Empires nightmare. Lina whispered, So, did Professor Kigrov decide to blow up this research ship in the end? Yes, Yang Ming turned to look towards the rear of the cabin, his heart still racing. He could no longer feel the presence of the Valkyrie. He had finally survived. An explosion of that magnitude would directly destroy cells. sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was Kigrov who murdered those crew members, Yang Ming said, He had many opportunities to stop the Valkyrie, but since the Valkyrie found Kigrovs weak spots, she brazenly escaped from her cage, and Kigrov retreated more than once. Linas eyes held a hint of confusion. Yang Ming left out details about himself and began recounting the entire process from the Valkyries uprising to the fight in the aft cabin, but he couldnt stop reminiscing about the events that unfolded in the minute before the ship exploded. All life forms that had witnessed his fight with the Valkyrie had perished in the final blast. He would tell Lina that what he had undergone was just a regular strength-enhancing genetic modification experiment. Alas, Yang Ming sighed, thats what happened, and Professor Kigrov ultimately used an Antimatter Bomb. Lina reached out her hand and gently patted Yang Mings hand, comforting him with a warm voice. She smiled and said, Now, there is good news and bad news, Hanton. Which do you want to hear? The bad news. Our ship has lost its main engine power, and only the micro-working-fluid engines on the wings are still operating, Lina said, Next, we will be captured by the gravity of this Constant Star. Yang Mings expression hardened slightly, Whats the good news? Good news number one, I roughly calculated, and it will take at least several centuries for the ship to crash into it, but we dont have enough fresh water and oxygen; we will be trapped and die in space in at most two weeks. Yang Ming: His sisters damn humor. Whats good news number two? I just sent out a distress signal, Lina pointed to the light green screen in front of the co-pilot, Someone received our signal and responded; weve been located, Hanton! Yang Ming covered his forehead and slumped in the seat, a slight smile flickering in his eyes. He had finally survived Sssss. The control screen emitted a faint electromagnetic noise, and then the voice of a middle-aged woman slowly sounded: Target vessel, is it you who are calling for help? My ship is about to initiate the capture procedure. Please ensure your shipborne weapons stay silent. The Human Rights and Ethics Interstellar Council will guarantee your life safety. The smile at the corner of Yang Mings mouth instantly stiffened. His number one mistress, whose life or death was uncertain at this moment, seemed to have mentioned that the research ship had been trying to shake off a Human Council investigation ship, and this Human Council seemed to be the complete name according to Hantons memory They were a group of staunchly positioned pioneers against genetic modification. What a nice turn of events. ` Chapter 15 - 15: 010 Human Rights, Ethics, Mistress Chapter 15: 010 Human Rights, Ethics, Mistress When the Human Councils investigation ship that six hundred meter long, blue vessel with a whale-like shape truly appeared in front of him, the effect was still overwhelming for Yang Ming. Although in the game Abyss, one could have a similar visual experience just by hanging out at the Deep Space Port for a while. But the realism and the oppressive feeling brought by the ships hull were incomparable to the simulated neural signals generated from the holographic equipment. Several small drones detached from the mother ship and headed towards the landing craft where Yang Ming and Doctor Lina were located. It seemed that Doctor Lina noticed Yang Mings nervousness. She reached out, covering his hand with her warm, soft palm, and leaned forward as they whispered to each other. Hanton, dont tell them anything. I will find a way to help you. ... Yang Ming frowned as he looked at Lina, so close to him. He had thought there would be a kiss. Doctor Lina continued to whisper in his ear, I have an interstellar recognized medical license, and I am just a ship doctor serving the crew. According to interstellar common principles, there is a clause of no guilt for healers. Mmm, nodded Yang Ming. His eyes slightly twitched, he seemed hesitant but then said, I might be detained by them. If you can get free, I might need some medication. Yang Ming was referring to a gene stabilizer. Dont worry, Hanton. I know what you need. What you need to do now is look after yourself. I know about your depression, Lina said. Lina gestured for Yang Ming to remain silent. Then she returned to her normal sitting position and securely fastened her seatbelt. Now their craft was under surveillance by the Human Council. Yang Ming securely fastened his seatbelt as well. He thought if he had fastened his seatbelt earlier, he could have avoided the previous collision injury. Then Lina wouldnt have discovered the fact that he had been transformed. But, Doctor Linas reaction, wasnt it a bit strange? She was too calm. Four drones slowly approached, scanning Yang Ming and Lina, probably conducting checks. It was then that Yang Ming had a chance to relax his continuously tense nerves, staring blankly at the control panel of the landing craft. Every detail here reminded Yang Ming that he was now Hanton. Just as he was free, Yang Ming began to consider several questions involuntarily: The truth behind the game Abyss; Why Earth had been destroyed; Whether he had already changed the future; If the tragedy of Earths explosion had been altered, naturally, he wouldnt have been destroyed by magma and thus wouldnt have resurrected on the scientific research vessel It seemed like a time paradox. The key to unraveling all the mysteries was finding some connection between his current world and the game Abyss. The proposition was complex, and Yang Ming soon felt a headache coming on. What he could ascertain now was that he had changed something. The scientific ship was gone, and the Lost Voice the 30th level epic dungeon of the Empire faction no longer existed; Instead of transforming himself, Kigrov chose to transform Captain Hanton, and then Kigrov detonated the antimatter bomb, reducing everything to nothingness. Where did the changes begin? Yang Ming felt that it must have been when he ran to the bridge, and after the Martial God was subdued by the sleeping gas, he spoke those two sentences. That was the turning point. Oddly, Yang Ming recalled some details from the battle with the Martial God. She was wearing a patterned bra, murmured Yang Ming softly. The Martial God wore a delicate, well-fitted ultra-thin bra beneath her combat suits robe-material. What? Doctor Lina thought she had misheard. Nothing, Yang Ming smiled, a trace of melancholy flickering across his eyes before returning to normal, Just lamenting a tragedy that happened on the scientific vessel. Thud, thud, thud, thud. It was as if someone was knocking; the four drones clung to the left and right sides of the landing craft. The screen in front of Yang Ming automatically turned off, with only the auxiliary correction engines of the landing craft extinguished. The four drones hijacked the vessel, flying it towards the side deck of the investigation ship. With the cabin instrumentation lights no longer causing light pollution, the universe grew deeper and the starlight brighter. Yang Ming sat silently, lost in thoughts again, as a warm, soft palm again covered the back of his hand. Lina, in her gentle voice, recited some lines of poetry: Do not refuse the breeze blown by the constant stars. She will carry us to new worlds. Do not refuse the wrinkles formed in the vacuum. Those are the guides left for us by our ancestors Yang Ming smiled and slowly closed his eyes. He didnt know what the future held, but he now had no choice but to go on. Oh, Emperor Star, Lina suddenly lowered her voice, I seem to have caused trouble. I led the investigation ship here, which also exposed the location of those two escape pods Yang Ming blinked. The investigation ship captured us on their own. Lina turned to look at Yang Ming, seemingly to confirm something. After a few seconds, she softly nodded, looking slightly uneasy, Yes, it seems its not related to us. Yang Ming took her right hand in return, gently caressing it. Relax, Lina, there wont be any problems. Lina took a few deep breaths and smiled gratefully at Yang Ming. Now they both had something on each other. The landing craft slowly approached the blue spaceship, with a square entrance opening on its side deck, flashing with faint guiding lights. The four drones kept adjusting their angles, smoothly sliding the landing craft into the ships body; the outer hatch slowly closed, and the quiet universe was once again left behind. The outer chamber began to inject air, increase pressure, and simulate gravity, and the four drones, having completed their mission, detached on their own. A group of men and women in white combat suits gathered around, each holding differently colored laser guns. Yang Ming placed the light sword and light shield gloves under the seat and raised his hands simultaneously with Lina. At that moment, a thought crossed Yang Mings mind, but as soon as it appeared, he forcefully suppressed it. How long would it take to seize this spaceship? That was what Yang Ming, a young man from Earth and the substitute for the Subordinate Ancient God Life Form, Mr. Hanton, had just thought. The guards of the Human Council were very polite. Yang Ming did not feel the slightest disrespect. The boarding crafts scissor door slowly opened, Yang Ming crawled out of the cabin, and then turned around to help Doctor Lina out. The surrounding guards did not take any action. A middle-aged man removed his tactical helmet, revealing slightly curly blonde hair and a handsome, resolute face as he nodded in greeting to Yang Ming. Please identify yourselves! My name is Hanton, Yang Ming glanced down at his uniform, from the Sherman Empire, and this is Lina, our research vessels accompanying doctor. Okay, Mr. Hanton, the middle-aged man asked, did you encounter an accident? Yes, the spaceship exploded, Yang Ming shrugged, I cant say much else. Oh, what a tragedy! The middle-aged man showed genuine regret and sorrow. If this accident was caused by our pursuit, then we also bear a sin. Please forgive our dedication to protecting human rights. Are there other escape crafts? We will provide assistance as soon as possible. Yang Ming was slightly puzzled. The Human Council are they really that easy to talk to? However, Mr. Hanton, and the respected doctor, the middle-aged man continued, We must temporarily isolate you, and there will also be interrogations. We believe that your original research vessel was conducting extremely dangerous, unethical scientific biochemical experiments. During the interrogation, if you feel we infringe on your basic rights, you can protest at any time, and we will decide through discussion whether to correct our action. Dont be nervous, you have been rescued. Thank you for your rescue, Yang Ming murmured softly, feeling somewhat skeptical. A few minutes later, under the escort of the guards, Yang Ming and Lina passed through several silver-white corridors and arrived at a spacious cabin. Dozens of inverted trapezoidal transparent glass rooms were arranged in a grid formation. These glass rooms were presumably the cells aboard the investigation ship; the conditions inside were quite good, featuring a double sofa, a floating entertainment screen, a full wireless signal, and a thermostatically controlled box filled with drinks and food. One could even choose to make the glass opaque from inside. The leading middle-aged man politely asked, Would you two like to stay together, or do you need to avoid suspicion? We need to be together! Doctor Lina said somewhat nervously. Please choose your isolation room. Do you have a lucky number? Just this one, the nearest one, Yang Ming randomly selected a glass room, and Doctor Lina immediately followed him. Soon, the door of the glass room closed, and four soldiers with guns stood at the four corners. Yang Ming sat on the soft sofa, watching the menu interface that popped up beside him, momentarily momentarily at a loss for words. Is this what a Human Rights and Ethics Investigation Commission cell looks like? Impressive, love it. Yang Ming ordered two cups of coffee, comfortably lying on the sofa, he began recalling the information he obtained while playing Abyss, searching Hantons memory for introductions about the Human Council. The Human Council, a neutral organization affiliated with the interstellar court, was not subject to direct regulation by any interstellar political body and enjoyed a prestigious reputation in the Milky Way, making it a troublesome existence even for regional powers like the Sherman Empire. The Human Council advocated for the protection of individuals. Falling into the hands of the Human Council, the worst outcome would be getting sent to the interstellar courtthe interstellar court being an institution established jointly by over a hundred interstellar political bodies. Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What truly feared the Human Council was Professor Kigrov, as the Human Council could shut down his experiments. Understanding all this, Yang Mings sitting posture became even more relaxed. Yang Ming sensed that he would likely be taken back by the Sherman Empire next; If news of his successful transformation leaked, the Sherman Empire would become his greatest threat. Would he be the subject of research? Or would he be dealt with secretly? Yang Ming calmly analyzed various possibilities, feeling that he might not have been exposed. Those who had left before the fight in the aft cabin probably did not know about the temporary experiment in the backup laboratory. Lina paced back and forth, slightly anxious. Doctor Linas worries were not unfoundedthe Human Councils investigation ship had effortlessly located the other two escape crafts. Soon, in the nearby dozen or so glass rooms, survivors who had escaped from the research ship gathered. There were over forty crew members, more than twenty researchers involved in gene experiments, over twenty janitors and cooks, as well as more than ten injured empire soldiers. The soldiers and researchers became the main focus of attention. When Yang Ming saw Mistress Number One, she was also lovingly looking at Yang Ming, her eyes filled with emotion for surviving the ordeal. This gave Yang Ming a wonderful sense of anticipation for the future. Soon, the middle-aged man who had previously welcomed Yang Ming, along with a group of over ten middle-aged and elderly human-like intelligent life forms dressed in Human Council uniforms, stood near the cabin door. Now, please step forward, the person among you with the highest rank and military title, to accept our questioning. The survivors from the research ship looked at each other. A crew member whispered, The highest-ranking person now should be the only third officer left on our ship; he can represent us. Yang Mings expression became a bit stiff. Very well, which one of you is the third officer? The empires soldiers, crew members, researchers, janitors, and cooks all maintained their silence, speaking now would be tantamount to betraying Hanton. He, he is, Mistress Number One pointed at the glass room Yang Ming was in, his name is Hanton, and he is also a confidant of Professor Kigrov. Chapter 16 - 16: 011 Cole Port Prison Chapter 16: 011 Cole Port Prison Damn it! I was betrayed by my own mistress! Yang Ming left the glass tank with a dark expression, his hands shackled, walking towards the hatch without looking back. Hanton! Doctor Lina chased after him a few steps, but was stopped by the guards. Yang Ming turned his head to meet the gaze of this elder sister-like doctor. ... Take care, Lina said somewhat excitedly, I will think of a way to help you as soon as possible. Thank you, Yang Ming felt a warm sensation in his heart but then glared at mistress number one. This hot-bodied intern pilot just shrugged indifferently, at this moment showing no sense of guilt. They were just shipmates, after the starship blew up, the intimate relationship naturally ended as well. Following this, the Human Council dispatched over ten working groups which simultaneously entered the glass room to investigate and gather evidence, their actions remarkably efficient. Yang Ming was then taken to a solitary interrogation room for two thorough inspections, luckily without his identity as a transformed person being exposed. He began a long silence. If I were Hanton, what would be the most appropriate behavior now? Quite simple, absolute loyalty to the Sherman Empire, and wait for the Empire to conduct a rescue. So, facing the investigators from the Human Council, Yang Ming maintained his silence; A day later, facing officials from the Human Council, Yang Ming maintained his silence; And two days later, in front of the interrogators from the interstellar court, Yang Ming had planned to maintain his silence, but he realized if he continued to be silent, he might really be thrown into an interstellar prison! He decided to say something. Judgement Court Three of the interstellar court was located in the center of Cole Port. The core of Cole Port was a decommissioned massive transport ship, which served as a foundation for an alloy structure that continued to grow in all directions, and in the subsequent expansions more abandoned ships were assimilated and more fortress panels were integrated; ultimately forming an interstellar transfer station capable of accommodating a population of a million. An M-type dwarf star provided a continuous supply of energy for Cole Port; advanced technology contributed by the New Federation also ensured simulated gravity fields were ubiquitous here. Of course, most of the residents here were transient. Most people preferred to settle down and retire on actual planets. Judgement Court Three, open to the public, was Cole Ports social media check-in spot. The exterior of the Judgement Court looked like a sea bowl, much like the colosseums from Yang Mings memory; rows of seats surrounding it, sparsely occupied by figures from different star domains and species. In the center of the Judgement Court, three judgesthat is, public hearing officerswere seated in mid-air on anti-gravity stone chairs, staring at Yang Ming who was slowly ascending on a flying disk. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Captain Hanton. The chief hearing officer was an elderly woman with light brown short hair and sharp eyes; her overly elongated neck and limbs gave her an elegant yet strange appearance. The female hearing officer asked, You will continue to remain silent today, correct? Yang Ming gave no response. He was reminiscing over the sumptuous meals of the past week, and the soft mattress that took no effort to get out of. The Human Council really valued the protection of human rights. The female hearing officer nodded and began to speak slowly while looking at the projected text in front of her: You are an excellent Sherman officer, but Captain, those Empire elites rescued with you dont seem too concerned about the honor of the Empire; they have provided ample testimony that can prove your guilt. Yang Ming suddenly felt anxious. Had his identity as a transformed experimental being been exposed? The researchers who participated in the Hanton Transformation Experiment had all been knocked out by him, all dying in the explosion aboard the research vessel Did any other scientific personnel also know about that impromptu experiment? Yang Ming pondered for a moment. The female hearing officer gazed at Yang Ming with her intimidating eyes. I want to know what they said, Yang Ming asked calmly. The female hearing officer listed a series of terms: Professor Kigrov, Valkyrie Plan, human body modification experiments, gene fusion, monsters, Valkyries Although you dont need to add anything more, we still want to hear your side of the story, as you are also one of the perpetrators. I was just a third officer, Yang Mings expression was full of helplessness, I was only in charge of the maintenance of the fire control system and some emergency repairs. The female hearing officer asked, Did you directly participate in the Valkyrie Plan? No, said Yang Ming, I wasnt an executor of the plan, and whenever I mistakenly entered the experimental area, I would be shouted at and sent away by the people in white coats; the status of a third officer is actually quite pitiful, this is the norm. Yang Ming glanced with the corner of his eye at the audience, spotting several middle-aged men dressed in Sherman military uniforms. Had his salvation arrived? The female hearing officer continued her questioning, The disaster of the research ships destruction was triggered by the Valkyries mutiny, correct? Yes. According to testimonies from several bridge crew members, you were standing at the main control desk at the time, and you said something about giving the Valkyrie a penetrating wound, so she would be immobilized, is that right? Yes. Yang Ming added, I just thought it would be safer that way. He was gambling, gambling there were no living witnesses to the fight in the rear compartment. Furthermore, the female examiners gaze left the document in front of her and fixed onto Yang Ming. Yang Mings heart rose to his throat. The female hearing officer said, Your intern pilotyour sexual partner on that research shiphas confessed to us that you were extremely panicked before the Valkyrie started the uprising, and you advised her to head for the lifeboats, is that right? Yang Mings mouth twitched slightly. This treacherous bitch, she better not fall into my hands in the future! Yes, at that time, I deduced through various signs that the Valkyrie might have gone out of control. Yang Ming looked exceedingly sincere: The specific details are somewhat complicated, and mainly thanks to biologys sixth senseintuition. Some of my intelligence comes from researchers with psychological disturbances. I am a mature and physically strong male; I have had more than one temporary partner. Oh? The female adjudicator pushed up her glasses, sizing up the robust and well-proportioned muscles beneath Yang Mings military uniform. What did you do then, after you determined Valkyrie might lose control? she asked. The riot happened before I had a chance to do anything, Yang Ming thought for a moment and then spoke softly: I know you may already see me as an evil executioner, but I want to say that I am just a low-rank officer following the orders of my superiors. I stand here because the disaster took the lives of my superiors: the captain, first mate, and second mate all sacrificed themselves, necessitating me, a mere third mate of the fire team, to step up, not because I have committed any crime. Yes, Captain Hanton, the female adjudicator nodded in approval, We need to adjudicate the crimes committed aboard that research vessel, and there must be a specific criminal entity. Yang Ming frowned and said, Are you saying that no matter what I say, I will face imprisonment? Objective facts cannot be shifted by your subjective narrative. The female adjudicator replied, If youre willing to plead guilty in court and join the following press conference to truthfully reveal everything that happened aboard the research vessel, promoting racial equality and fair justice, then I will pronounce the lightest penalty allowed by interstellar law and ensure you are settled securely. If you choose to defend that ridiculous Empire honor, you could face up to twenty-two years imprisonment. Yang Ming was about to speak. But the female adjudicator said, Dont rush, Hanton; as per our regulations, the interrogation period lasts two months. You will be taken to Cole Port Prison and there you can wait for one month, with the next hearing taking place in one month. Youre a citizen of the New Federation, arent you? Adjudicator? Yang Ming suddenly asked. The female adjudicator paused, then smiled, saying, Yes, Im just here for work. Yang Ming scoffed and said indifferently, I can sense the malice toward the Sherman Empire in your words; youre essentially encouraging me to betray my homeland. I dont bring personal emotions into my work; are you questioning my professional integrity? said the female adjudicator. Hyprocritical Federation, Yang Ming said with a smile. Very well, the next hearing will be in two months, and you will have a two-month prison experience. Yang Ming calmly raised his fists with the knuckles facing himself and neatly flicked up two middle fingers. He had not anticipated this Earth-origin international gesture of greeting was also common in the Pan-Galaxy culture. The female adjudicators face turned green with anger. On the way to the prison, Yang Ming heard some mixed news. The refugees brought back by the Human Council had been released, all except him. This meant that the researchers involved in the experiments got off scot-free, while he, the third mate responsible for maintaining the fire suppression system, was made the scapegoat. Indeed, the hypocritical Federation and the evil Empire were neck and neck; the two biggest forces of the Galaxy were both thugs! This also indirectly reflected that the Empire currently had no idea that Hanton had been transformed. But did Kigrovs research vessel leave any data? Or something like a cloud data backup? Would Doctor Lina betray him? To Yang Ming, these were uncontrollable risks. The transport vehicle was fully enclosed, preventing Yang Ming from catching a glimpse of Cole Ports unique metallic architecture. He meticulously inspected the layout of the vehicle interior, confident that before the four officers beside and in front of him could react, he could concuss them, kick the door open, and make his escape. But what then? Did he have a map of the city? Was there a way to leave this port city? How strong was the defense system here? Even if his body was exceptionally strong, could it withstand the fire from a starship cannon? Impossible; even a not fully completed Valkyrie couldnt block the particle cannon fire from an old model mecha, let alone a starship cannon. Getting locked onto by a Guard Cannon meant certain death. And lets not forget, the Ancient God Life Form that supplied the transformational genes for Valkyrie also fell to the cannon fire from the Empires powerful fleet. This was the era of the Galaxys grand voyages of starships and heavy artillery. His own combat abilities were only advantageous within a confined space. Of course, if he were to enter the interior of a starship, thatd be a different situation entirely. Yang Ming concentrated on planning his next moves and didnt pay much attention to the changing environment. With shackles on, he stepped off the transport vehicle and calmly walked through the rundown gateway, which resembled an antique, to be taken over by a squad of guards in black uniforms. The Guard Captain escorting Yang Ming spoke in hushed tones with the prison guards. Yang Mings ears twitched slightly, easily capturing a few keywords: Evil Empire soldier, special attention, the adjudicator needs him to suffer some hardships to facilitate the upcoming work. Yang Ming chuckled inwardly, not taking it seriously at all. So, a few minutes later. Several guards unlocked Yang Mings shackles and pushed him into a somewhat crowded mixed cell. Seven or eight muscular men who were lifting weights turned their heads to look over; after seeing Yang Mings handsome face, their expressions subtly changed. Lets give him a little welcome ceremony! The guards whistles came from outside the cell, and they quickly left the crime scene. Yang Ming didnt bother with these pointless muscle men and walked to a corner area by himself. For Yang Ming now, nothing was more important than planning for the future. Hey, brother, a few brawny men slowly surrounded him, Every newcomer needs a thorough check-up. Take off all your clothes. Yang Ming slowly raised his head. Are you sure? PS: This book was actually released spontaneously, without any promotion; Im new and looking for support C please recommend, follow, and share! Chapter 17 - 17: 012 Information Integration Chapter 17: 012 Information Integration Cole Port Prison was a medium-sized mens prison, converted from a kilometer-class comprehensive transport ship. It boasted a permanent simulated gravity field, with hundreds of cells spread across six levels, equipped with facilities such as entertainment rooms, audio-visual rooms, rest areas, libraries, and gyms. Because it was affiliated with the Interstellar Court, the prison occasionally accepted exiled political prisoners, who were given spacious single rooms on the top floor. Local criminals from Cole Port were housed on the middle two levels, typically in double or triple cells, each with its own private bathroom. The bottom three levels were crowded and chaotic, housing the most vicious criminals from across the stars, with the number of inmates severely exceeding capacity. Occasionally, one could find notorious space pirates here, as well as serial killers shackled and confined to the lowest level, always in irons, and other non-human yet humanoid extraterrestrial lives. Those who were not humanoid, however, were not taken in. ... For the guards of the lower three levels, working at Cole Port Prison was by no means an easy job. And the problem they most feared, was like what was happening now: Sudden bursts of noise erupted on the fifth floor, where energetic inmates, with no outlet for their energy, were shaking the bars of their cages maniacally, piercing the air with their whistles, and sticking fingers into their mouths that had just been god-knows-where. Armed guards quickly assembled, running towards the direction the prisoners were facing. The harsh alarm blared through every corner of the fifth floor. Guards armed with stun batons came from all directions, yelling at the prisoners to be quiet, but even when they reached the scene, they couldnt remain calm. Soon, the guards called for the Deputy Warden, the warden of the lower three levels, Gulipa. Gulipa was an elderly gentleman in a tailcoat, holding a civilized cane, his hairline having retreated to the top of his head, his gray-white hair slightly disheveled. When he appeared, limping along, the inmates quickly quieted down, losing their earlier frenzy. The warden, its this. Gulipa adjusted his monocle, frowning toward the cell in front of him. Behind thirty-two alloy metal bars, spaced twelve centimeters apart, lay six robust men. They were arranged in an oval, all twelve arms dislocated, each mouth filled with the toes of another, connected head-to-tail, resembling a grotesque ouroboros. Dont move them, Gulipa instructed, frowning, Go outside and call in a professional orthopedic doctor. Several guards hurried off. Gulipa turned to look at the quiet young man reading in the corner, his brows deeply furrowed. This young man had the typical features of a Sherman person, a broad forehead, smooth cheekbones, a straight nose bridge, and slightly recessed eye sockets, all typical facial characteristics of the Sherman people. Did you do this? Gulipa asked in a heavy voice. Yang Ming put down the book in his hand, They said they wanted to show me, the newcomer, a performance of a new-style wrestling, claiming it was a local custom here. And then this happened. Is that so? Gulipa glanced at the six strapping men lying on the ground, then turned to look at the guards who had brought Yang Ming in. A guard stepped forward and whispered something into Gulipas ear. Gulipas gaze became more amused, How did you manage this, Imperial soldier? Ive undergone the strictest combat training. Yang Ming believed that his actions had not revealed any strength beyond that of a normal man; the six men had been taken down through his skill. The real trick lay in his reaction speed that made time seem to slow down. I need to put you in solitary confinement for now, said Gulipa, Thats the rule here. Yang Ming asked, May I take these books with me? Of course, our prison implements the most humane management, Gulipa smiled, Its also a good skill if you manage to read books in that kind of solitary environment. Yang Ming stood up, and a slew of guards raised their laser guns as he impassively walked to the corner to pick up the dusty books on local customs of Cole Port and laws of the International Court. As he passed by the six strapping men, the completely immobilized men twitched all over, their eyes filled with terror, whimpering continuously. Sarch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming displayed a gentle smile, handed the books to a guard, and willingly extended his hands. Under the watchful eyes of several laser gun barrels, he was handcuffed and shackled. Suddenly, one of the guards made a move with a baton and struck fiercely at Yang Mings neck. Yang Ming frowned slightly, his body almost reflexively reacting. He ducked, tilted his head, shrugged his shoulders, and stepped back The baton grazed his shoulder, and Yang Mings hands were already pushed in front of the guards neck. Yang Ming did not actually hit the guards neck; his fingers were two or three centimeters away, but the guard didnt dare move, even his breathing seemed strained. Seconds later, the sound of laser guns being put on safety filled the air. Stop it! Are you not embarrassed enough? Gulipa cursed, frowning, You lot are a mess! I tell you to enhance your training, but all you do is just go through the motions! Before withdrawing his hand, Yang Ming patted the guards throat and said with a smile, I am an active-duty officer of the Sherman Empire, you can target me personally, but please do not provoke the dignity of the Empire. Alright, okay, sir, the guard answered quietly. Chapter 18 - 18: 012 Information Integration_2 Chapter 18: 012 Information Integration_2 Yang Ming didnt say much more, these kinds of statements are best left brief. And the guards surrounding him now looked at him with a hint of fear. Gulipas gaze flickered indecisively, then he calmly said, Take him to Confinement Room No. 3 for seventy-two hours, and make sure provided meals and fresh water are normal. Yang Ming squinted and smiled. The reputation of the mightiest Empire in the Galaxy really came in handy. ... The confinement room was a cramped six-square-meter space, but the conditions werent as bad as Yang Ming had expected. The toughest part here was actually the seventy-two hours of hunger, but since Warden Gulipa had taken care of him, it made things much more bearable for Yang Ming. Transformed people needed more nutrition. The six metal walls emitted a milky white glow, and apart from the metal walls, there were no other objects. Sarch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming made a simple seat cushion with his military trousers and coat, wearing just a tank top and boxer shorts, and opened a travel book about the customs and people of Cole Port. Soon, he found several local maps of Cole Port and imprinted the information in his mind. Yang Ming didnt know whether Hanton had always been so smart or if the Valkyrie Genetic Fluid was also enhancing his brain, but he seemed to possess a photographic memory. That was great, at least it wasnt a bad thing. A few hours later. After a simple lunch, Yang Ming used the books he had finished reading to make a small pillow and lay down comfortably, starting to think about the path ahead. On the research ship, he had no chance to think about these things. Yang Ming disliked grand propositions, such as saving the world or saving the Earth. Those were not things he could accomplish alone. However, Yang Ming felt that if he was capable, he should save his own family. His parents had worked hard most of their lives and hadnt yet had the chance to enjoy life; and his younger sister in high school, although she had a terrible character, always stealing his snacks and using his toothbrush to brush her shoes Bro, how much dowry will you have to spend to marry a sister as pretty as me? Ohohoh! The onslaught of dead memories suddenly attacked his brain, making Yang Ming not feel very well. Whether to save her or not, that could be discussed later. Yang Ming simplified all the problems and finally posed three questions to himself: 1. Why had he come to this world, and who had brought him here? 2. What was the meaning of his arrival here, or what could he achieve? 3. What advantages could he obtain from the information he knew? For the first question, based on the information currently available, Yang Ming could not make an answer. This seemed unrelated to science, leaning towards metaphysics, yet it was still a scientific issue. For the second question, Yang Ming could now answer halfway. If thirty Galaxy Years later, Earth players collectively appeared, regardless of how they appeared, he must find a way to inform them that Abyss was not just a game, that humans were a common species in the Milky Way. It was very likely a test given to Earths civilization by a higher civilization. If the test was failed, the final result would be Earths destruction by the Natural Disaster Army. Although there were still too many mysteries; But based on the current information and combining his own experiences, Yang Ming had no choice but to associate the plot of Abyss running for five years and the Ninth Natural Disaster with the destruction of Earth. Yes, Yang Ming felt the first thing he could do was survive for thirty Galaxy Years, to give his civilization a warning. [Mink Port]. The name suddenly popped into his mind. Seen from the perspective of the players, humans from Earth entered into an interstellar civilization under the guidance of an alien civilization through cut-scenes in technology and filling the tech tree in character dialogues. Mink Port was the first stop for players stepping off Earth after thirty years. Players would choose their factions at Mink Port, determine their own developmental paths, obtain spaceship driving licenses, professional equipment operation certificates, and so on. Yang Ming thought that if he could find Mink Port, he might be able to discover Earth ahead of time. Ding-dong, Yang Ming muttered to himself in his heart, Unlock main mission one: Find Mink Port. This damn sense of ceremony. The third question was much more complicated. Yang Ming carefully recalled those gaming events that had impressed him, as well as the rich historical background of Abyss. To be honest, he had rarely paid attention to the games plots while playing, which only left him with vague impressions of many significant events. Moreover, it was now thirty Galaxy Years before the games server had launched. Hmm? Yang Ming suddenly remembered something very interesting. Intelligent Mechanic Dusk. Yang Ming had watched an interview with a player who had become a billionaire by playing the game, two or three years ago, in the third year after the Abyss game had launched. The player had discovered a hidden planet in Abyss, gained actual control of a city called Intelligent Mechanic Dusk, and then made a fortune by selling the control rights to a consortium behind a large legion. In that interview, the player had revealed many detailed detailshow he drove a mining ship into a dust band by mistake, how he entered a vortex, and how he found the control key. Even more, this chosen one had provided first-person footage, revisiting that star domain in the Abyss game and replaying their exploratory journey. Yang Ming had been incredibly envious of this player. And now Sorry, chosen one. Yang Ming guiltily smiled, then shamelessly forgave himself. Oh right, theres something even more important. He needed an ample amount of gene stabilizers or gene inhibiting liquids. In Abyss, the main reason transformed soldiers had to continuously spend money was for buying gene stabilizers or gene inhibiting liquids, or else they would lose their combat capabilities and even grow excessive body hair and have swollen muscles Those were just the games penalty mechanism; the consequences of players gene deregulation were negligible. Now, if Yang Ming did not take gene-stabilizing drugs for an extended period, he might end up like Ke from Lost Voicelosing his sanity, turning into a meat tumor monster, becoming another Ancient God Life Form. At this point, Yang Ming made a simple summary. The most urgent task at hand was to find a stable channel for gene-stabilizing drugs, and he must secure new stabilizing liquid before the gene stabilizing liquid inside his body expired. The subsequent phased goalsfinding Mink Port and Intelligent Mechanic Dusk. To achieve these two goals, the item Yang Ming needed the most right now was A spacecraft capable of warp travel. Note: Preferably with autopilot. This was not an easy task. Three days flashed by. Yang Ming ate and slept, slept and ate, feeling like he had also gained quite a bit of weight. Several fully armed guards brought Yang Ming to a clean four-person cell, where one fat man and one old man lived, both of whom appeared to be of amiable dispositions. Yang Ming quickly introduced himself, shook hands with the two, and then closed his eyes to feign sleep on the simple mattress-covered hardboard bed. Both roommates were very tactful and tense. Naturally, they had heard about the passionate story that had unfolded between this new arrivals from the Sherman Empire military and six burly men, and so, they moved their beds to the corners, maintaining a safe distance from Yang Ming, giving him ample space. Yang Ming had initially wanted to ask them for basic information about the prison and tips on breaking out, but it seemed that they would need some time to get comfortable with each other. Yang Ming, intrigued, began reading some books on the simple shelf in the corner. The text was in Galaxy Universal Language, quite similar to the Sherman Empires language, which made it somewhat challenging for Yang Ming to read at first. Thud, thud, thud. The continuous sound of soft-soled shoes hitting the metal floor broke Yang Mings concentration. 0639, Hanton. Close to lunchtime, the warden Gulipa appeared at the cell door holding a square glass pane and said in an elegant tone, Room number twelve, your supervisor is waiting for you. Chapter 19 - 19: 013 Three Groups of Intelligence Agents Chapter 19: 013 Three Groups of Intelligence Agents ` Superior? Didnt my brothers superiors get obliterated by the antimatter bomb? Yang Ming found himself in a somewhat dim parlor, facing three individuals dressed in the military uniforms of the Sherman Empire. During the three days he had been confined to this small dark room, Yang Ming hadnt been idle; he had crammed a vast amount of basic knowledge by using Hantons memories and accessible books. For example, the three imperial soldiers before him, Yang Ming immediately recognized their ranks. ... The middle-aged man in the center was a lieutenant colonel, likely the principal leader among them. The young woman on the left was a lieutenant, holding a notebook-like network terminal, responsible for recording. The major on the far right didnt make much of an impression; he seemed to be an assistant. Hello, Captain Hanton, the lieutenant colonel spoke first, extending his right hand proactively. Yang Ming performed a salute with a flick of the fist before lightly shaking the hand. Please sit, Hanton. The lieutenant colonel gestured, and the prison guards politely exited the parlor. The female lieutenant took out an oval device, pressed a few buttons, and a pale blue plasma light screen enveloped the four of them, cutting off outside eavesdropping. Such an impressive piece of technology. The lieutenant colonel said in a deep voice, Hanton, were a bit late, and I hope you dont mind. The military made a well-considered decision to have you bear this infamous role. Your performance at the interrogation meeting was excellent. Sir, it was my duty. You may need to endure some grievances next, the lieutenant colonel continued, Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. Im a staff member of the Empires Military Intelligence Section Twelve. You dont need to know my name; officially, Im a technical officer. Understood, sir. Yang Ming nodded in acknowledgment, What does the Empire need me to do? His acting was flawless. Yes, Hanton, the lieutenant colonel said, his expression sincere, you cannot plead guilty; it would inflict unprecedented damage on the Empires reputation. We must publicly deny the existence of Professor Kigrov and the Valkyrie Plan. Or rather, they never existed. Yang Ming nodded to show he understood. Dont worry, Hanton, regardless of the interstellar courts verdict, well get you back within two to three years. Youll become a herothough you cant appear publicly, you and your family will receive the treatment of a heros family. Yang Mings eyes were filled with longing, though inwardly he was cursing. This meeting lasted about five minutes. The imperial lieutenant colonel encouraged and instructed him a bit, mainly to have Yang Ming deny the Valkyrie Plan in court. This was likely part of the Sherman Empires interstellar propaganda campaign, otherwise, the Empires Military Intelligence Section Twelve wouldnt have approached him as an expendable pawn. As for whether anyone would still pay attention to this pitiable Hanton after the next trial Yang Ming held no illusions about it. Better to think about how to escape; at least that seemed more feasible. Every three days, prisoners had the chance to participate in a collective airing, taking turns by floor to head to the top deck garden. The fifth floors collective airing was from 3 to 5 pm. Yang Ming planned to use todays airing to carefully observe the prisons layout and promptly establish an escape plan. Leaving the prison actually wouldnt be that difficult; the real challenge was how to get a spaceship capable of warp and how to pilot itthese were Yang Mings biggest hurdles. But after lunch, something unexpected happened Number 0639, Hanton. Chief Gulipa, holding a piece of square glass, frowned at Hanton. There was a hint of perplexity in the chiefs eyes as he read the newly received information. Room Number Ten, your superior is waiting for you again. Huh? Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Did those three forget to remind something and hurried back? Isnt the rule of this prison that one can only be visited once a week at most? Then again, such rules of an interstellar organization are meant to be trampled by powerful political bodies. Yang Ming arrived at the parlor door under the escort of guards, and as he pushed open the door, he was startled. There were still two men and a woman in imperial uniforms, still a configuration of a lieutenant colonel, a major, and a lieutenant. But they werent the same three who had come before lunch. What was going on? Yang Ming suppressed the doubts in his heart, performing the same military salute, handshake, and seating gesture. His counterparts took out a rectangular device that unfolded a pink light shield. Captain Hanton, the lieutenant colonel said, Im a staff member of the Military Intelligence Section Twelve; you dont need to know my name, as per our protocol. Sir, Yang Ming decided to proceed cautiously, is there anything I should be reminded of? Yes, Captain, the lieutenant colonel sighed, the current public opinion is unfavorable to us. Were sorry to have kept you waiting here so long. Well rescue you soon. Yang Ming displayed a grateful expression. The lieutenant colonel pondered for a moment, then slowly said, You know, Hanton, every nation is actually conducting genetic fusion experiments. Kigrov may have been a bit radical, but he was still a scholar we respected. We invested heavily in the Valkyrie Project, but all we got were remains too fragmented to piece together. Yang Ming asked, Wasnt the experiment content backed up remotely? Regrettably, it wasnt, the lieutenant colonel said, its a basic oversight, but Professor Kigrov was unwilling to share his research results with other departments nor did he consent to backup. Yang Ming almost cheered out loud. Yang Ming said in a somber voice, I didnt directly participate in the experiment, nor do I have any data regarding it. I was responsible for maintaining the fire pipelines as a third technical officer you should know that. The lieutenant colonel looked disappointed. This lieutenant colonel quickly pulled himself together and inquired about Yang Mings life there, promising that they would soon bring him back to the Empire. Yang Ming inquired about his companions; the lieutenant colonel responded fluently, accurately naming several researchers who were placed on recovery on the Administrative Star. This meeting lasted about six minutes. After returning to his cell, Yang Ming couldnt stop question marks from flooding his mind. Two batches of Military Intelligence Section Twelve officers? What was going on? One real and one fake? Or perhaps both fake? A bit chaotic. Yang Ming felt he needed to sort through it carefully. Whats wrong, Hanton? The elderly cellmate cautiously asked, You seem like youre in trouble, restless lately. Yang Ming sighed, Maybe its just being locked up for too long, feeling uneasy. I havent done anything wrong. Yes, Hanton, none of us did anything wrong; its the world thats wrong, the elderly man chuckled. Yang Ming nodded in agreement; even his cellmate A lost interest in chatting. Another two hours passed, and the familiar footsteps appeared once more. Again? Yang Ming frowned, looking outside the cell at the approaching chief holding the block of glassthis block of glass was similar to a network terminal, akin to a smartphone. Number 0639, Hanton. Chief Gulipas voice carried hesitation as he looked at Hanton, checking his received information against the terminal. The chiefs mindset shifted slightly. Room Number Eleven, your superior just how many superiors do you have? Yang Ming shrugged, Id like to know too. Yang Ming never expected that among the third wave of superiors, he would see someone familiar. Doctor Lina. She wore a white blouse and a dark green professional skirt suit, her golden hair tied at the back. Her slender figure created a stunning curve, exuding a unique charm of a mature woman. Yang Ming glanced at the other man and woman. The lieutenant colonel in the center and the female lieutenant on the side gave Yang Ming an instant sense of these are imperial soldiers. The female lieutenant produced a hexagonal device, unfolding a pale golden shielding light screen that enveloped the four of them. Hanton, are you okay? Doctor Lina asked softly, her eyes betraying an undeniable concern. Not bad, Yang Ming smiled in response. Hello, Hanton, Im a staff member of the Military Intelligence Section Twelve, the middle lieutenant colonel stood up to shake Yang Mings hand, apologies for meeting you only now; we had many procedural issues to tackle. Yang Ming nodded slightly, taking a deep breath. Youre the third batch, he stated, the third batch of Military Intelligence Section Twelve officials. The three showed expressions of astonishment. The lieutenant colonel frowned, The previous ones should be intelligence agents from the New Federation and the Free Federation. Damn, they beat us to it. Doctor Lina quickly asked, Did you tell them anything? Yang Ming shook his head, I was just a third officer on the ship, responsible for maintaining the fire pipelines. Isnt that right, Doctor? Yes, thats right, Lina smiled elegantly, luckily, Hanton, you were cautious enough. They were likely aiming to acquire the research results of the scientific vessel. Yang Ming replied, All were obliterated in the antimatter bomb. The lieutenant colonel said slowly, Rest assured, Hanton, well get you back soon. I know youre a loyal soldier, and the Empire wont forget your meritorious service. Thank you, Yang Ming said sincerely. Lina pulled out a medicine bottle from her bag beside her and pushed it into Yang Mings hands. She said, This medication has been approved by the prison authorities; you can carry it with you all the time. Take one every three days or whenever you feel unwell. Itll alleviate your symptoms of depression. Oh, thank you so much, Doctor. Yang Ming clutched the bottle tightly, gazing at Lina. Well take you away as soon as possible, Hanton. Doctor Lina said before leaving. Yang Ming felt his eyes become slightly moist. He nodded in agreement, cuffed with the medicine bottle in hand, and followed the guards back to his cell. As he lay facing the wall, his expression turned indifferent. Yang Ming opened the bottle, finding pale yellow transparent capsules inside. Was this truly a gene stabilization drug? Should he trust Lina? Three waves of Empires Military Intelligence Section Twelve officials Which wave was genuinely from the Sherman Empire? Whom should he trust? Yang Ming attempted to detach himself, sorting through the information calmly. Soon, Yang Ming arrived at a general conviction in his heart. Through deduction, he confirmed that Lina was unlikely to harm him, at least for the moment. He took a capsule and swallowed it without hesitation, carrying the bottle close to his body. Yang Ming keenly observed that his body became more subdued; the crisis of losing control was temporarily averted, thus validating his deduction to some extent. The guards whistle sounded outside. The thrice-a-day airing was officially beginning. ` Chapter 20 - 20: 014 A Bunch of Big Liars [Extra Update to Thank Everyone] Chapter 20: 014 A Bunch of Big Liars [Extra Update to Thank Everyone] Inmates walked in pairs, two meters apart, like ants through the corridor and up the continuously folding stairs. They successively arrived at the prisons upper plaza under the watchful eyes of semi-automated weapons and guards. Yang Ming constantly observed his surroundings, imprinting the prisons three-dimensional structure in his mind like a sandbox model. The view from the top deck was indeed nice. This must be right above Cole Port; outside the prison was the profound starry sky, and a half-solidified transparent dome perfectly enclosed the upper plaza. What if this dome shatters? Wouldnt people be sucked out into the vacuum? Yang Ming couldnt help but worry. ... That M-type dwarf star hung in the deep starry sky, its orange-red light slightly subdueda characteristic of such stars, sluggishly burning themselves, sustaining their stellar dignity with just a little hydrogen. Several mechanical guards stood at the corners, a sight Yang Ming rarely encountered. The Milky Way had three taboos: The first was Natural Disasters, civilizations invading from outside the galaxy; The second was the Insect Race, returning periodically to the Milky Way to breed; The third was the Intelligent Mechanical Crisis. Intelligent Machines referred to automated weapon systems with intelligent machinery that developed quasi-human consciousness and broke away from human societys control, achieving a closed-loop automation in their own production, maintenance, design, and development. Not just any one or two robots that developed self-awareness could be called an Intelligent Mechanical Crisis. In the current stage of the Galaxys civilization, there had been more than a dozen Intelligent Mechanical Crises of various scales. The rise and fall of several great empires in the Galaxys history were closely connected to the outbreaks of Intelligent Mechanical Crises. What Yang Ming understood was only from the game background of Abyss, which might differ somewhat from the actual information in this world. He carefully observed the mechanical guards for a while and realized they were just responding machines following instructions, which left him somewhat disappointed. In a corner, several burly men glared fiercely at Yang Ming. Yang Mings gaze swept over them, and as if in agreement, the burly men drew their legs together, averted their gaze, and whistled a few times. Is that it? Is this how the prison gang is? Yang Ming had thought that today he would have a big fight with several dozen burly men, but he had subdued them in one wave. Have I become more violent lately? However, the feeling of his physical strength continuously growing was really exhilarating. In the corner, there was a sunshade, behind which several burly men in prison uniforms lined up, blocking Yang Mings view; behind these men, there was faintly a reclining chair and the rising swirls of smoke. What was that? A special existence in this prison? Yang Ming walked towards the corner with his hands clasped behind his back, like an officer inspecting the work. The guards were chatting and laughing not far away, only glancing at Yang Ming briefly before quickly looking away. Clearly, the guards would not stop anyone from approaching this special existence. As Yang Ming, dressed in a Sherman Empire military uniform, approached, the burly men acting as bodyguards became noticeably tense. They had heard about Yang Ming, who had fought against six opponents unscathed. A large hand blocked Yang Mings chest. The burly man stopping Yang Ming had a wary look in his eyes and said gravely, Sorry, Mr. Bailin doesnt want to be disturbed. Bailin? Yang Ming, new to this place, didnt know what the name represented. He wasnt interested in finding out, either. Is that so? Yang Ming said with a smile, Then why dont you ask Bailin himself? An elderly laughter came from behind the burly man: Let the Empire officer come over. Hes an interesting young man. This Mr. Bailin had a receding hairline typical of a Mediterranean hairstyle and his face was lined with wrinkles. In a Galaxy where the average human life span in the Galaxy was over a hundred and twenty Galaxy Years, it was hard to tell how old Bailin really was. When Yang Ming approached, Mr. Bailin was puffing on an e-cigarette of unknown composition and sipping frothy soda, wearing a loose bathrobe that revealed his vigorous light-colored chest hair. Hello, Empire officer. Bailin greeted him cheerfully: Forgive my impoliteness, Im old and always too lazy to move. Yang Ming flashed a slight smile: If its a respected elder, theres no need to be so courteous to a young man like me. Oh, is that so? Bailins smile grew more pronounced, and he gestured to the side. A burly man brought over a plastic chair and placed it beside Bailins reclining chair. Have a seat, young man, Bailin said with a smile, I was going to deal with you quickly, but youre trouble. I dont need to look at your file. Just by looking at you, I realize youre definitely a big trouble. Yang Ming internally reminded himself to maintain the demeanor of an Empire soldier and sat down on the plastic chair. He smiled and said, I might be a troublemaker to my enemies, but for my friends, I am inevitably a trustworthy companion. Hahaha, Bailin laughed heartily, his wrinkly face blossoming like a chrysanthemum, They say youre a cold-blooded killing machine, a heartless assassin trained by the Empire. Surprisingly, you can also be quite witty, hahaha. Yang Ming shrugged, his mind already making judgments. This Bailin must be the Dragon Head of the prison, the type who held sway over both the underworld and the establishment. What could he offer me? Ah, intelligence. What Yang Ming needed most now was intelligence. Yang Ming steered the conversation back on track, Ive heard from my cellmate that theres nothing Mr. Bailin cant do in this prison? Thats certainly an exaggeration, Bailin said with a smile, Of course, if youre willing to pay the price, I could find a way to get you some rare and exotic items. I have my connections, and the guards show me some respect. Yang Ming asked, Is everything measured by currency? No, no, no, Bailin chuckled, For these mediocre wretches, the currency they had before entering is now their only worth, with all prices clearly marked. But youre different the salary of an Imperial officer is not much. Yang Ming revealed a wry smile that bespoke poverty. Actually, Hanton still had quite a lot saved upmarrying a noblewoman was not cheap. Bailin said, You took down six by yourself, did you? Without a scratch on you? Ive learned many killing techniques, Yang Ming said, if youre looking for me to do that kind of work for you, Im afraid Ill have to decline. Teaching others a lesson doesnt bring me any pleasure. Oh, young man, dont be hasty. Business here is all about mutual compromise. Bailin squinted, smiling, First, tell me what you want, and then Ill give you my price. A map of Cole Port, the more detailed the better, Yang Ming whispered. Bailins expression suddenly changed, he frowned at Yang Ming and said in a low voice, Thats a bit taboo, young man. But you can do it, right? Yang Mings gaze became sharp. Today alone, three different factions have sent their intelligence officers looking for you, Im aware of this, Bailin stared at Yang Ming, You just need to wait for your Empire to fetch you, no need to make waves. Do you know which one is really sent by my motherland? Yang Ming asked. Im afraid I cant assist you there, Bailin said with a wry smile, Im just a merchant; I dont want trouble. This is well beyond my capabilities. Thats why I cant trust them, Yang Ming said, I must find my own way back to the Empire. Im willing to pay any price that does not involve betraying the Empire or sacrificing myself. Youre actually aware of this issue, yes, indeed, at least two of those three parties mean you no good. Sarch* The ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bailin took a puff of his electronic cigarette, and he sat there dumbfounded for a while, as if his system had crashed. Bailin said, I may not be able to give you a map, but I do know someone who certainly can help you. However, I cant share this information for free; youll have to do something for me. Thats the rule Ive set. Time, place, target. Yang Ming calmly stood up, You should be able to tell me these through my cellmate. Hey, Hanton, Bailin squinted and smiled, do you trust me that much? You will keep your promise, Yang Ming said with utmost certainty, and, on his way out, he winked at Bailin. Elderly Bailin did not read any carnal suggestion in that wink. He read the young mans confidence, as well as an unmistakable threat. Youngsters these days have no manners. Old Bailin shook his head in lament and continued puffing away against the starry sky. An hour and a half later, as the group of prisoners including Yang Ming finished their recreational time, old Bailin remained there to enjoy the lazy afternoon until two meticulous guards appeared beside him. Mr. Bailin, the warden wants to see you. Of course, Yang Ming had no idea who Bailins referred person was, but he was willing to give it a limited try. After waiting in his cell for two days, his obese roommate suddenly sidled over, nervously whispering in Yang Mings ear an exact time in the middle of the night, the number of a cell on the same floor, and about an arm. Yang Ming nodded to show he understood. When the time came, a yawning guard passed by and swiped a card over the electronic lock of Yang Mings cell; the lock clicked open. Once the guard left, Yang Ming slipped out, entering the similarly unlocked cell not far away. A few muffled groans later, he left the cell after less than half a minute, walking briskly back to his own, and lay down in his place. Click, the electronic lock shut by itself. Half an hour later, a succession of screams came from that cell, and scores of guards rushed over; the fifth floor was bustling for a while. The arm with the crushed bones became the next days hot topic throughout Cole Port Prison. The next day, Yang Ming found a slip of paper in his breakfast. [Sixth level, cell 625, Kolev.] Chapter 21 - 21: 015 Looking for Kolev Chapter 21: 015 Looking for Kolev ` [Room 625, Level Six, Kolev.] Whos this? Yang Ming had no recollection of this person and calmly tore up the note, soaking it in his vegetable soup. Regardless, having a target was better than being like a headless fly. The medicine Doctor Lina had brought could sustain Yang Ming for several months, giving him enough time to find this Kolev before the next trial session. ... Regrettably, despite a weeks efforts, Yang Ming still hadnt met the man in person, but he had learned a lot about Kolev. This was an infamous space pirate, who had roamed the starry skies for over forty years and single-handedly created the powerful Black Dragon Pirate Group, wanted by dozens of nations. Listen, a great pirate! What does a pirate live off? A warp-capable pirate ship! Even if the old pirate was now behind bars, he surely knew some black market intel and must possess channels to get a ship! The moment Yang Ming heard that Kolev was a pirate leader, he had already affectionately named his future private vessel. The week Yang Ming spend searching for Kolev also came with other amusements. The officials from Imperial Military Intelligence Bureau Division Twelve had returned. They didnt all show up on the same day and were all aware of the other two imposters. All three groups of Intelligence Officers emphasized that they were the real deal and the other two were frauds but offered Yang Ming no further substantial information. In fact, before taking the capsules from Lina, Yang Ming had pretty much figured it out. Sarch* The ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The first group of Intelligence Officers Yang Ming saw that day were from the Sherman Empire. They kept stressing self-sacrifice and the glory of the Empire, and their language carried an arrogance of a superior toward a subordinate. The meaning of the Imperial Military Intelligence Bureau was for Yang Ming to stay put here, and during the second public trial, he was to deny the existence of the Valkyrie Plan and insist it was a slander made by the New Federation against the Empire. How very Imperial. The second group of Intelligence Officers from that day likely came from another major power, probably the New Federation. Their conversation focused on the Valkyrie Plan and Kigrovs experiments, clearly more interested in information related to the Valkyrie Plan, seeking to extract intelligence from Yang Ming. The third group of Intelligence Officers included Doctor Lina. Indeed, Lina, in Yang Mings judgment, did not come from the camp of the Sherman Empire, as there were too many inconsistencies. First, Lina knew he was a transformed person but offered to keep his secret; after learning that the research vessel was destroyed by a Valkyrie transformed person, Linas reaction was unusually calm throughout. Second, Lina easily procured a genetic stabilizer and appeared before him with two Imperial Intelligence Officers; yet in the Empire, she was only a common doctor with marginal military association. Third, Linas demeanor the moment she took off her lab coat was irresistibly charming. During those two encounters, the crows feet by Doctor Linas eyes had vanished, and she looked as if she had become a decade younger, exuding a womans allure. This change was actually quite abrupt. If Yang Mings speculation was correct, what Lina was scheming for was his body. To be precise, she wanted the remaining fruits of the Valkyrie Plan, hoping to fish him out and continue the gene fusion research. She may come from the New Federation, possibly the Free Federation, or maybe the Guel Alliancemost likely one of the four major forces in the Milky Way. For the intelligence organizations of the various nations, the existence of the Valkyrie Plan was no secret; otherwise, the Human Councils investigation ship wouldnt have been involved. It was quite normal for there to be a spy or two from other powers aboard Kigrovs ship. First, lets find the great pirate Kolev. Yang Ming pulled out the medicine Lina had given him and swallowed the third capsule. Lina aimed to secretly take him away, definitely without causing him to lose control and rampage; these capsules at most contained some location tracking substances, but their effectiveness was guaranteed. Hanton Suddenly, his elderly cellmate spoke up, approaching Yang Ming with a somewhat solemn expression, whispering a few words. Mr. Bairin wants to see you; remember to meet with Mr. Bairin during yard time this afternoon. Bairin? Yang Ming felt a bit apprehensive. He had disciplined a troublemaker for Bairin, and Bairin had given him Kolevs name and cell number. Wasnt their deal squared away? Ah, his cellmate A sighed softly, kid, Mr. Bairin is not someone to mess with; I hope you wont have any conflicts with him. Thanks for the warning, Yang Ming smiled, I have great respect for Mr. Bairin. Verbal respect. In the afternoon, Yang Ming found old Bairin enjoying a delicious steak. Its not easy to get in touch with Kolev. Bairin wiped his mouth, the indistinct sauce staining his beard made him look somewhat comical. Yang Ming, sitting beside him, raised an eyebrow and declined the soda offered by a burly man, quietly watching Bairin. Old Bairin chuckled: Kolev is seen as this prisons bottom-of-the-box prisoner, a pride of the prison administrationyou might think of it that way. Hes on the innermost part of Level Six, in a fully enclosed solitary cell, and he has yard time in the morning with the officials from Level One. ` However, I can help you, Captain Hanton. Yang Ming immediately became extremely vigilant. Unsolicited help often spells troubleeither deceit or theft. This old fellow in front of him was no philanthropist; securing such an exalted position in prison, he must be ruthless. The fact that Bailin was offering to help him likely meant he had ulterior motives; although Yang Ming could also achieve his goalwhen push comes to shove, he could resort to forceit would inevitably take more time and involve more complicated risks. What do I need to do for you? Yang Ming asked. This time, you dont need to do anything for me. A friend has entrusted me with a task that promises considerable income. In fact, I invited you here just to let you know that I have exerted some effort in this matter, Bailin said with a smile. Yang Mings smile gained a hint of amusement. What about your rules? My bottom line has always been flexible. Youll soon be arranged to go to the cell next to Kochef, said old Bailin. Dont worry about the other things. The common friend of ours has already arranged everything. He hopes you can leave here safely. A common friend? Was Lina planning this? Yang Ming quickly realized that he had been somewhat prejudiced, and Bailins words contained a certain amount of inducement. Then Ill wait for the good news. Yang Ming said calmly, and while getting up to leave, he couldnt help but slightly twitch the corner of his mouth. He sensed a conspiracy. More than one conspiracy was slowly unfolding around him. Three batches of Imperial Intelligence Officers with questionable authenticity; Old Bailin, whose attitude had subtly changed; The old pirate who was delivered straight into his hand; What next? Yang Ming decided that, no matter what trick they were up to, he would use their arrangements to his advantage and see the infamous Kolev first. He always held an ace up his sleeve. A Secondary Ancient God Life Form. Old Bailins information was indeed well-informed. Yang Ming had just finished his walk and hadnt yet had a chance to pack up his simple belongings when Chief Gulipas shiny forehead appeared outside the four-person room. Captain Hanton, I believe you deserve better living conditions. Chief Gulipa said warmly, I didnt carefully read your file before. Only this morning did I discover that you were not here to serve a normal sentence but came from the Human Councils care home to experience the actual life in Cole Port Prison, right? Yang Ming glanced at his Imperial military uniform, which he had never changed, and said with a smile, Yes, Chief. I was supposed to be in the Human Councils care home, sleeping on a soft single bed, eating delicious meals with both meat and vegetables every day. Look at the mess Ive made, Gulipa said warmly, fortunately, theres still time to fix it. Come with me, Captain, you will receive the respect due to an Imperial soldier. Yang Ming could only nod his thanks while silently cursing to himself: Damn, a bunch of two-faced people. Chief Gulipa, along with several guards, escorted Yang Ming, who was handcuffed and shackled, toward room 624 on the sixth floor. Gulipa smiled and said, Youre looking for Kolev, arent you? Yes, Yang Ming said calmly, Do you have any advice, Chief? Kolev is an extremely dangerous individual, Gulipa whispered, Youre thinking correctly. Ive been under some pressure and had to make the current arrangements, allowing you to enjoy a private cell next to Kolev. Thats how the Interstellar Court works. The powerful Sherman Empire can directly influence our proceedings, but still, I must advise you itd be better if you stay away from Kolev. Thats all. Yang Ming looked at Gulipas profile. The Chiefs well-maintained face showed no unnecessary expressions. The sixth floor of Cole Port Prison had a structure similar to the fifth floor, with neatly arranged prison cells like square containers on a transport ship. In a corner of the sixth floor were two rows of single cells reserved for special prisoners, each nearly fully enclosed, with thick alloy doors. Yang Ming made a rough calculation Breaking those doors would take minutes; But tearing through those thin metal walls would only take seconds. Quite a brilliant design. As Bailin had mentioned, he had been arranged into room 624, which was separated by a single wall from room 625. This was a single-person cell of about fifteen or sixteen square meters, with living conditions that were even better than his quarters on the research vessel, complete with a single bed, a bookshelf, a desk, a toilet, and a showerhead at each corner, plus ventilation systems installed in the wall cracks. The conditions are really not bad, Yang Ming commended. Im glad youre satisfied. Enjoy your stay, Chief Gulipa said with a smile, and just before leaving, he paused and turned to look at the door the guards were about to close. Captain Hanton, just to be safe, Id like to ask you one more thing You will repeat your previous answer at the next trial, wont you? Yang Ming thought for two seconds and then replied sternly, I will swear to defend the Empires honor to the death. That is my bottom line as an Imperial soldier. Gulipa instantly smiled with relief, his fingers in white gloves lightly gliding as the guard pushed the thick alloy door closed. At the instant the electronic lock displayed closed, Gulipas smile quickly vanished, his eyes sharp as a hawks. Chapter 22 - 22: 016 Oh, my First Mate Chapter 22: 016 Oh, my First Mate Click. At two in the morning, the door to the single-occupant cell unlocked. Yang Ming sprang up from the bed vigilantly, frowning at the door that had opened a slight crack. A black card was slipped in, and then the door closed once again. Yang Mings ears twitched lightly, the snoring from various cells audible, along with the fading sound of light footsteps. After quite a wait, Ming cautiously approached the door to pick up the card. ... The material of the object was unknown, cold to the touch. On the back was a sticky note that read Pad Six. Yang Ming placed the card on the door lock, and the familiar click sounded, the electronic door unlocking by itself Oh, was this a clear invitation for him to break out of prison at will? Were those schemers behind the scenes that impatient? He had only been in this solitary cell for six or seven hours, hadnt even enjoyed the private bathroom a few times! Yang Ming pressed his ear against the door to listen carefully, and after confirming there was no one outside, he quietly pushed the door open. He looked up to find that the guard post, which should have been manned, was eerily empty; overhead, two miniature cameras were slowly rotating, aiming right at his forehead. Figured as much. This detail confirmed Yang Mings suspicion. Chief Gulipa wanted him to make contact with Kolev, to use this card to open the adjacent cell and then leave with Kolev to Pad Six? Pfft, only a fool would believe that. Yang Ming could almost hear the whispered conversations of the guards hidden in the shadows, could see the Chiefs sinister smile. But for Yang Ming, this was also an opportunity to make direct contact with Kolev. He hugged the wall to the next cell and spotted the metal nameplate on it. Hes a villain of the worst sort. Hes killed countless, a fearsome pirate. He must spend the rest of his Life here. One must never let their guard down with him. For some reason, Yang Ming felt a flicker of anticipation at this moment. He imagined seeing a ferocious man standing atop a mountain of corpses, dark red mechanical prosthetics emitting faint electric arcs. Suddenly, the electronic lock in front of Yang Ming displayed a green unlock signal, yet Ming had not used the black card in his hand. The door had been opened from the inside! Yang Ming immediately moved to hide on the right side. The door of cell 625 opened a crack, a warm yellow glow spilling out. Ming peered through the slit, only to see a Little old man. Eh, this was the grand pirate he had been searching for over a week? The man was a skinny old fellow with whitening sideburns and hair knotted into tufts, clear indicators of his poor personal hygiene. His light green striped pajamas and the cartoon-character-adorned sleeping cap were quite unique. If Ming had to compare, he looked somewhat like a shrunken version of the cinematic figure Gandalf. Of course, more attention-grabbing than the old man was the other black card in his hands, along with the paper magazine featuring a half-naked girl on the cover that he held. Oh? The old man spotted Yang Ming, and their eyes briefly met. Bang! The alloy door slammed shut, the electronic lock securing itself once more. He cant escape! Yang Ming used his card to unlock the door and burst in. The old man snatched off his cartoon sleeping cap and, with a casual air, braced himself with one hand against the wall, raising an eyebrow at Ming. Hey, kid, you need something? Kolev? Leader of the Black Dragon Pirate Group? Ming asked. The old man paused for a moment: Yes, thats me. His gaze suddenly sharpened, fixating on the black card in Mings hand: Wow, youve got one too. Someone arranged for me to break out, Ming stated, but I think its a trap. Its definitely a trap, they love doing this! They give you seemingly favorable conditions, making you commit to the fact of an escape, so they can legitimately take you down. The old man clicked his tongue, folding his arms in front of him as if the posture gave him some sense of confidence. Kolev rambled on: Listen to me, kid, the interstellar court doesnt have any death penalties, everything here is transparent, under surveillance of various nations. As long as you play by the rules, they have no ways to target you. They dare not poison us; that would provoke a joint investigative team. They cant directly harm us here; that would draw the ire of human rights activists everywhere and affect their funding. Only escape, deemed an immediate threat to the life and safety of the guards, gives them the right to kill any prisoner. Your card C and of course, I have one too C its just a trap meant to lure us to our doom. I agree with your point, Ming said with a smile, so why did you try to leave just now? sea??h th Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kolev hemmed and hawed, muttering, A beast that has tasted freedom wont willingly walk into its grave. Mings opinion of the old man improved slightly. But this Kolev barely over 1.6 meters tall, sporting flabby muscles and a potbelly, he didnt look at all combat-capable. Kolev said, Wait a second, that style of military trousers youre from Sherman? Ming nodded. Kolev stroked his bushy beard, chuckling: Those noble ladies from Sherman do have nice skin, indeed. Do you want to leave this place? Ming asked. Chapter 23 - 23: 016 Oh, my First Mate_2 Chapter 23: 016 Oh, my First Mate_2 Of course, who doesnt yearn for freedom? But it seems not bad here too? Kolev spread his hands, seemingly trying to convince himself: Look, we have superior conditions here. Except for not being able to connect to the internet, I can do whatever I want, and they will ensure my safety. I am old, my child, I am seventy-two years old. My time has passed, and I just need to wait quietly for death to come. Not many pirates live to my age. Yes, I dont want to leave. ... Yang Ming: This guy can really hypnotize himself. Alright, go back to sleep, young man. Its unethical to disturb old peoples rest. Kolev waved his hand, smiling, If you want to learn some professional pirate tricks from me, I can teach you a few secrets considering our relationship as cellmates. Sorry to disturb you. Yang Ming turned around, swiped the electronic lock, and coldly repeated as he left: A beast that has tasted freedom can never walk into his grave early. Kolevs expression looked constipated. Yang Ming lay on his single bed in cell 624, listening to the pacing sounds coming from the adjacent cell. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. During the conversation with this elderly pirate, Yang Ming had quickly noticed that there was something extraordinary about him. Those small eyes were very wise; standing in front of him, it felt as if he saw right through him. But everyone has weaknesses, and this old man was no exception. Unfortunately, when Yang Ming played Abyss, he had not heard of Kolev. The world of Abyss, or rather, the world before him, was too vast, and each player could only explore a very limited range; Kolev was not one of those famed pirates across the Galaxy. Then, how to conquer Kolev? Carry him away by force? That wouldnt work, as what he needed was a ship to leave Cole Port and head to the Intelligent Mechanic Dusk; its not hard to see that Kolev is a proud guy, and forcing him would hardly achieve his purpose. Use bribery? The savings Hanton had prepared to marry a noblewoman were not even enough to buy half of the smallest warp-capable ship, and such a great pirate must be immensely wealthy. Ugh, Yang Ming changed his position. Just like Kolev, who kept pacing, Yang Ming himself was getting restless. The great pirate was right in front of him, the channel to get a spaceship was right in front of him; Yang Ming might even be able to secure a supply route for the gene stabilizers through the pirates black market trade. Yang Ming was very aware of the predicament he was facing. On one hand, Gulipa and Bairins behavior today had made him realize the imminent crisis. On the other hand, being the sole success of the Imperial Martial God Plan, this identity was particularly deadly. Although currently, only Linas side knew he was a transformed man, both the Empire and its rivals considered his performance at the next court session to be his only value. But normally, the intelligence systems of all major powers penetrate each other. And the longer he stayed in this prison, the greater the risk of exposure; a single blood test would spell disaster. If it really came to that, the Four Great Rogues of the Galaxythe Sherman Empire, the New Federation, the Free Federation, and the Guel Alliancewould spare no effort to acquire this transformation technology, and his chances of escape would be slim. Thus, this great pirate Kolev was Yang Mings perfect opportunity to break free! I must take a gamble. Yang Ming figured that if Kolev was to act, he would surely come looking for him; he closed his eyes and started shallow sleeping. He was already able to control his state while sleeping. When he opened his eyes again, it was morning by Galaxy Time, and Cole Port had entered daylight mode, the outer protective shield had turned transparent, and that M-type Constant Star was once again suspended in the starry sky. This day seemed particularly long. Yang Ming forced himself to sleep through the entire day to conserve energy for the nights operation. He waited until the same time in the middle of the night as the night before. Yang Ming put on the Empire uniform neatly, and his freshly washed hair appeared particularly refreshing. He leaned against the door, listening carefully. Outside, it remained silent. The seven or eight guards who were supposed to be on duty at the sixth level were now nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, Thud, thud thud. The walls emitted a subtle vibration; Kolev seemed to be tapping on the wall. Yang Ming pondered slightly he actually suspected Kolev was part of a trap. We have to try. Yang Ming gently tapped back a few times on the walls. Bang, bang bang! The other side fell silent. Yang Ming was not in a hurry. After about three or four minutes, the wall noises resumed. Thud, thud thud thud. Yang Ming gave a calm smile and responded. This game continued for quite a while. Just as Yang Ming felt that he and the quirky old man had reached an understanding, he heard the electronic lock on the neighboring cell click. A few seconds later, his own cells electronic lock was also unlocked, and Kolev rushed in, slamming the door behind him. Hey! the old man glared at Yang Ming, What did you just say? What? Yang Ming was somewhat puzzled. I was communicating with you using Logans code! Logans code! Dont you know that as a military man? I asked you whether we should act tonight. You answered me, open fire, open fire. I asked you if you had backup. You answered me, oh, youre so provocative.'' Kolevs bushy beard was trembling: Nobody, nobody has ever dared to call me provocative! Thats sexual harassment, oh my! My daughter is even the leader of a pirate group, and you, you actually! Yang Ming, a little embarrassed, quickly said, Hey, Kolev, didnt you know? We in the Empire now use Morse code. Kolev frowned and glared at Yang Ming, but finally, his anger seemed to subside a bit. Should we act tonight? Kolev asked. Its a trap, Yang Ming crossed his arms calmly, as you said. Yes, its a trap, Kolev chuckled coldly, I can almost see the sinister expression of that balding warden right now. He must be hiding behind the screen in the control room watching us. So, how should I trust you? Yang Ming asked. Ive just arrived here, but youve been an old hand around here. Thats a risk youll need to take, kid. You have to make your own judgment. Kolev, still with a sharp gaze, fiddled with a black card in his hand, sneered: This card, theyre insulting me, you understand? Theyre insulting me. If I could leave the cell freely and do nothing, it would make me the laughing stock of our profession. The reputation Ive built up over forty years would be destroyed in an instant. The warden probably wants to play a game of break-out and gun-down, but they dont realize who theyve pissed off. Yang Ming said, You mean, we collaborate? You could become my first mate, Kolev tilted his head up slightly, Temporarily, of course. Once we are out of here, the agreement automatically dissolves. Yang Ming smiled, I agree to cooperate, but you need to be my first mate, and you must follow my orders. Thats impossible! Kolev became aggressive, Before I decided to retire, I had command over seven warships, seven! I could directly demand protection money from those small nations! And you, kid, looking at your rank, oh, a captain? Yang Ming said, How about this, we collaborate temporarily and decide later who is the captain and who is the first mate. Youll need to conquer me, Kolev squinted his eyes and smiled, This just got interesting. Lets go, first mate, lets head to Hangar Six. Our actions are under their surveillance, but well find a way to turn the tables. Alright, first mate. Oh, stop the mischief, my first mate. I should walk in front, youre too old and slow to react, first mate. Of course, the captain needs to be in charge. Ill follow behind you, first mate. Chapter 24 - 24: 017 Behind the Scenes Mastermind Chapter 24: 017 Behind the Scenes Mastermind The number six landing pad was located on the sixth floor of Cole Port Prison. Starting from Yang Mings cell, one only needed to pass through two security corridors to reach the connecting deck. To anyone observing, this escape route seemed nearly perfect without any guard interference. The difficulties Yang Ming and his group needed to resolve for the prison break seemed to be only two: a functional small spacecraft and the guard cannons outside the prison. In the narrow and deserted corridor, two figures were briskly walking close to the wall, with security cameras successively locking onto their figures. Kolev followed behind Yang Ming, the elderly man just wearing a jacket over his prison clothes and having switched to boots, was continuously persuading Yang Ming in a weak voice, ... Young first mate, Ive thought it over seriously, we should now think of a way to take over their control center, the control center! Instead of knowingly heading towards the tigers den! We need to go slower, Yang Ming said, That way, we can give the mastermind behind this some time to prepare, aged first mate. My dear deceitful man! Youre their inside mole, arent you? Kolev glared at Yang Mings back, Ahead is the landing pad, there will definitely be several powerful mechanical guards waiting to shoot us down, we cant engage the mechanical guards, we need to find those easy-to-knock-down guards who are drowsy right now. Keep your voice down! yelled Yang Ming. If you dont follow their script, they will definitely sound the alarm! Their script is to have us die on the number six landing pad! Kolev argued vehemently. We can only find opportunities within seeming desperate situations! But this is Shush! Yang Ming made a crouching gesture, and both of them crouched down at the same time. Peering through the small window in the corridor, Yang Ming quietly observed the landing pad. Did you notice? Yang Ming asked, The two cameras above us are turned off. Oh yes, Kolev whispered, They have been monitoring us all along but chose not to here, there must be an ambush ahead. The size of the landing pad was comparable to a football field, and a two-person small spacecraft was silently parked there, seemingly without anything unusual. The cameras positioned around the landing pad were also off. Yang Ming thought briefly. sea??h th N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If this was a trap, then their entire journey from the cell here was under surveillance, which could already prove their crime of escape; leaving video in the execution ground would actually make it easy to expose flaws. Theres definitely an ambush ahead; we should think of a way to attack the control center, the old man muttered under his breath. Yang Ming smiled and said, First mate, can you analyze it using your vast experience? Analyze what? Currently, three factions have their sights set on me. The only thing I can confirm is that one faction wants me alive; the goals of the other two factions are unclear. Yang Ming asked, Under these circumstances, what are the chances this escape will allow us to leave safely? Zero. Kolevs beard trembled as he said, Trust me, its absolutely zero. Alright, Yang Ming said, You stay here later on, its temporarily safe, okay? We need a plan! We need a plan! I wont go on a suicide mission with you! Dont worry, Im confident. Before Kolev could speak again, Yang Ming had already darted away in a crouch. He moved as agilely as a black cat, heading straight for the spacecraft at the center of the landing pad. Oh, crap! Kolev hadnt expected the young man to suddenly run. Just as the old man was about to stand up, a bright light from a laser gun firing appeared in the corner; a trace of red light flashed around the young man who was now sprawling on the ground. Kolev quickly crouched down, breathing rapidly and furrowing his brows deeply. This interesting young man had paid the price for his recklessness, plunging them both into desperate straits, which was really Wait, something wasnt quite right? As Kolev was about to sneak away, he continued watching through the narrow window, focusing intently on Yang Ming. Several mechanical guards emerged from the corner, followed by two balding old men. The warden Gulipa, leaning on a civilized cane; And the always humble and nodding Bailin following beside him. Kolev couldnt hear what they were saying, but Warden Gulipa had already looked towards the small window, and the two mechanical guards turned and walked in Kolevs direction. Kolev frowned, knowing that this matter had already been messed up by the man in front, but his chances of winning were slim anyway; it couldnt entirely be blamed on the young man, it was just that the warden was too cunning. At this moment Kolev did not move his feet, quietly waiting for the mechanical guards to approach, still watching Yang Ming. Kolevs premonitions were growing stronger. Something might happen next No, something definitely would happen next! Suddenly! The lying Yang Ming almost flew up sideways, his fists and feet smashing simultaneously into the two mechanical guards beside him! Two mechanical heads coated with blue paint were thrown into the air. What strong muscular strength! What incredible body coordination! Kolev stared at the scene, his mouth agape, unable to close it for a moment. Not just Kolev, both Gulipa and Bailin were also greatly astonished; Gulipa hadnt even managed to draw his gun, and four mechanical guards had already lost their ability to move, their heads smashed directly! An iron-grip like hand grabbed Warden Gulipas throat and lifted him straight up. Yang Ming had not a single scratch on his forehead and was now calmly gazing at Gulipa, his left hand pressing towards his jacket pocket was gently pinched by Yang Mings other hand. Chapter 25 - 25: 017 Behind the Scenes Mastermind_2 Chapter 25: 017 Behind the Scenes Mastermind_2 ` There was an emergency alarm in his pocket, which Yang Ming pulled out before anyone else, giving Gulipa a quick once-over; the latter, along with the trembling old Bailin, raised their hands quiveringly. This how is this possible Gulipa managed to growl with difficulty. Haha! Hahaha! This is a miracle! Kolev burst out excitedly, dancing around, completely at a loss for the right words. Yang Ming paid no attention to the crazy old man. ... He threw the alarm over, yanked the gold-etched pistol from Gulipas bosom, threw the warden to the ground, stepped on his chest, and pressed the gun against old Bailins forehead. Tell me what I want to know, Yang Ming said, Ten seconds, speak and you may live, ten, nine, eight, seven Old Bailin called out tremblingly, It was Chief Gulipas plan, I know nothing! Right after you first spoke to me, Gulipa suddenly came to see me and told me to cooperate in assassinating you and Kolev! Whoosh! The gun, lacking a biometric lock, fired a ray; old Bailins forehead sported a bloody hole, and his corpse slumped to the ground. Without intelligence, you have no value. Yang Ming murmured softly, looking down at Gulipa. By his side, Kolevs gaze on Yang Ming undergoes a subtle change. The wardens elegance was gone, his eyes reflecting the charred blood hole atop old Bailins head. Six, five, four Yang Mings voice sounded like midnight church bells tolling. Oh, please no! Hanton! I have information! Gulipa cried out with a trembling voice, To eliminate you, was, was an order from the New Federation Intelligence Bureau. They didnt want you to testify again, and orchestrating the escape was their idea. Yang Ming asked, Why involve this Kolev? Kolev is someone gave me an offer I couldnt refuse, to have Kolev dead in prison soon. I figured Id lump you two together, that way I could also sling mud at the Sherman Empire their soldiers working with the infamous pirates Yang Ming frowned, Your purpose in killing me was to sling mud at the Sherman Empire? Oh? Kolev furrowed his brow even more, I became the dirty kick to cast aspersions on this young man? Gulipas voice continued to tremble, the foot on his chest nearly suffocating him, Yes, thats right, Ive told you everything, please dont kill me, I can help you both escape! I beg you, Lord Hanton! Who wants Kolev dead? Yang Ming asked softly. Kolev shrugged beside him, I have countless enemies. Gulipas Adams apple bobbed, whispering, Im not sure, someone reached out to me they always find me. Seemingly a common occurrence in such dealings. Warden, youve switched off the surveillance in this area? And you arent carrying any hidden communication devices, are you? Yang Ming asked with a smirk. Gulipa hurriedly replied, Yes, after all, this isnt exactly an honorable job, spare me, Ill escort you out immediately. Yang Mings mouth twitched slightly, Hypocritical Federation. Whoosh! Gulipas head burst open, his bulging eyes filled with resentment. sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kolev frowned, Hey, didnt you say whoever speaks gets to live? Why adhere to principles with an enemy? Yang Ming replied calmly. Kolev blinked, then shrugged and chuckled lightly, crouching down with Yang Ming. ` Yang Ming crouched down and searched, pulling out a wallet from Gulipa. After rifling through it for a while, he found nothing valuablejust a few unusable cards. Kolev found a square glass device on Gulipathe personal network terminal. The pirate leader began his performance. First, he fumbled in his bushy beard and pulled out a metal whisker, then stuck it onto the glass. Next, he plucked two false teeth from his mouth, inside which hid several tiny discs, which he then attached to the metal whisker. The square glass lit up automatically, displaying a simple user interface. A hint of surprise flickered in Yang Mings eyes. The tools of the trade must always be carried with you, especially since the Human Councils influence means they hardly ever conduct thorough searches on prisoners. Kolev shrugged his shoulders as his fingers moved quickly over the device, and he couldnt resist exclaiming in admiration. Fantastic, Gulipas terminal has powerful capabilities and is even connected to the control room. This will make things much easier. Ill implant a virus for them first. Oh, this prison uses the same control system as its predecessorthe transport ship. Taking over a spaceship is like eating at home for me, but we must wait for the right moment. Yang Ming asked, Can we use this craft to leave? Kolev immediately shook his head, Military stuff usually has remote control backdoors, and with our method, we couldnt break through Cole Ports protective shield. Gulipas terminal can only hack this prison internally; there are many firewalls outside. Yang Ming nodded; the old pirate really knew his stuff. Youre a cyborg, arent you? One of the powerful genetically modified cyborgs of the Sherman Empire? Kolevs eyes gleamed as he asked, Ive never seen a soldier take down four mechanical guards with bare hands! Yang Ming had already stripped off Gulipas clothes, throwing them along with the wallet to Kolev. Can you contact your daughter now, First Mate Kolev? I need to get to their control room, First Mate Hanton! Kolev replied defiantly: We need a ship that can escape pursuit, one equipped with a jump drive. We can find our way out of this prison and hide in Cole Port first. Then, Ill contact my ship to jump here; it should take about four hours! Four hours? Yang Ming rubbed his forehead. That was way too long. Indeed, at least three hours, Kolev said quickly. A plan has already formed in my head. We need a mutiny to buy some time, using the prison riot to draw the attention of Cole Ports defense forces. Young First Mate, we need you to take out a few more guards for me. We have to take control of the main control room on the fourth floor. Once we control that, I can handle the rest. Youve proven your strength; now its time for me as the captain to prove my worth! Yang Ming was about to correct Kolevs use of titles when Kolev added: Right, First Mate, we also need to destroy all the video recording devices here. If your identity can remain a secret, that will be an ace card. I can hardly wait to see you roam the stars unrestrained! Yang Ming glanced at Kolev, Youll keep my secret, wont you, First Mate? It was strange; showing just a bit of his strength couldnt subdue this old guy. Of course, Kolevs voice trembled with excitement, youll become a legendary pirate! And one brought up by me! Hahaha! Lets make a big splash! Oh, right First Mate, I havent asked yet, whats your name? You can call me Captain Hanton. That name is too common. Yang Ming. Alright, First Mate Hanton. The little old man casually donned Gulipas tailcoat and picked up the walking stick, looking quite the part. Its time to get up, kiddos. Chapter 26 - 26: 018 Riot, Flying Car, Positioning Device Chapter 26: 018 Riot, Flying Car, Positioning Device ` Lina was a bit agitated now. It was four in the morning Milky Way Universal Time, and she was unable to sleep due to the stream of incoming information. A riot broke out at Cole Port Prison in the middle of the night. The riot erupted two hours ago. The main control room on the lower three floors inexplicably lost power, the cell doors in various areas were opened directly, and the group of villains imprisoned at the lowest level broke free and easily seized the guards weapons. Now, these villains were in a face-off with the Peace Guard rushing over, with explosions echoing throughout half of Cole Port. ... Linas terminal kept popping up new images taken by her subordinates of the villains, complete with detailed annotations. What relieved Lina was that Yang Ming was not currently seen in these photos. The mastermind of the riot was Kolev, a somewhat notorious pirate leader who had been active for many years. These damned pirates, why are they causing trouble at this time? Is Hanton also involved? Lina rubbed her temples. Staying up tonight would age her skin by three months! Lina confirmed that three forces had now set their eyes on HantonSherman Empires Military Intelligence Bureau, New Federation Third Investigation Bureau, and her true employer. Only she knew Hantons true worth. [Hanton is the sole success of the Imperial Martial God Plan.] Whats more rare was that Hanton was incredibly stable, and if he didnt fight, he was just like a normal person. Various detection devices would only find his body temperature slightly elevated, with no other abnormalities. This biotechnological modification was almost an epoch-making achievement! Lina had already made comprehensive arrangements. Once the escort fleet of her side arrived in the space near Cole Port, she could use the covert network there to forcibly bring Hanton back. As long as they returned to the territory of the Guel Alliance, all problems would cease to be problems. To stabilize Hanton, she was entirely willing to offer her beautiful body, which she had cherished for over thirty years, and it wouldnt be a losing trade. But now, things suddenly changed. These damned pirates! Thud, thud, thud! The hotel room door was knocked, and a projection popped up in front of Lina, showing three men and three women outside. Lina rushed to the door barefoot, let her subordinates in, quickly closed the door, and activated the jamming devices. Hows it going? Lina asked calmly. Boss, we cant determine whats happening specifically inside Cole Port Prison. Theyve cut off all networked equipment. These rebels behaved very professionally, with efficiency higher than our special forces. We scanned with detection equipment; theres no large-scale casualties inside the prison. The guards seem to have quickly lost their fighting capacity. Based on our speculation, they were knocked out with hypnotic gas. Linas gaze became sharp: Are you sure? Yes, the guards are now all being held in the cells on the sixth floor, with very few casualties. Almost all have life signs. Damn it! A wave of helplessness swept over Lina. She could only keep herself as calm as possible. If everything was as she speculatedHanton had faced off against the Valkyrie and survivedHanton handling this loosely disciplined medium-sized prison would be no difficulty at all. The only uncertain thing now was whether Hantons transformed identity had been exposed. She didnt dare to gamble. Boss, is something wrong? Nothing. Lina didnt mention Hanton to her intelligence officers; this was the only way to prevent Hanton from being exposed. Now, she had to make a decision. Start the plan ahead of schedule. Linas pretty face was filled with determination: At all costs, get our fleet to the space near Cole Port as soon as possible. Remember, at all costs! Even if there are personnel sacrifices to follow! Mobilize all our hidden contacts here! Yes, boss! The six swiftly left. Lina rushed back to her suites bedroom, her slim yet substantial body leaning over the bedside. She took a palm-sized screen and a button-sized host, turned on the screen, and quickly tapped the code. Soon, the ant-nest like complex three-dimensional map of Cole Port filled the entire screen. Lina quickly input a few commands, and a pale green cursor appeared at the location of Cole Port Prison. As the map zoomed in, Lina soon noticed that the cursor had already reached the edge of the prison, quickly crossing the prisons boundary line. He was out! Hanton had almost effortlessly left the prison! How did he do that? Lina immediately grabbed a communication device. She couldnt let Hanton escape her control. Woohoo! A hovering pickup truck emitting blue light sped forward along the empty metallic street. In the passenger seat, Kolev, wearing black leather pants and a jacket with a black bandana wrapped around his head, had a wrinkled face full of excitement, letting out strange cries continuously. At the drivers seat was Yang Ming, figuring out how to drive a hover vehicle, frowning at the old man. He was a bit worried about the old pirates mental state, as well as his cardiovascular capacity. The two had come to respect each other. During the takeover of the prison, Yang Ming had displayed a small part of his individual strength, while Kolev had shown his excellent pirate business skills and his ability to incite and organize prisoners. Now the battlefield was left to the overly excited prisoners. They had discreetly changed into relatively normal attire, and using the pickup truck equipped in the prison kitchen, they successfully slipped out. This was also part of Kolevs plan. The hover pickup had a biometric device, but Kolev easily hacked into its system. We should have some music! Kolev fiddled with the central control panel, laughing: This is just great! We actually managed to take over that prison, Vice-Captain Hanton! With your strength and my brains, we could become the most powerful pirates in the Milky Way! Oh, why am I already old! Its not fair! The old man suddenly became sad. Yang Ming chuckled: I didnt come to this world to be a pirate, Deputy Kolev. Oh? Do you have a dream? A dream ? Two paths emerged in Yang Mings heart, one leading to the unknown Mink Port, the other to the known city of Intelligent Mechanic Dusk. I want a ship that can jump, to set sail alone and explore the mysteries of the universe and the boundaries of the galaxy. Cool! Kolev shrugged. But isnt that just being a pirate? I dont want to plunder the weak. Were all about robbing the rich and not the poor, Kolev vaguely explained, Of course, there are some exceptions now and then, its unavoidableyou knowthis line of work has many real scoundrels without a sense of awe. Yang Ming smiled without speaking. Just after merging into the traffic, a large number of police cars descended from the sky, blocking all routes from the prison direction. Watching the police cars with flashing orange lights in the rearview mirror, Yang Ming controlled the speed and followed the traffic into a safer area. How long until your people arrive? Yang Ming asked. Theyve completed their jump, but the nearest jump point is still some distance from Cole Port, probably about an hour left. We can meet them halfway. Kolev looked at his watch projecting a 3D screen, saying with pride: Looks like these guys do care about this old buzzard. Perhaps theyll arrive at the predetermined airspace before us, and until then, things will keep boiling over at the prison. Dont worry, the Peace Guard doesnt have much combat strength, and the Human Council wont allow indiscriminate use of heavy firepower. What we need to do now is get a sightseeing spaceship. Do all old people ramble like this? Yang Ming asked, Do they have a port entry permit? Were star pirates! Pirates, my dear Deputy! Kolev laughed exaggeratedly, Of course well leave like pirates! Yang Ming was about to ask more when his eyelids twitched slightly, and he abruptly turned to look to the side. A hover car slammed directly into them as if out of control! His enhanced nerve reaction speed came in handy again. Almost instantly, Yang Ming completed a series of operations, navigating the slightly unresponsive pickup through gaps in the traffic. Chaos ensued behind them, and alarms sounded immediately throughout the area, with drones patrolling nearby quickly arriving. Several hover cars rushed in from both sides, seeming to want to surround and force Yang Ming to stop. Oh, oh! Kolev grinned, revealing several yellow teeth. Looking for you? Fasten your seatbelt. Yang Ming calmly pushed the gear to the top, both hands on the steering wheel. A hover car, after all, was still a car. And he was a holder of a C1 manual license! Yang Ming gripped the rectangular steering wheel firmly, floored the pedal, and the hover vehicle even performed two aerial flips, shooting straight into the high-speed lane. Due to dangerous driving, fleets of police drones came speeding, blaring ear-piercing sirens. In front and back, a dozen different-brand hover cars targeted the pickup, trying to force it out of the fast lane. It was a perilous situation. Yang Ming was wary of using too much force and ripping off the steering wheel. His breathing grew somewhat hurried. Kolev was laughing heartily, clearly at his excitement peak, but didnt forget to manipulate the two networked terminals on hand, constantly searching for the drones signal frequency. Half an hour later. The battered pickup hovered on a shadowy metallic bridge. Moments before, Yang Ming had carried Kolev on his shoulders, sped through the dark alleys near Cole Ports red-light district, and soon lost the following group of men and women, likely from some nations intelligence organization. And now, the two of them were crouched behind a trash bin, warily observing their surroundings. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They stick like glue! Kolev complained. I might have a tracker on me, Yang Ming said softly, something I swallowed. He recalled the medicine Lina had given him. Kolev frowned, Oh, Deputy, you should have said earlier; I need to get you an aluminum isolation suit or a signal jammer. Yang Ming looked around the narrow, cramped alley and the men and women leaning against the street. In the human rights-respecting Cole Port, prostitution was legal and unrestricted by gender. They were silent for a while, almost speaking at once. Yang Ming: Follow my lead next. Kolev: Next, youll have to follow mine, young Deputy. It seems, Yang Ming was a bit exasperated, we still cant persuade each other. Your combat ability lets you be unrivaled in the prison, but whats next relies on the ship, relies here. The old man tapped his head, smiling smugly: For the starry sky, youre still a rookie; you need to keep learning, Hanton. Yang Ming was silent for a moment. Kolev was squinting with a smile, unconcerned about Yang Ming refusing, as the initiative was now with this great pirate who also understood this powerful transformed persons desires Hanton? A soft voice suddenly called. Yang Ming immediately reached for the laser pistol in his coat, while Kolev quickly hid behind Yang Ming, alertly looking in the direction of the voice. At the front alleys entrance, a beautiful woman with her hair simply tied back peeked over, surprise all over her palm-sized delicate face. It was Doctor Lina. Hanton, youre here! I heard there was a riot at the prison and was going to check it out! Thank God, quickly, come with me! Kolev immediately tugged at Yang Mings arm, cautioning him to be careful. Yang Ming, however, turned around and grasped Kolevs wrist, leaping up eagerly. Vice-Captain Hanton, who is she? Kolev asked warily. Yang Ming chuckled, The spy who put a tracking device in me; shell get us out! Dont worry, Deputy Kolev. At the sound of these two conversing openly, Lina was clearly taken aback. Shewas exposed? ` Chapter 27 - 27: 019 Beauty and Headbutt Chapter 27: 019 Beauty and Headbutt On the high-end hovercar slowly heading towards Space Port No. 2. Lina, a top Intelligence Officer from the Guel Alliance, was pondering a question that she could somewhat not comprehend. Does genetic modification also modify the brain? When had Hanton become so intelligent? Lina had been undercover on Kigrovs ship for nine months, observing various senior crewmembers. Third Officer Hanton was a genuine Empire serviceman, indoctrinated since childhood by the Sherman Empires brainwashing education. Simply put, he was a dull yet upright Empire serviceman. ... But now, Hanton had actually seen through her real identity during the two monitoring visits! He even detected that she had mixed a nano-tracking device in the gene stabilization solution! In the past few minutes, while Hanton and this notorious old pirate were continuously squabbling, Lina felt that Hantons personality, insight, and manner of speaking were completely different from the Empire serviceman she knew. Kigrovs genetic modifications were too unbelievable. Regrettably, that research ship had already been annihilated by antimatter. Because of this, Lina felt she must get Hanton, by any means necessary! Lina looked down at the small vest binding her hands and turned to look at Hanton, who was nimbly changing clothes, revealing a charming smile, as if she were not in captivity. Hanton Dont worry, Doctor, you saved me once, I wont really hurt you. Yang Ming was arranging his deep blue maintenance uniform, donning a matching cap. Is Doctor Lina from the Guel Alliance or the Free Federation? Why cant it be the New Federation? Lina asked with a smile. Because the people from the New Federation want to get rid of me, Yang Ming laughed, They dont want me to speak again at court; they want to confirm Professor Kigrovs guilt and then condemn the Sherman Empire. For this, they plan to lure me into escaping prison to eliminate me. Lina suddenly realized, So you started a revolt? It was my first officer! Yang Ming patted the shoulder of the small old man in the front seat: This loyal old buddy of mine started the revolt, easily persuading a group of prisoners to overlook the fact that the prison had no heavy firepower. Oh, Hanton, Kolev patiently persuaded, I will give you this respect in front of your woman, but we must still clear up our relationship; a ship can only have one captain! Yang Ming laughed, Are you challenging me to a duel? Damn, who wants to duel with a monstrous warrior like you! Oh right, we could compare intellects. Yang Ming no longer entertained the old man but instead focused on Linas heaving, snowy chest. I have no secrets from you, yet I do not know you, Yang Ming spoke very gently, This seems somewhat unfair. Come back with me, Hanton, I can ensure your safety and a stable and cozy environment. I will fulfill any of your requests. Lina made herself appear as sincere as possible: Voluntarily revealing ones identity is the most unprofessional conduct in our line of work. Yes, my name is fake, my identity is fake, but my desire to help you is real. Hanton, our connection is not just about life and death; we can understand each other. Only I can understand you. The driver, Kolev, could not help but interject, Obviously, Hanton, I can too. Help me? Yang Ming relaxed back into the seat, Are you after my handsome charm, or my lasting impressiveness? Linas smile stiffened slightly, Hanton, your words are somewhat crude you were not like this before Yes, Yang Ming cocked his mouth slightly, Ever since the Empire decided to abandon me, letting me spend twenty years in prison, I realized my past life was simply awful. We should live for ourselves, we only can live for ourselves, right? Lina gently bit her lip. She had to admit, the current Hanton was more charismatic. Well reach the port in five minutes, Kolev laughed, you two still have time for one or two deep exchanges. Enough, Kolev, Yang Ming cursed, hurry up and find a small spacecraft! Kolev laughed heartily, switched the hovercar to autopilot, and then grabbed a block of glass obtained from Chief Gulipa, hunching over it to get busy. Hanton, Linas voice became exceedingly gentle, I will never forget that you saved me. We encouraged and supported each other on that small ship, we had a brief yet warm time together, Hanton Doctor, Yang Ming frowned at her. Lina knew where her advantage lay, and at this moment unabashedly fixated her eyes on Yang Ming, her gaze brimming with undisguised longing, gradually moving closer to him. Yang Ming did not refuse, bowing his head to savor this moments kiss. The old man in the drivers seat slid down his body to avoid disturbing the young couple. Who hasnt been young? Just as Kolev was considering whether to slow down the speed or find a place to stop, he heard murmurs coming from the back seat. Hanton, can you stay? Just for me Do you know self-treatment for concussions, Lina? Huh? What? Bang! Kolev couldnt help but widen his eyes. Amid the crisp sound of impact, the beauty with bound hands rolled her eyes and fell backwards, her forehead immediately showing a bloody mark; while the perpetrator, at this moment, was placing his finger on the beautys neck, seemingly confirming whether she was still alive. Oh! Hanton! Kolev whispered lowly, Youre too rough! Yang Ming smiled calmly. Lina and her high-end hovercar were parked in a multi-story parking garage. When Yang Ming left, he considerately left two slits open in the car window for ventilation, even though he knew her accomplices would probably come looking for her soon. Kolev swiped his finger on the glass panel he held, and an onsite sightseeing car drove up to them. It took them straight to the hangar. Kolev acted every bit the part of a small-time maintenance team leader. On the old mans face, Yang Ming saw no signs of nervousness, only confidence and composure. Dont avoid anyones gaze, Hanton, Kolev whispered. The fake identities weve assumed are already in their system, and theres a high turnover of people at this type of port. Were just two dockworkers attached to the ship, and with the ongoing riot out there, they wont be capable of checking, so no one will question our identities. Yang Ming nodded subtly. Most of the port workers they encountered gave them friendly smiles, and the hangar, filled with numerous tugboats and maintenance ships, was lax in its security. Indeed, the civilian port was nothing like the fortified military ports from Hantons memory, which were guarded at every turn. Taking advantage of a few port guards chatting at the gate, Kolev and Yang Ming had already picked out an expensive maintenance craft, hacked into its system, started the hover mode, and nonchalantly passed by these few guards. A guard looked up, and Kolev flashed a friendly smile, flicking his index and middle fingers beside the corner of his brow, giving the guard a suggestive wink. Take care! shouted the guard. Yang Ming sported a weird expression. How many spaceships had this old man stolen in his lifetime? He was just too skilled! If Kolev hadnt become a pirate, he could have easily been a high-level programmer with a handsome salary. Kolev hummed an indistinct tune, and under Yang Mings gaze, expertly activated panel after panel, illuminating symbols that Yang Ming could not understand. The spaceship surged steadily towards the exit tunnel of the Space Port. Cole Port could be simply divided into two partsmain and peripheral. The periphery of Cole Port was essentially a series of deep-space stations responsible for maintaining and supplying ships that didnt dock. The main part was enveloped in a protective shield, creating a stable ecological environment simulated after a planet. The energy shield surrounding the main body of Cole Port couldnt be opened or closed at will. To facilitate civilian travel, the civilian spaceport was also located within the protective shield. Ships had to pass through a series of segmented tunnels, like ship locks, to leave the simulated atmosphere. The maintenance craft left the simulated gravity zone, and Yang Ming enjoyed the bizarre sensation of his buttocks barely lifting from the seat. It was an experience impossible to replicate with the usual holographic gaming devices. Were lucky not to have to queue this time, chuckled Kolev. However, our ship has no leave permit; the moment we exit this tunnel, it will trigger an alarm, so please fasten your seatbelt. Kolevs smile gradually faded, and his eyes narrowed into a straight line. The maintenance craft started accelerating. Layer upon layer of light film in the tunnel opened and closed continuously; the command tower had noticed this unscheduled vessel. Sizzle. The noise of electromagnetic interference accompanied the voice of command: Maintenance Craft B435AZyou dont have a flight plan scheduled are you mistaken? Kolev replied calmly, We just got a last-minute notification that we need to perform a checkup on a merchant ship. Is there a problem with the coordination? Oh, let me checkno background messagestrange, whats happening here? Anyway, you need to come back, this isnt following regulations. Regulations? Kolevs facial wrinkles trembled slightly, and his hands shoved the control levers fiercely. The maintenance ships rear thrusters blasted out long flames, making the craft surge forward at full speed. Kolev shouted, I am the regulation! B435AZ, what are you doing! My God! You dont have leave permission! Remote control! Remote control it! The backdoor for remote control has been closed! Were in trouble now! Whoosh! Accompanied by the chaotic noise from the intercom, the small maintenance craft burst out of the tunnel and shot into the deep starry sky. Alarms blasted painfully in the port. Outside patrol drones simultaneously turned direction, locking onto the maintenance craft and speeding to pursue. Kolev quickly set a coordinate and let the spaceship continue at full speed, pushing the long floating rudder towards Yang Ming. Drive it like you used to race cars. Ill handle the interference with these drones! Yang Ming nodded, somewhat apprehensively. After all, the driving interface in games never had so many buttons. Pushing forward is acceleration, right? Yang Ming asked. Oh, are you serious? Kolev looked at him incredulously. Yang Ming grimaced and pushed the control stick to its maximum range, suddenly unleashing a strong sensation of being pushed back. His intuition was indeed impressive. Outside the metallic kingdom of Cole Port, a small six-meter-long craft sped furiously, followed by a swarm of drones flashing their police lights. This outer space chase scene was imprinted onto a telescope lens. Behind the miniature projection screen connected to the telescope, Lina, covering the swollen area on her forehead and fighting the urge to vomit, clenched her teeth in frustration. She definitely had a concussion! sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She was now barely maintaining consciousness with medications and would need to take a leave for months for recovery! Boss! came a report from outside the car. Our two escort ships will soon reach the designated airspace! Have them lock onto that craft and capture them by all means possible! Linas voice grew louder, dizzy and nauseous for a moment, she couldnt help but mutter bitterly and furiously: Damn Hanton! Once I catch him, Im going to smash his head against the wall a hundred times! Chapter 28 - 28: 020 Frigate Number Three Chapter 28: 020 Frigate Number Three Woo-hoo! We shook them off! Kolev shouted excitedly, turning his head to look at the empty Star Domain behind them, his face brimming with pride. Those dozen or so drones started to circle and dance like headless flies. Yang Ming also breathed a sigh of relief. The sense of crisis that came with space travel could not be overcome by mere physical strength; just now, those dozen drones had activated their targeting systems and fired a volley of laser cannons at them. Their maintenance ship didnt have any energy shields, so dodging that barrage was all down to Yang Mings somewhat erratic piloting. ... Microgravity, playing around, imagination is the limit in the boundless sky. Kolev took over the square steering handle, and the ship sped towards the predetermined coordinates. Relax, Hanton, First Officer! Weve made it through the rough patch. In a few more minutes, youll see my beautiful, adorable daughter! Oh, but dont you get any ideas about herthis old man wont go easy on you. The more Kolev spoke, the less confident he sounded. The image of this guy here getting a wet kiss and then knocking the girl unconscious kept replaying in Kolevs mind. Kolev turned his head and looked at Yang Ming warily: You wont seduce her, will you? I need a straight answer. Of course not, Yang Ming spread his hands wide, Im a respectable man, I swear on the honor of the Empire. Kolev nodded, then felt something was not quite right. Yang Ming wasnt really interested in romantic affairs at the moment. Survival was the primary need. Kolev gave Yang Ming a few more suspicious glances: Ill take your word for it, my dear First Officer. With your physique and those shifty eyes, youre bound to be a hit with the ladies, but believe me, being a pirate isnt synonymous with promiscuity. Im rather conservative when it comes to my daughters upbringing. Yang Ming shrugged: I promise not to look at her too much, First Officer Kolev. Were partners, shes like my niece, and Id have to be less than human to lay a hand on my own niece. Oh, forgive me, Kolev laughed, Its just a fathers concern. Although I know shell need to find a partner someday, I just cant bear to let her go. She has the disposition to rely on the strong. Kolev, how long have you been at Cole Port Prison? Four years, about, Kolev shook his head, Although I was sort of detained on purpose. Its complicated. There was chaos at the time, and the Peace Guard showed up suddenly while we were purchasing some equipment Kolev stopped talking, a thoughtful look in his eyes. Yang Ming didnt push any further. A faint light appeared in the space ahead. They were like sailing on a sea that lacked substance, and that dim light was the beacon guiding their way. Look at that! Kolev laughed: The youngsters have noticed us. Lets wait and see if they can get in touch. Its also a test, you know. When were going to rob a merchant ship, the first thing we do is hack into their systems. Yang Ming could see the unconcealed pride and satisfaction on the old mans face. So, they waited two minutes as the small maintenance ship moved closer to the blinking lights. Oh, Kolevs face darkened, Whats so hard about it? Ive modified every ship myselfjust have to press a few buttons, in order, press a few buttons! Damn! Theyre dragging their feet! Szzzz A faint electromagnetic interference noise came from the ships control panel. Um, ahem, a sweet female voice suddenly came through, This is a New Federation investigation ship. We will conduct a security inspection of your vessel. Give me a break! Kolev cursed, Youre mighty efficient with your actions! Dad? The sweet voice was filled with surprise: Dad! Is that really you? Put down the Main Cannon, stop it! Dont target my dad! Dad, you actually really escaped! Noise from the other side included a mix of male and female voices, all rather mixed and seemingly not very young. Oh! Its Captain Kolev! I knew it! He would come back! No peaceful prison could hold him! Hahaha! I can finally have a drink in peace tonight! Yang Ming muttered: Kolev, can I ask you something? Of course. How old is your daughter now? Shes twenty, or twenty-one by the universal Galactic age system. So, that means when you were caught, er, willingly went to prison, your daughter was sixteen or seventeen? Yang Ming looked somewhat shocked. Yes, Kolev laughed, I know what youre worried about, but rest assured, my daughter is a true pirate. No one is more professional than her, no one! The radio brought his daughters somewhat hesitant voice: Dad, I may not be as outstanding as you think, I Who was just speaking? Kolev: My First Officer. Yang Ming: His captain. Kolev chuckled, This is my new partner, we havent decided yet who will lead the other. But rest assured, my daughter. Since Ive already given you the Black Dragon Pirate Group, I wont undermine your authority. I will become your most reliable consultant and will recruit new crew members in an unfamiliar Star Domain. Dad, lets talk when youre back, his daughters voice sounded somewhat guilty, I need to report some things to you, continue forward, Ill open the tail hatch for you. Kolev exchanged a glance with Yang Ming, both men smiling at the same time. Kolevs daughter indeed had a sweet voice. But he wasnt a simpleton like Hanton, how could Yang Ming let something as trivial as carnal matters affect his relationship with Kolev? Yang Ming tapped the small microphone on the screen in front of him to make it adhere to a red circle, so that Kolevs daughter couldnt hear their conversation temporarily. Uh, Kolev, could you get the genetic stabilization drug? Yang Ming asked. Kolev laughed with a tsk, Of course, in a pirate group there are always one or two warriors who use genetic modification to enhance themselves, or fit themselves with mechanical prosthetics to increase their combat effectiveness. One of my old friends turned himself into a mechanical octopus, with eight mechanical arms extending from his back, directly connected to his central nervous system. He can easily overpower strong corporate guards, such warriors are usually the aces of a pirate group Youre my ace too, First Mate Hanton, so dont worry about these little things. Kolev, my career plan is to be your captain. Yang Ming corrected him, then added: I need to change the gene stabilization drug sooner, this bottle has a tracking device. Dont worry too much about that, Kolev said, Nano-level tracking devices are of two types, active signal emission and passive reception, both have range limitations, the universe is boundless, after we make the jump, no one will find you. Youre very learned, Kolev. Just the basic literacy of a pirate. What did you do before becoming a pirate? Yang Ming leaned back in his chair to rest with his eyes closed, casually asking. Kolev sighed, A high-class locksmith. Then why did you become a pirate? One should pay attention to the atmosphere when inquiring about someones story, Hanton, Kolev gazed ahead at the starry sea, his murky old eyes filled with memories, If given the choice, who would want to be a wanted criminal Yang Ming watched the approaching pirate ship. It looked somewhat old and was covered in scars, like a wind-sailing ship from the last century suddenly seen during the era of steel battleships. The hundred-meter-long hull, the rudely stacked weaponry, all indicating its mediocre fighting capability. In about one or two minutes, they would complete docking. Kolev controlled the maintenance boat to continue decelerating, slowly narrating: When I was young, I too had the grandiose ideal of contributing a glimmer to my civilization, but ideals are just ideals. Greed, addiction, promiscuity, people around me were pursuing lowly pleasures, stripping away the pretenses of civilization to reveal their beastly nature, my first wife betrayed me like that Kolev! Yang Mings expression suddenly tensed up, his gaze fixed on the starboard side. Kolev: That day when I returned home, I came back early specifically to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, and I heard noises from the kitchen, those bestial grunts that I can never forget. Oh, I gave her everything I could, my wages, my credit, my circle of friends Kolev, you have to come here and see! Yang Mings voice was even more urgent. But Kolev was trapped in his painful memories, unable to extricate himself. Do you know what I saw? Oh, those two women, my first wife and my neighbor, clinging together like wild dogs. My wife betrayed me like that. I never thought that my first encounter with someone high on drugs would be with my unclothed wife and neighbor. At that moment, my na?ve world collapsed, do you understand Hanton, at that time I Oh, whats this? Yang Ming raised his hand to his forehead. Outside the right hull window, faint ripples appeared in space as if the void was brewing a visible tsunami. This was not a normal physical phenomenon. Jump traces! Those are short-range directional jump ripples! Kolev shouted out. No sooner had he spoken than the layers of ripples suddenly vanished, and a two-hundred-meter long silver-white battleship appeared silently in space. The subspace film wrapped around its sleek hull rapidly dissipated, and an exaggeratedly large high-energy ray Main Cannon aimed straight at the nearby pirate ship. Its a military ship! Thats a Firepower Ship of the Guel Alliance! Kolevs face turned instantly pale. Damn it, how can there be a military ship here? We cant outrun its Main Cannon range, oh! Heaven! You guys get away from there! Dad! Hurry up with your movements! His daughters voice came in panic, To think theres a military ambush here! Calm down, Kolev, theres a high chance Im the one who brought this upon you. Yang Ming pulled the square rudder over, his hands gripping tightly. But Kolev, since Ive made it out, I refuse to fall into their hands. I dont want to be locked in those transparent containers, immersed in unidentified nutrient fluids, spending the rest of my life with my own excrement. We must escape! And we will escape! This is insane Hanton, Kolev said in a low voice, We cant confront a regular armys ship, even if its just a two-hundred-meter class guard ship, thats not The old mans words stopped, he adjusted his breathing several times, turned his head to look at the cannon which seemed as though it had reached their necks, and the pirate ship that was locked in the military ships Main Cannon. Sear?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Im old, Kolev said, but I havent lost the courage to challenge the strong. From now on, Ill follow your lead, Temporary Captain Hanton. Alright, Temporary First Mate Kolev! Accelerate! Chapter 29 - 29: 021 Jump! Jump! Chapter 29: 021 Jump! Jump! Yang Ming stared intently at the pirate ship directly ahead. He slightly adjusted the square rudder, pushing it to a slightly larger positionhe had to shorten the final few minutes of this voyage as much as possible. Yang Ming muttered quickly, Have your daughter prepare for the jump in advance. We need to burst in the moment before the jump completes, otherwise theres no need to drag them into this. Make sure we receive their surrender signal and establish communication. Ill try to hold them off. Kolev immediately began to look down and operate, reconnecting to his pirate ship via an encrypted channel. ... The old mans voice regained its calmness. Mimili, Im remotely controlling the ship now. A military ship has appeared; dont worry, they wont fire easily. Remember our old trick? Mimili? Which Mimili? His daughters name is Mimili? Yang Ming was suddenly shocked, but he couldnt afford to be distracted at this moment. Okay, Dad! Im not worried, Im actually quite excited! Mimilis voice trembled slightly. Give me authorization Yes, thats it. A three-dimensional projection appeared on the cube glass in Kolevs hands, depicting the hull of the pirate ship ahead. Sizzlethat was the sound of electromagnetic interference. A familiar female voice emerged from the maintenance ships central console. It was Lina! Hanton, I can forgive your impudence, but now you must come back with me, or Id rather destroy you. Is that so, Lina? Yang Ming turned his head to look toward the starboard side, pushing the square rudder forward once more; the intense pushback thrilled him slightly. I apologize for our intense physical clashes just now, but Lina, both of us know how miserable it would be if I went back with you. I just learned a phrase, Lina. Yang Ming gazed up at the pirate ship ahead. Above the pirate ship, on the left and right wings, and on the front deck, a deep blue halo appeared simultaneously, slowly covering the entire pirate ship in a thin film. Typically, such colored film indicated a low-level protective energy shield. It seemed the pirates were ready for battle. But when Yang Ming turned his head to look at Kolev, he saw a growing excitement in Kolevs eyes. Although Yang Ming didnt know the specifics, he understoodthe pirate ships protective shield was something significant. He now had to do his utmost to preserve this ship. Dont make me hate you, Lina. Dont harm the new friends I just met. Hanton, this pirate ship wont withstand a single strike from our main cannon. That level of protective shield is like a piece of paper, Lina said, You have no escape, Hanton. Didnt you just learn a phrase? We can talk face-to-face, and Ill hold your hand, forgiving your previous rashness. Yang Ming pondered for a moment. He saw the excitement in Kolevs eyes. With a hint from Kolevs gaze, Yang Ming steered the maintenance ship steadily, slowly turning it sideways to align with the gap opening in the rear of the pirate ship. The deep blue light film flowed towards the rear like water. Lina, I can come back with you. Yang Ming spoke, But I need to help my old friend leave. Catching these space pirates means nothing to you, does it, Lina? Of course, Lina said softly, Ill let them go. This is an official promise. Now, please stop your maintenance craft and have the pirate ship disable its protective shield. Yang Ming adjusted the position of the small craft, his eyes filled with deep blue light. Only a little more than a hundred meters remained until the rear, but the maintenance ship had to slow down to avoid hitting the hull. Kolev kept twirling the glass panel in his hands. He calculated, ensuring the blue films spreading speed perfectly matched the forward sliding speed of the maintenance craft. Thirty meters. The outer hatch of the rear compartment on the pirate ship began to close in advance. Kolev signaled Yang Ming to move forward, and Yang Ming gently pushed the operating lever. A terrible silence fell inside the small craft. Yang Ming felt as though he could hear someones heartbeat. Hanton, Lina said, we will send a landing craft to take control of this pirate ship, but rest assured, as long as you cooperate, we wont harm them. Let them conserve some energy, this protective shield is utterly pointless. Is that so, Lina? Yang Ming murmured softly, Your lips are very sweet. I hope that wasnt our last intimate encounter. Lina seemed a bit embarrassed but quickly responded with gentle words, We can have a long time alone together, we wont disappoint each other, right, Hanton? Yes, Lina, I like kissing you. The maintenance craft slid into the gap of the rear compartment. The deep blue light film quietly sealed two seconds later. The outer hatch of the rear compartment closed five seconds later. Due to its slightly high speed, the maintenance ship was pressed by Yang Ming using the square rudder against the thickened deck of the rear compartment, causing sparks to fly as it scraped against the hull. Suddenly! Buzz The light around the pirate ship slightly distorted; a lens effect caused arc-shaped starlight to appear around its exterior! Thats subspace coating! In the bridge of the Side Guard Three vessel, several officers stared at the scene in front of them, immediately shouting at Lina on the side projection screen: Thats not a protective shield, its a jump coating! Theyve activated subspace! Damn, how did they do that, mimicking the energy fluctuations of a protective shield! What? Lina was somewhat taken aback. Stop them! Side Cannon Three is fully charged! Side Cannon Four is fully charged! Commander, can we shoot them down? Please make a decision! The enemy will initiate the jump in twenty-five seconds. Shock quickly vanished from Linas eyes. Her image appeared on the bridge projection screen of Side Guard Three; And the projection screen in front of Lina split into two parts, one locked onto the pirate ship with Yang Ming, the other showing the inside of the bridge. Twenty seconds! The technician turned his head and yelled. Voices on the bridge became chaotic, then quickly fell silent as everyones eyes converged on Linas projection. In the back seat of the hovercar, Lina was already clutching her hands tightly. Fifteen-second countdown! The enemy is about to open the jump channel! Captain! Lina, do you still want to hear that phrase? Yang Mings voice suddenly rose, but the subspace membrane had disrupted the communication, making his deliberately slowed voice sound a bit deep and hoarse: A beast that has tasted freedom cannot willingly walk into its own grave. Captain! Lina was almost breathless; several thoughts flashed through her mind rapidly. Kigrovs technology, the sole significant result of the Valkyrie Plan, her own nine months of undercover accomplishments And yet, her mind was filled with the image of that kiss with the transformed man The enemy has opened the channel! On the screen, the nearly disintegrating pirate ship flickered slightly. Attack! Lina immediately shouted. Side Guard Threes side cannons fired deep purple rays. The pirate ship flickered suddenly! The purple rays skimmed past the pirate ship but only hit a slight shimmer of light. The starry space in front of them returned to normal, and the lens effect on the edge of the subspace disappeared. Lina slumped into her seat, feeling waves of dizziness assault her once again, her irregular breathing moving her chest. In that moment, Lina thought of the Kigrov that Hanton had spoken of. Yes, she too felt hesitation and timidity. Just like Kigrov facing the Valkyrie. Can you pinpoint their landing site? Lina asked in a trembling voice. Unable to track for now, its a long-distance jump. Pirates always have some jump points we dont know about, the captain of Side Guard Three said, Cole Port Peace Guard has sent us an inquiry. Our ship has appeared in a restricted zoneyou shouldnt have hesitated, Lina, level one intelligence officer. I will recount the whole process honestly to your superiors. Um, I know. Thanks for your cooperation. Lina nodded calmly and didnt say much else. After intense vibrations often came severe gasping. Yang Ming was relatively fine; during the dozen seconds of the jump, he barely felt a faint tearing sensation. The pirate ships jump experience was nothing compared to the comfortable Human Council survey ship. But Yang Ming turned to see Kolev and was startled. The old man was gasping heavily, his eyes bloodshot and face turning dark, his body trembling continuously. Yang Ming immediately realized something and placed his palm on the old mans chest, gently patting it, causing the old man to start vomiting violently. Soon after, Kolev slumped into the seat, and Yang Ming turned on this maintenance boats air purification system. Indeed, the air of freedom was filled with the stench of vomit. The tail cabin began slowly pressurizing, the air outside still very thin. Yang Ming didnt dare venture out hastily and started examining the overly spacious tail cabin. The old man beside him swore a few interspace curses, then burst into loud laughter. We survived! Haha! Hanton! Yang Ming squinted smilingly. The feeling of escaping death was quite pleasant. Relax, were temporarily safe, Kolev collapsed in the drivers seat, Why were you so sure your darling Lina would hesitate? Frontline intelligence officers like her are strictly trained personnel. If I cant have it, then no one canthats always been their principle. Yang Ming carefreely said, Thats confidence in my kissing skills. Cut it out! Kolev rolled his eyes. Yang Mings eyebrows twitched slightly: Was everything you said earlier true? About your first wife and her lesbian best friend? Oh, Kolev looked regretful, I always talk too much when Im old, and I cant believe I told you everything! Yes, but worry not, I was still kind at the time. What happened after? I left that city. After taking them to the hospital and contacting the local police, I intended to return to my homelanda livable Resource Star full of Dunes, I needed a place to lick my wounds. Kolev sighed, But on my way back, I encountered pirates and became their captive. Because of my advanced technician certification, they took me back to work as a technical worker, and step by step, I became a professional pirate. Yang Ming nodded. What about your story? Kolev asked, Deputy Hanton, we are friends now. Its your turn to share. Yang Ming pointed to a cabin door that was opening nearby. Kolev chuckled, Hurry up, or I wont let you off easily. Its my territory now! I am an officer from the Sherman Empire. Yang Ming took an interested look at the few elderly people who came running toward them, appearing about the same age as Kolev. That made sense; after all, Kolev was an old pirate, his pirate group having a few elderly members was quite normal. Yang Ming continued, I previously worked on a vile genetic modification research ship, responsible for firefighting. Later, an accident occurred. The research ship exploded due to the rebellion of the Transformed Bodies, and I barely escaped. I underwent basic enhancement modifications and could suppress those half-finished transformed people when necessary. Several middle-aged men and women appeared behind those elderly individuals, their expressions filled with respect. What happened next? Kolev unbuckled his seatbelt and started operating the maintenance boats scissor door. Yang Mings eyes suddenly sparkled. He saw the young girl rushing out, her beautiful face and hot figure drawing out a knowing smile on his face. But as the features of the girl overlapped with scenes from his memory, Yang Mings expression gradually turned into surprise and disbelief. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He recognized this beautiful face! He had seen her more than once in Abyss. Praise the Ancient Gods Kolevs daughter was actually this Mimili! Chapter 30 - 30: 022 Mimili Chapter 30: 022 Mimili Hey! Kolev shouted angrily, You are staring blankly! You scoundrel! Her father is still here! Your daughter is called Mimili? I didnt realize it just now. Yang Ming murmured with shining eyes. The old man lunged forward and grabbed Yang Ming by the neck, Dont you dare think those dirty thoughts about her! Yang Ming allowed Kolev to hold his neck, the other man not exerting much force, or perhaps he exerted force but Yang Ming couldnt feel it at all. A wise gentleman naturally should not stare too intently at a lady. ... Yang Ming calmly withdrew his gaze, and only then did Kolev let go, raising his eyebrows triumphantly and jumping down with a laugh. Yang Ming continued to unabashedly admire the beauty. Mimilis wine-red hair seemed as if it had just been soaked in red wine, her skin fragile as if the Creators finest gift to mankind, especially her delicate face on her swan-like neck, the clever arrangement of her features surely delighting her birth mother. Her flawless forehead, slightly sunken eye sockets combined with a gently rising nose bridge gave a subtle sense of three-dimensionality; those gem-like light-colored eyes seemed always to be whispering to people. And her tall figure, perfectly showcased by an outfit of dungarees, a shirt, and knee-high boots. Kolev opened his arms. Mimili, several centimeters taller than him, ran to her father with a laugh, hugging him tightly, screaming excitedly. Screaming was more fitting for a pirate than crying. Yang Ming, hands tucked in the pockets of his repair suit, leaned against the front of the maintenance boat, soaking in the warmth of the father-daughter reunion, while also taking the opportunity to catch a few more glimpses of Mimilis captivating figure. She really is a beauty. Whats more precious is her youthful vigor that radiated from within, not artificially maintained on her face through various means. However, more than Mimilis beauty and vitality, Yang Ming was clearly more concerned about her other identity. More specifically, the identity Mimili possessed thirty Galaxy Years later, in Abyss. She was one of the most notorious antagonist characters among players in the 60~70 level range. Her beauty and fiery figure had secured her a spot in the top twenty of the characters players most wanted to date for two consecutive years. The Black Wind Pirate Group she led, with dozens of large and small combat ships, brazenly based in a small country, was one of the few legendary pirate groups in history capable of directly challenging and retreating unscathed from major nations regular armies. Mimili herself was consistently among the top ten on players bounty lists for years, a prime target for major military forces in the 60~70 stage; anybody whose mecha or combat ship landed a hit could become a millionaire overnight. But Mimili survived. Not only did she manage to escape several dangerous situations amid the relentless pursuit of player armies, causing heavy damage to their ranks and bringing several large corporations to the brink of bankruptcy; she also began campaigning for presidency in a medium-sized Galaxy state, receiving political asylum. Proud as a queen, yet with the ruthlessness of pirates; She was like a beautiful venomous snake, also like a rose with thorns, never once submissively getting cozy for any man. Yes, Yang Ming was completely certain, this young and beautiful girl before him was the future pirate queen! Star Widow, Mimili! Uh, hold on. Yang Ming raised his hand and rubbed his eyebrows. He truly loved this girls face and figure; But this nickname was it perhaps too demanding for her other half? And moreover, the pirate queen whose sexy photo shoots I used to collect, was actually an old lady in her fifties? Yang Mings expression became indescribable. Kolev only briefly embraced Mimili, then turned his attention to a few old people nearby. Oh, you guys are here! My old buddies! These old folks, hair graying but still sturdy, moved forward and hugged Kolev one by one, with two old grandmothers even tearing up, visibly emotional. Kolev looked behind and greeted the middle-aged men and women with a smile, then he frowned deeply. Where are the others? Kolev asked, Kimo, Guka, Ferina, Emily Oh, are they on other ships? There are no other ships, Dad. Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mimili bit her lip, slightly at a loss and unable to meet Kolevs gaze directly. We were expelled by Kimo Im sorry, Dad, I lost your Black Dragon Pirate Group Kolevs expression darkened like still waters. The outer cabin quieted down. A few old people tried to explain something to help Mimili, but Kolevs reputation made them too scared to speak. No one knew what the old pirate Kolev thought about in the silent thirty seconds; he turned around, walked up to Mimili, and slapped his beautiful daughter sharply across the face. Slap! Yang Ming raised an eyebrow. Mimilis eyes brimmed with tears, her lips tightly pursed, her hands behind her back, saying nothing. As your captain, Kolev growled, just four years! You lost the seven ships I left for you! Over a thousand crew members! How useless do you have to be for everyone to abandon you! Kimo pretended to pursue me, I did not agree, Mimili said with a trembling voice, He continually spread rumors about me, and even tampered with the accounts, making me Enough! This is a lack of competence! Kolev roared, then closed his eyes and exhaled softly, opening his arms to hug Mimili, gently patting her back with his fist. As your father. Youve been wronged, Mimili, Dad will stand up for you, Dad will take care of all those who bullied you! There, my sweetheart! Ill introduce you to a new friend I just made, my age-defying friend, a strong and mature man, his name is Hanton. Yang Ming composed himself to look like a respectable elder, wearing an elegant smile. He extended his right hand to Mimili, who after glancing at Kolev, stepped forward and shook Yang Mings hand gracefully. Hello, Uncle Hanton. Yang Mings smile was somewhat stiff as he said, We should be about the same age. Mimili blinked her long eyelashes, and her cheeks were slightly flushed from the slap earlier, her eyes revealing a hint of curiosity. She naturally knew that it was hard to extract any compliments from her fathers strict mouth. Alright! Break it up! Kolev quickly slapped Yang Mings hand away and pulled Mimili behind him, full of vigilance as he said, Mimili, you better know this beforehand, this guy is very strong, and hes a playboy. When we came here, there was a woman nearly as beautiful as you pouring her heart out to him, guess what he did? Mimilis curiosity grew even stronger: What did he do? He knocked her out! Kolev cursed, Right after they were entangling tongues, he used his head to knock her out! Oh! Mimili was full of confusion. Yang Ming shrugged, Nothing is more important than freedom. She wanted to seduce me with her beauty, and Im not easily enchanted by mere beauty. Two old men and a middle-aged man joined Kolev, completely separating Yang Ming and Mimili. They began to speak in turn: Kid, what are your achievements? To join our New Black Dragon Pirate Group, you must go through a rigorous assessment! For instance, I once killed two military officers, officers of the New Federation! I once scared away three escort ships of a trade group with just one empty ship, three! Oh, I havent done such significant deeds, but Im a mature scoundrel! Haha! I can use a laser gun, and I once hit three central targets with a laser gun! Yang Ming: Arent laser guns supposed to lack recoil? Dont they usually have an aiming assist system? He clearly understood where their hostility came from. Mimili indeed was a na?ve young girl, far from growing into the pirate queen of the stars. She had a thirty-year long journey ahead, destined to be filled with various tragedies and challenges. My recent achievements are somewhat modest, Yang Ming said earnestly, I merely pulled down the pants of eight strong men and left them paralyzed on the ground. Referring to the initial physical examination in prison. The two old men and the uncle suddenly changed their expressions, took a few looks at the muscle outlines faintly appearing under Yang Mings maintenance suit, and wisely took a step back. You, youve passed our assessment, young man with astounding strength. Kolev, your old friends are really interesting, Yang Ming squinted and smiled. Im not here to join you. Im just accomplices with Kolev in escaping prison. Im Kolevs comrade-in-arms. Now, Kolev, do you want to continue following me as my deputy, or stay here to clean up this mess? Kolev thought for a moment, I was originally thinking of pulling together a pirate group to have you as my deputy. Forget it, Yang Ming reminded, youve already called me captain.'' I said temporary captain! Kolev corrected, That Lina was the problem you caused, it has nothing to do with me, so you need to take responsibility, and the captains primary duty is to take responsibility. Alright, suit yourself. Yang Ming smiled at Mimili and gently winked. Mimili dared not meet his gaze. Is this really the assertive and domineering Mimili? Yang Ming noticed Kolev showing signs of losing temper and quickly averted his gaze, saying, Think it over, Im going to take a shower. Any empty cabin should be fine, right? Kolev, well talk later. Yang Ming glanced under the maintenance boat seat and walked past this group of middle-aged and elderly pirates towards the cabin door. It was a pity that his Light Sword and Light Shield were left on the escape pod, confiscated by the Human Council. A failed zero-cost acquisition. As he entered the rust-streaked corridor, Yang Ming still heard the conversation behind him. This young man is really rude. Hey, Kolev reminded, remember, no one should provoke him, I mean no one! He is extremely dangerous. If he wanted to kill everyone present, it would only take a blink of an eye. Boss, youre exaggerating. His latest achievement isnt just those eight gays; he dismantled over a dozen mechanical guards with his bare hands and subdued over a hundred guards, capturing the prisons control room and armory, killed their warden and several tough criminals without them even realizing his presence. How do you think I escaped? His single-handed combat capabilities could match a hundred Kimos! His only deficiency is a spaceship of his own. Yang Ming shook his head and smiled. I should take a capsule soon; intense fighting is not conducive to stability, better to secure some pure Genetic Stabilization Liquid early. This young version of the Star Queen, Mimili Yang Ming clicked his tongue. He respected his comrade-in-arms, Kolev, and would not seek out Mimili later; however, if Mimili made the first move, he would probably find it hard to refuse a young mistress who matched his aesthetic preferences. Who could withstand that? Half an hour later, in the cabin Yang Ming chose, the door was gently knocked. Standing in the water cascade, Yang Ming cautiously grabbed the dagger he had just found. Who? Uncle Hanton, Mimilis sweet voice chimed, Father asked me to remind you that were going to perform consecutive jumps in the next half hour. Thanks, Yang Ming simply said. May I come in? Mimili asked, I brought some clothes for you to change into. Yang Ming: Shes my niece now. He reminded himself mentally. Chapter 31 - 31: 023 Lingering Spirit Chapter 31: 023 Lingering Spirit Fearing that Mimili might misunderstand, Yang Ming deliberately wore his Empire military uniform and didnt just wander out in a bathrobe. Although he really wanted to. Upon opening the cabin door, Yang Ming was pleasantly surprised. Mimili had changed into a pair of tight jeans and a batwing shirt, with a heart-shaped pendant adorning her snowy neck, and her cute butterfly tattoo visible on her shoulder. Uncle, Mimili looked up and assessed Yang Mings expression, try these clothes to see if they fit, theyve all been steamed at high temperature May I come in? Its your ship, Captain Mimili. ... Yang Ming stepped aside, making a gesture for her to enter, and Mimilis smile instantly grew more confident. Clearly, she liked being called captain. Yang Ming intentionally left the cabin door open. Because they were about to make successive jumps, he fixed the door open with suction cups. Surveying the rest cabin she hadnt visited often, Mimili perched her pert backside on the edge of the desk and said with a smile, Father said that you and he took care of Cole Port Prison together. Thats right, Yang Ming pointed towards the blue-coated window that appeared outside, you might want to find a place to sit tight, the jump is about to start. Mimili walked over to the sofa next to Yang Ming, gracefully bringing her legs together as she sat down, then leaned back casually. The jumps my father operates are very stable; they wont affect our conversation Uncle, were you a soldier of the Sherman Empire? I was, before they gave up on me, Yang Ming shook his head, but from now on, I have to make new plans for my own future. The powerful Empire wouldnt feel pain no matter how many soldiers it sacrifices, Mimilis expression showed some disgust, they use the Emperors Power to bind individual freedom. I really dont know why in this age there are still nobles as a ruling class! Whirr The jump began. A faint light appeared around them, like an added layer of hazy lens, and the sound waves produced by their throats vibrated with a slight deviation, causing the trailing sound to be thickened and stretched. These were phenomena unique to subspace. A few seconds later, everything returned to normal, the glowing film turned into flying specks of light that dissolved into the void of space. The spaceship immediately began a new coating, but this time it wasnt a blue light. Does the ship have multiple subspace membrane emitters? Yang Ming asked curiously. Yes, Mimili smiled, we need to maintain high maneuverability and anti-tracking capabilities. Dont be fooled by the ships hundred-meter length; actually, sixty percent of the space is jump equipment. Besides that, theres an equal amount of deflection instruments to avoid resonance. The hull material is comparable to those of large military ships A pirate ship is our second life, Uncle Hanton. Yang Ming crossed his legs and watched her gem-like pale eyes. Mimili, you came to see me while Kolev was managing the jumps, and it must be for more than just expressing his concern. Im quite straightforward and prefer to cut to the chase. Mimili bit her lower lip slightly, My father has spoken highly of your combat skills I wanted to confirm that for myself. Was that a way to check the goods? Yang Mings eyes held a playful light, Mimili, I think I can guess what you want to do. That guy named Kimoyour fathers former subordinatehe took over your position as the leader of the Black Dragon Pirate Group. You want revenge on him, right? Yes, Mimilis gaze became sharp and filled with hatred, I want to take back whats mine, and I dont want to rely on my fathers help. Yang Ming said, Youve fallen into a misconception. What? Or rather, Kolev loves you so much that it caused him to misjudge. Yang Ming picked up the previously sipped distilled water, moistened his throat: Pirate groups are made up of rebellious individuals, and succession shouldnt be a matter of father to son, but of capability. Kolev thinks you have that capability, but in reality, you dont, not yet. Its Kimos slander! Mimili became agitated, It was under his influence that I bought those beauty devices, and I didnt know that was the designated fund for purchasing fuel cells! He planned everything! Yang Ming: She spilled the beans quite easily. See, you cant even keep calm, and thats the most basic requirement. You were easily provoked by me. Yang Ming sighed, shaking his head somewhat disappointedly, I said temporarily, you dont have it temporarily, which doesnt mean you wont have it in the future. Mimilis pretty face reddened, glaring at Yang Ming; it took quite a while before she could speak again. The second jump started, and Mimili took those ten or so seconds to calm down. Does Uncle mean, we need mutual proof? I show you that I have the ability to take back the Black Dragon, and you prove to me your superior combat skills, right? Roughly speaking, Yang Ming said, but theres something else I need to be honest about. Mimili stood up, silently watching Yang Ming. Until you surpass your father, I wont consider becoming your subordinate, Yang Ming warned, Even if you become better than your father, I wont sacrifice my freedom. At most, we can work together temporarily. Mimili nodded, not saying anything further, and turned to leave the cabin. If it wasnt for her kicking the corridor wall on her way out, Yang Ming might have really thought the future Star widow was a docile sheep. The clothes clearly had been worn by someone else, but they felt soft to the touch, and indeed bore signs of disinfection. Yang Ming locked the cabin door and examined himself in the mirror on the wall, taking off the Empires military uniform for the last time. Whirr Sar?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The jump started again. Chapter 32 - 32: 023 Lingering Spirit_2 Chapter 32: 023 Lingering Spirit_2 ` Yang Ming squinted, ready to enjoy the marvelous sensation for those ten seconds, when his eyelids suddenly twitched softly. Goo-goo-woo Yang Ming wondered if he heard wrong. He abruptly turned around, only to see the interior of the cabin turning into overlapping shadows; as he closed his eyes, a scene swiftly flashed before him. A deep starry sky, a splendid nebula, all of these were meaningless backdrops. ... It was as if, right in front, in the darkness directly ahead, the girl quietly floated there, curling her broken body, seemingly in a cosmic slumber. The, the Valkyrie? Goo-goo-woo I want to devour you. I want to devour you. I want to devour you. The whisper of Po Suo echoed continuously, and behind her seemed to emerge a phantom of a planet; when Yang Ming tried to look more closely, the light and shadow before him gently trembled, and everything vanished. The jump was completed. A faint reverberation drilled into Yang Mings ear, as if it were the Valkyries murmur in a dream. Become one with me, Yang Ming. Yang Mings skin crawled with goosebumps. Was even an Antimatter Bomb incapable of killing the Valkyrie? As everyone knew, the principle of an Antimatter Bomb was to use the annihilation of antimatter and matter to produce high-energy gamma rays, converting almost 100% of the mass into energy. The strongest weapon developed by Earths civilization, the hydrogen bomb, could only achieve less than 0.7% mass-energy conversion! Ah, yes, dismissing mass while discussing power was simply nonsense. The Antimatter Bomb that Brother Ji detonated at the time might not have had such a high mass; the small landing craft that he and Lina were on was attacked at close range without evident damage. If the research vessel left any wreckage, and if the wreckage contained cells of the goddess, it was possible for the goddess to revive! That was the most terrifying aspect of the Ancient God Life Form. They were aggregations of cells, capable of using individual cells as spores to undergo infinite division, growth, and reconstruction. Even if the Valkyrie wasnt dead, she must be in her weakest state now, and he might have a chance to completely eliminate her! It wouldnt work either, the vicinity of the research vessel explosion point must already be surrounded by the Empires army for investigation. Having barely escaped, going back would be like serving himself on a silver platter, wouldnt it? Yang Ming moved swiftly inside the pirate ship, his thoughts a tangled mess. It was as if, he felt he had reached the doorstep of a happy life, only to push open the door and find it inhabited by a knife-wielding Valkyrie. A stream of curses rolled through Yang Mings mind, pushing open the door in front of him to reach the bridge of the ship. It was more of a comprehensive living room than a bridge. Only one-third of the space was dedicated to a control panel, with a vintage wooden ships wheel in the center; the rest was filled with weapon racks, tables, and dining chairs. More than a dozen figures surrounded Kolev, who was frowning at the projection screen in front of him, seemingly looking at the accounts. You all leave first, I want to have a chat with my friend, Kolev said, Mimili, stay. The over ten pirates each nodded in response and left the bridge in a stifling atmosphere. Yang Ming concealed his anxiety and smiled as he approached. Hows it going, Kolev? A complete mess, Kolev opened a bottle of wine beside him, poured a bit into an empty glass for Yang Ming, Im sorry you had to see me at the most embarrassing moment of my life. Mimili pouted slightly from the side. Yang Ming pulled out a chair and sat down, smelling the wine and taking a sip. Where are we heading now? Yang Ming asked. The middle section of the second spiral arm, where a few small countries converge, preparing to check out the black market nearby, Kolev shrugged, Honestly, Im a bit lost now. The news of my escape will soon spread among the circles, and those who betrayed my daughter, those ruthless pirates I personally trained, will undoubtedly come after Mimili and me. I can imagine them being restless. Yang Ming nodded, Yes, Mimili might not be a threat to them, but youre different. Mimili almost rolled her eyes to the top of the cabin. What else can I do? Kolev glanced at Mimili and continued, Now I can only appear publicly, go to the black market where pirates gather, catch up with my old friends, and publicly declare that Ive quit the pirate circle, only wanting to find a quiet planet to spend the rest of my life with Mimili. Yang Ming frowned and said, Will they believe you? Of course they wont, Kolev said, But Hanton, you must understand, I still have a certain amount of prestige. When I express that I dont wish to oppose Kimo and the others proactively, they must consider how their subordinates feel. Pirates can be extremely cruel to enemies, but they must have enough regard for their own people, or else theyll eventually die under the barrels of their subordinates guns. And then? Perhaps disappearing entirely is a good choice. Kolev said, Mimili isnt cut out for this; shes better off opening a beauty salon. Mimili bit her lip, looking down. No, no, Yang Ming laughed, Parents always have filters for their children. Mimili is a born pirate, I assure you. Mimili looked slightly surprised, not expecting such an evaluation from Uncle Hanton. Kolev frowned deeply, But she failed. Everyone fails; lifes main theme cant be success. Whats important is whether we choose to try again or choose to sink into despair after failure. Yang Ming said softly, You cant expect Mimili to be as scheming as those underlings you trained. She was only sixteen or seventeen at the time and is now only twenty, whereas those underlings of yours are rogues who have followed you and ventured across land and sea for decades. Kolevs expression softened slightly. Mimili looked at Yang Ming with a bit more gratitude. You have a talent for comforting people, Kolev remarked. Yang Ming asked, When we made consecutive jumps earlier, did we pass through somewhere? Did we cross the Empires border? Oh, whats wrong? Kolev said, Didnt you study elementary school physics, Hanton? The principle of jumping is moving in a straight line; the universe we exist in is a four-dimensional structure, contained within a five-dimensional world. Why four-dimensional? You can visually perceive the length, width, and height, the three-dimensional attributes of an object.; in the five-dimensional world looking at us, they can see our length, width, height, and temporal state intuitively. Our universe is a plane in this five-dimensional world; you can imagine it as, this plane becomes a series of complex polytopes, which we cannot accurately calculate using our methods, after being reduced in dimensions. When we make jumps, were navigating quickly within these polytopes. We live in the four-dimensional world, but are also part of the five-dimensional world, just as the cube you see is enveloped within our universe, so we can utilize a few rules of the five-dimensional world. Yang Ming shrugged, So why not fold a piece of paper and use a pen to pierce two overlapping holes? Oh, your knowledge of physics is so primitive, Kolev shook his head, Thats just an analogy. What you mean is, during the jump, we could potentially pass through some distant voids in another dimension. Yes, we cant determine the exact location of these voids, as theyre exceedingly abstract. Yang Ming sat there, lost in thought. How to deal with the Valkyrie? Heading into Sherman Empire territory now was obviously impractical; if he went later, the Valkyrie might have already regained her strength. He already had the upper hand now. The Valkyrie might need some time to regain her strength. That was the opportunity. He had to become stronger. He could have a powerful pirate group, or perhaps not just a pirate group, the Intelligent Mechanic Army was also a great choice. He had to wield more powerful forces, individual and combined; if he could use the legions main cannon to bully the Valkyrie, all the better. At that moment. Yang Mings nerves, which had relaxed, tensed up again, constantly contemplating the road ahead. Kolev covered his forehead with one hand, his aged face full of exhaustion, clearly contemplating the future for him and his daughter. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lets officially collaborate, Kolev. Yang Ming suddenly spoke, raising his right hand as if in an arm-wrestling challenge. I was thinking the same, Kolev grinned, his dry right hand reaching out to grip Yang Mings firmly. (P.S.: Everything beyond the scope of modern physics here is purely speculative fantasy. Its not real. If it were things like black hole radiation, perhaps I could concoct a hypothesis, but for jumps, subspace, curvature engines, Id have to resort to a Baidu link.) ` Chapter 33 - 33: Hey, Bitch! Chapter 33: Hey, Bitch! The twelve-meter-long small transport craft left the belly of the pirate ship and slowly entered the atmosphere of the brownish-yellow planet. From the co-pilots seat, Yang Ming watched the vast expanse of yellow sand below, a sense of belonging mysteriously welling up inside him. He thought of his hometown, a deep homesickness surfacing in his heart. However, this sense of homesickness was quickly diluted by Mimili, who was wearing a tight-fitting spacesuit and piloting the ship. She knew how to show off her figure. Here, take this, Hanton. Kolev, sitting in the back, handed over a metal face mask with a sophisticated air purification device. ... Kolev smiled and said, I just checked the latest news from Cole Port and the Sherman Empire. They havent gone public about our jailbreak. They simply reported a riot at Cole Port Prison, resulting in the death and injury of more than a dozen guards and prisoners. Later, Ill try to see if I can buy any intelligence about you. If your little lover made you into one of the dead or injured prisoners to deceive the Imperial Military Intelligence Bureau, that would be interesting. Thats useless, Lina will continue to track my whereabouts. She just doesnt want any other intelligence services to notice the presence of her prey. Yang Ming donned the mask, his voice gaining a metallic quality: From now on, dont call me by Hantons real name. Call me by my alias call me Yang Ming. Yang Ming? Kolev called out. Uncle Yang Ming? It seems Uncle Hanton still rolls off the tongue better. Mimilis sweet voice reached Yang Mings ears, causing a hint of itchiness in his heart. Shes my niece. And a star widow. Yang Ming reminded himself internally, while saying aloud, Whatever you like. A thin energy shield appeared around the transport, not only blocking out the high temperatures caused by friction but also preventing the spacecraft from vibrating too much. The gravitational acceleration of this planet was slightly greater than Earths, which posed no burden to Yang Ming. Having set foot on solid ground once again and feeling the sensation of sand enveloping the soles of his boots, Yang Ming couldnt help but murmur, Finally standing on land again. Has Uncle Hanton been traveling in space for a long time? Mimili asked beside him, already wearing her metal mask. Her burgundy hair was tied into two braids resting on her shoulders, and she had a laser gun adorned with punk elements slung over her shoulder. Yes, its been over a year since I last stepped on soil, Yang Ming said with a smile, I always feel a sense of familiarity here. Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Keep up, everyone! Kolevs voice came from the edge of their masks, where a miniature speaker was hidden. It not only altered the wearers voice but also served as a communication device for the team. Kolev muttered, We need to leave before Kimo arrives, to avoid confronting him head-on. That could escalate the situation beyond our control. Lets go. Yang Ming walked ahead with his hands behind his back, calm and unhurried, gradually reducing his stride to increase the gap between himself and the three people in front. And his tall figure, in Mimilis view, Was exceedingly elegant. This planet was named Olhaif, located on the edge of the second arm of the Milky Way, and for now served as the largest black market in this sector of space, as well as a temporary hub for pirates to exchange information. The wily pirates always liked to change market locations, and Olhaif was just one of the black markets many stops. This pattern reminded Yang Ming of the collective festival activities he took part in as a child in his rural hometownthe bustling market days when those despicable vendors swindled him out of his pocket money with inferior toys, also periodically changing their trading spots. This habitable planet did have residential areas. As Yang Ming passed over the top of a dune, he looked out at two cities on the horizon. One city lay within a semi-transparent dome, with skyscrapers abounding, and the environment looked superior, with flying vehicles shuttling back and forth. The other was exposed to the threat of wind and sand, consisting mostly of underground buildings with a tall wall on the perimeter to block the sand, and only a few flying vehicles passed by occasionally. The black market they were headed to had nothing to do with these two cities. Descending from the sand dune, they were met with an expanse that served as a plaza, dominated by two transport ships being loaded; crossing the plaza would lead them to the black marketlocated in a man-made canyon covered with sand. A narrow entrance just seven or eight meters wide was marked with signs forbidding flying vehicles. Two or three dozen guards wearing a variety of outfits and armed with laser guns chatted and laughed. Someone recognized Kolev and exclaimed his name in surprise; Kolev raised his hand in acknowledgment. Like a revered old leader among the pirates. Soon, news of Kolevs appearance spread throughout the canyon, and even some elder folks voluntarily appeared on both sides of the straight streets to greet and chat with Kolev. Yang Ming also breathed a sigh of relief. Kolev was highly esteemed, which would greatly assist him in carrying out his next plan for the spacecraft. Yang Ming saw many children and adolescents here. Their skin colors varied, and the ambition and desire in their eyes were completely unmasked. The sparse buildings along the street were actually spaceships that had opened their rear cargo holds; their main bodies were buried in the sand, ready to blast away the sand and take off in case of danger. These crafty pirates. It didnt take long before they arrived at a shop with a rotating light cabinet, resembling a barbershop. Kolev found an old acquaintance there and embraced him warmly. The shop owner was a corpulent man, his head wrapped in a scarf to keep out the sand, wearing a thick protective suit, with remains of what looked like ketchup at the corners of his mouth. He began to complain as soon as he caught Kolev. Chapter 34 - 34: Hey, Bitch!_2 Chapter 34: Hey, Bitch!_2 Oh, Kolev! I just heard you escaped, and here you appear! I knew it! The birdcage of the interstellar court could never hold you! But Kolev, giving Black Dragon to Kimo wasnt a wise choice. Kimo is too impetuous and brutal. He actually tried to alter the contract weve been executing for over twenty years, claiming we were making too much! Mimili by Yang Mings side pursed her lips lightly in apparent disdain. Hahaha! Kolev laughed heartily: Theres nothing I can do about it, Kimo just likes to take small advantages. Handing Black Dragon over to Kimo was the most suitable option I could think of! Come on, show me what new tricks you have here! ... If someone else came, I would, of course, only offer them those flashy but useless things, but youre different, Kolev, youve saved my life! The shopkeeper exaggeratedly said, Anything here, take whatever you want if you like it, everything else Ill give you at a fifty percent discount! Yang Ming raised his eyebrows; this shopkeeper was quite the businessman. He looked around the shop and found it was like a single troop weapon exhibition, with a floor full of various guns and protective suits, and in the corner, there were hoverbikes, exoskeletal Mechas, and other individual assault equipment; there were also two more floors above and below, and who knew what treasures were hidden inside. Lets go by the rules, Kolev patted the shopkeeper on the shoulder, bring out your best single troop equipment to take a look, I want to give my little buddy here a little gift. Yang Ming naturally stepped forward, displaying a small, innocent smile to the shopkeeper. Is this your new apprentice? Hes a handsome guy. Lucky my treasure of a daughter is away at school in the New Federation, not here right now. No, hes not my apprentice; hes my partner, Kolev stated seriously, my most trustworthy ally at the moment. Oh, what high praise that is, come this way sir! You dont need to waste any thought on these common items. The shopkeeper warmly grabbed Yang Mings arm, dragging him toward the locked silver counter in the corner. Seconds later, Yang Ming, looking at a row of neatly lined flashlights, showed a knowing smile. A man must wield the strongest Light Sword! Can I try it? Yang Ming asked softly. Of course! Oh, that positronic-brain robot of minesoggy as a wet spongehurry up and get the target! The shopkeeper shouted, and a skirted humanoid robot in the corner shivered for a few moments before taking heavy, quick steps down to the lower floor. Yang Ming inquired, Whats the price range for these Light Swords? We standardize prices here in New Federation Credit Coins and accept the top ten traded currency species at real-time exchange rates. These are all good items that go for five or six thousand credit coins. Five or six thousand New Federation Credit Coins? Thats thirty or forty thousand Emperor Star Coins of the Sherman Empire? Oh, thats more than Hantons three years salary. And he couldnt use Hantons account now or it would be too easy to expose his location. Noticing Yang Mings hesitation, Mimili laughed, Uncle, just pick whatever you like, consider it a gift from my pocket money. Compared to you, Id more readily accept a gift from your father, Yang Ming picked up a brand new Light Sword, handling it through his gloves, how could I accept a gift from the younger generation? Mimili shrugged her shoulders and leaned against the door frame without saying anything more. Hum Yang Ming pressed the button on the hilt, and the confining magnetic field trapped the gaseous plasma into the shape of a blade, with the handle itself producing a slight vibration. Yang Ming flicked his wrist lightly, and the Light Sword hummed. The shopkeeper grinned, You can use it to slice open any hatch door trying to stop you! The energy level is too low, Yang Ming shook his head. The shopkeepers smile stiffened: The higher the energy of the Light Sword, the harder it is to control, especially in near-earth environments and simulated gravity environments. External magnetic fields will greatly hinder the Light Swords confining magnetic field. Thats a problem for the swordsman, Yang Ming said earnestly. I see! Try this one! ` The shop owner picked up a slender, pale red flashlight from the corner; it even had two words etched with a laser on it: Zhan Mo. This seems to be second-hand, Yang Ming said. Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yes, but this is indeed an excellent Light Sword. See if you like it, the shop owner pushed the energy switch to the maximum and handed it to Yang Ming with both hands. When Yang Ming took hold of it, he felt the Light Sword was somewhat heavier than the standard. He stepped back and switched it on, turning the entire cabin a blood-red hue. The vibration feedback was indeed powerful. Yang Ming waved it a few times and felt a surge of excitement; this Light Sword was even more powerful than the one he used in his fight with the Valkyrie. Just then, a robot came holding a dummy wrapped in an alloy skin and placed it behind the shop owner, who burst out yelling, Did your protocol to protect humans get eaten by a dog?! Yang Ming stared at the dummy, an inexplicable urge to destroy welling up inside him. He made a gentle chop forward, and the dummys shoulder was sheared off. Wow! Kolev laughed, Thats a nice treasure! Like it? the shop owner squinted and smiled, I havent seen a warrior who can handle it easily yet, your muscle fibers seem to be different from ours, young man. If you like it, take it, its my gift to Kolev. Kolev chuckled, That wont do, I cant simply waste my gift quota so easily. How many credit coins does a Light Sword cost anyway? Let alone a second-hand one. Hahaha! Cunning Kolev, whats wrong with giving you a few more? Consider it a gift for your prison break! Yang Ming turned off the Light Sword and placed it on a shelf nearby, stepping back to the side with a grin. This was just an extra for him; Kolev had a big purchasing plan today. Suddenly, Yang Ming heard a commotion coming from outside the door. Isnt that Mimili, the first beauty of the pirates? The one who was kicked out by her own subordinates and almost stripped of her clothes, that great leader? Yang Ming turned his head and saw Mimili standing by the doorframe, along with more than a dozen men and women passing by outside. A big-chested girl in hot pants and a crop top strutted her proud cleavage and taunted Mimilis back with double scorn: Heard your old dad broke out of prison to help you out? He must be in his seventies, right? He couldve lived his years in jail, but hes still worried about you. Kolev slightly curled his lip and continued to talk to the shop owner in a low voice, ignoring the events outside. Mimili remained silent because she realized that this group clearly outnumbered her, and she wouldnt want to be at a disadvantage. Whats wrong, Mimili? The big-chested girl laughed eagerly, Dont you even speak Galaxy Language anymore? Are you shocked? Wow, now you go out with only these two or three lackeys? Mimili snorted. Tch, the big-chested girl sneered and waved her hand dismissively, turning and walking towards the busier street corner, Coward. Mimili clenched her fists tightly and took a deep breath. Suddenly, she sensed a tall figure appearing before her, and a low voice whispered: If you have enough spare cash, gift me that Light Sword, and Ill take down those lackeys for you. Throw in a protective suit, and Ill arrange them into a human centipede. Mimili looked up at the young uncle close to her. I can give you three! She asserted, then turned and took two steps out, tossed her laser gun aside, pulled out the paralyzing baton hanging from her waist, and with a swish extended the metal staff. She dashed silently and quickly towards the group, running straight into their midst. Hey! Mimili shouted. The big-chested girl turned around, her face filled with anger. Before the dozen or so pirates around her could react, Mimilis baton had already smashed down on the big-chested girls face. Bitch! ` Chapter 35 - 35: 025 I, a sub-divine level life form, am very short of money Chapter 35: 025 I, a sub-divine level life form, am very short of money This energy defense shield really drains the dark energy batteries. On the fully loaded medium transport ship. Yang Ming fondled the light shield glove, light sword flashlight, and the set of dark gray advanced combat suits, constantly expressing his admiration. Kolev sat in the pilots seat, humming a tune as he observed the various operation panels, feeling very pleased. In the back seat, two middle-aged uncles stared at Yang Ming in the co-pilots seat with burning gazes. In the back corner, Mimili with her swollen lips and corners of her eyes, was enjoying the photos projected on her watch and laughing loudly from time to time, completely lacking the ladylike demeanor she had when they first met. ... Oh, Hanton! One middle-aged uncle couldnt stop his admiration, How did you do it? They were more than a dozen people, and only a few hits landed on you! Yang Ming smiled without saying a word. Because he couldnt appear too shocking, he purposely used his back to take a few tickling attacks. The two unremarkable uncles kept praising: Your combat skills are truly amazing! I cant imagine how monstrous youd be with a light sword! I saw Mimili being surrounded and beaten by them, and you, Hanton, just grabbed a steel pipe and charged right in! Oh, right, Mimili, how are your injuries? Mimili covered her swollen half of her face and asked with an innocent face, Was I injured? The three in the back laughed together. Kolev scolded laughingly, Enough, you guys, vulgar and crude, completely lacking the elegance and composure that professional pirates should have, what era is it to still fist fight on the street? Thats utterly irrational! Think about it, how many great captains have died on ordinary streets! Arent these lessons enough? Mimilis eyes filled with fervor, looked at Yang Ming and asked, Could you teach me your combat skills, Uncle Hanton? This Yang Ming looked at Kolev. Thats another price. A good leader doesnt need to charge into battle, but to oversee the bigger picture, Kolev persuaded gently, Remember, Mimili, indulging in momentary verbal triumph brings no substantial gain. When facing the enemy, you need to be calm, rational, and elegant; only then will your partners find you reliable. Mimili nodded thoughtfully. Really, if it wasnt for the scene below on their own pirate ships bridge half an hour later, Yang Ming almost believed the old mans words. Kolev rolled up his sleeves, a large wrench in hand, his old face red and his beard bristling, pointing at the projection screen and cursing loudly: Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Keep your lambs in line, Reorton! She started by insulting my daughter! I really want to stuff your big nose into your arsehole! I was raiding New Federation merchant ships while you were still a deckhand on my ship! To hell with you! Bring it on! The burly man in the projection screen was not to be outdone: Kolev, you old fart! You must be fond of the wide hips at Cole Port prisons! Hahaha! This isnt your era anymore, Kolev! Kimo is ten times stronger than you! Ten times! Charge the main cannon! Charge all cannons! Damn it! Lets take them out! The toothless old sailor quickly activated the protective shield. Destroy these shameless bastards! They need to be taught a lesson! Let them know who the old lady is! The grandma in an apron lit up the fire control button. Both bridges immediately buzzed with activity. Yang Ming grabbed the light sword hanging at his side and said sternly, Give me an assault craft, two sets of space breathing apparatuses, and route all energy to the protective shields! The bustling bridge fell silent for two seconds. Then it became noisy again, filled with crude language. Kolev cursed for a while, then cut off the communication with the opposing ship. The two pirate ships, wrapped in protective shields, confronted each other for a moment, then gradually began to back away, their cannons aimed at each other, and then slowly accelerated out of the effective range of the opposing ion main cannons and hyper-speed missiles. Yang Ming: Was he the only one seriously thinking about taking the opponents down? Ive been a captain in the stars for decades, never lost an argument! Kolev boasted proudly, then looked at Yang Ming, who was expressionless, and spread his hands slightly embarrassedly, This is the way pirates interact, you need to get used to it. Yang Ming turned and walked away: Ive requisitioned the gym on the ship. Please avoid it when Im there, thank you. Kolevs old face continued to be animated, starting to narrate those thrilling verbal battles over the years. Mimili watched Yang Mings retreating figure, suppressing the urge to follow him. She needed to think about how to make this powerful uncle grow closer to her. Didnt expect that getting a ship in the real Milky Way civilization would be so expensive. Yang Ming continued to sigh. He casually toyed with the weightlifting bar in his hand, the ends bending downward, loaded with metal plates, but his arms were completely dry. He locked the door of the gym and covered the two cameras, or else he wouldnt dare to play like this directly. I must intensify my training. Valkyrie might appear in front of him with a sword at any time, and no matter how strong a force he could build behind him, personal strength was always the most solid guarantee. Yang Ming continued to dwell on the expensive black market prices for those medium-sized pirate ships. A new ship that could meet his needs would actually cost four million Federal Credit Coins. Even if he bought a second-hand ship in good condition, it would still cost more than three million New Federation Credit Coins, and the black market didnt accept loans or mortgages. Moreover, the major cost of a ship lay in its use and maintenance. Jump Technology included four stepsdetermine coordinates, coat to enter Subspace, open the jump passage, and perform the spatial jump. Coating and opening the jump passage required an enormous amount of energy and had strict requirements for energy density. This meant that a spaceship equipped with jump capabilities had to be at least sixty-five meters in length. (The classification of ships by length is just for convenience and intuition. In reality, the function and value of ships involve many factors.) The energy issue was an easy one to solve. The busy star routes in the Milky Way were dotted with many Dyson Cloud charging stations, where the cost of a normal commercial voyage would be about one percent of the overall price of the ship. But Yang Mings purpose in acquiring a ship was to search for Intelligent Mechanic Dusk, which was located in a remote area off the busy trade routes. This required Yang Mings spacecraft to have sufficient capacity to load more and better dark energy reaction batteries, as well as ultra-high-speed engines suitable for direct navigation. Ideally, Yang Ming wanted to pilot the spaceship himself, which would require an expensive auxiliary piloting system and a certain number of ship maintenance robots. Also, due to the restrictions of the various agreements regarding Intelligent Machines in the Milky Way, ordinary on-board robots had their capabilities limited, and a systematic set of on-board maintenance robots had a considerably high markup. Yang Ming was beginning to understand why, in the Abyss game, the difficulty of operations and acquisition was simplified, and why battleships and legions could only be managed by big capitals and conglomerates. A spaceship was a money shredding machine! Yang Ming needed to prepare at least ten million New Federation Credit Coins! I, the Subordinate Ancient God Life Form, am really short on money. Of course, Yang Ming could totally recruit a bunch of cheap crew members and slaughter them after finding Intelligent Mechanic Dusk; but Yang Ming felt such actions were not within his level of acceptance. A man must have his principles. Lets find a way to get some money. Yang Ming handed the dumbbell to his other hand and continued to ponder the major issue of making money. He actually had many beneficial conditions: He was helping out in a broken-down pirate group, and the old leader Kolev was of considerable value; He had an existing team to utilize, though half of the members were well into their seventies. Am I going to become a pirate and rob others next? Yang Ming furrowed his brow and kept thinking. Kolev had helped him buy two cases of Genetic Stabilization Liquid on this trip to the black market, and he had also acquired three pieces of individual equipment, which gave him a certain combat capability. Kolev had previously discussed a collaborative intent with him, where Kolev would set up a plan and Yang Mings assistance would earn him a significant reward afterward. Moreover, Yang Ming had already set his sights on a fat sheep, and chopping down this fat sheep wouldnt cause him any guilt. Hanton, may I come in? Kolevs voice came through the speaker in the corner. Just a moment! Yang Ming glanced at the large barbell in his hand, quickly set it down gently, unscrewed most of the weight plates, and then calmly replied, Come in, my wise first mate! What are you tinkering with here? Kolev appeared at the door with Mimili, scanning around with a suspicious gaze, and immediately got down to business: According to my intelligence, Kimo is on his way here. Hes brought two ships, one is a three-hundred-meter class main gunship, which is my proud creation transformed from a retired warship, Black Dragon. Theres also a multi-natured one-hundred-meter class combat ship. Oh, Yang Ming said with a smile, Then we should start running. Yes, Kolev said, Kimo is a complete pirate, and I really admire this brutal thug. Since hes bringing only two ships this time, those must be filled with his trusted men. Mimilis pretty face, still bruised, was full of gloom. Yang Ming chuckled: Four years can indeed change a lot. Kolev spoke earnestly: No, pirates are inherently like this, obeying the strong and fearing the strong. Others are probably waiting for me and Kimo to decide the victor, like the replacement of old and new kings in a pride of lions. What are you planning to do? Dont worry, my elderly first mate, for the sake of those two cases of Genetic Stabilization Liquid, Ill help you take care of some troubles. I just had a plan in mind, Kolev said, I have an excellent hiding place, which Ive prepared as an escape route for many years. I must get some parts to upgrade this ship to be able to face them head-on, but that will take some time. Yang Ming pondered for a few seconds: Is there a way to drag them into a ground battle? Thats not a good idea, Kolev said, A main gunship hovering in near-planet orbit has tremendous dominance. Ion cannons will suffer attenuation in the atmosphere, but as long as the atmosphere is softened first, they can still be quite effective. We can only run for now. Yang Ming crossed his arms and asked with a frown: So whats the problem now? Before making the jump, I need to have a conversation with Kimo. Kolev said: They all once followed me, and the ships they are piloting were transformed by my own hands. I must declare this point to gain the moral high ground. Many old-fashioned pirates care about this, and that is how we can pry apart their not-so-solid relationships. Can you pretend to be a new face for me? Hantons temporary first mate. Just need you to wear a metal mask, let them know that I am fostering fresh blood, that should be enough. Yang Ming rubbed his nose and pointed to the side at the fitness equipment-shaped metal block. Do you need me to hold up these things behind you? How about a bit of visual intimidation? Kolevs forehead immediately wrinkled with black lines. Oh, these foolishly tall, muscular men! Dont dress too strikingly, a first mate who always steals the captains thunder is not qualified! Chapter 36 - 36: 026 Nonsense is dispensable, but it is necessary. Chapter 36: 026 Nonsense is dispensable, but it is necessary. As Yang Ming and Kolev prepared to confront the Kimo Group, the serene expanse of space witnessed a silver-white battleship, nearly a kilometer in length, gliding across the starry sky. Its teardrop-shaped design and the almost flawlessly smooth curved surface of its hull showcased technology far advanced than the average level of civilizations in the Milky Way. In a corner of the bridge, Lina, now donned in a silver-gray alliance uniform, gazed absently at the screen in front of her. She was reflecting on the remote inquiry she had just undergone. Lina, as a Level One Intelligence Officer, we will activate the brainwave detection device during the following inquiry. There is a ninety-five percent chance that any lie you tell will be detected. Please do not overthink and answer questions without using any embellishments, as they could affect our judgment. Yes, I will answer all questions truthfully. ... During the uprising at Cole Port, you actively sought out your personally designated Target One and ended up being captured by them. Is this correct? Yes. Please explain. I miscalculated how Target One thought because of our shared adversities and because I had provided him with the drugs he needed, I assumed that I had earned his trust. In other words, this was entirely your fault. Yes. On the screen in front of Lina, three glowing orbs altered shape, and an old womans voice rang out: During the nine months you were undercover on Kigrovs experimental vessel, did you have close contact with Target One? No. Do you currently have physical impulses toward Target One? Yes. To what extent? I would not refuse intimate acts with him, not limited to kissing. Then do we have reason to believe that you allowed a precious specimen to escape because of personal feelings? I deny that. Your emotional fluctuations were slight, and the brainwave graph shows you care deeply about this question. The elderly female supervisor paused, then continued: Lina, you were my student, and Ill tentatively believe you made a decision that aligned with Alliance interests, but when the 72nd fleets escort battleship locked onto his craft, you failed to decide in a timely fashion. Your hesitation is the most unprofessional thing about you. Whether to temporarily release him to win favor or immediately destroy him to prevent him from falling into the hands of another power, eliminating the potential for technological disparity, you shouldnt have hesitated for as long as twenty-five seconds. Commander, knowing his value made me hesitate. Lina answered calmly: The Ancient God Life Form that had been exposed had already left the Milky Way, by the time we could pose a threat, their traces were nowhere to be found. The Ancient God Life Form defeated by the Sherman Empire was the last sample. According to intelligence, over the past few centuries, most cellular clusters have died a natural death, with only two clusters retaining vitality, located on that research ship. Professor Kigrov took over this ship and made significant progress. The changes that appeared in Target One, especially the vast changes in intelligence and personality, give me ample reason to suspect that he is Professor Kigrovs final masterpiece. My hesitation at that moment stemmed from my understanding of Target Ones true worth. The three orbs of light in the projection went silent. A deep, aged male voice asked, Lina, Level One Intelligence Officer, what would you choose if you continued this mission? Lina immediately responded, The clone army of the target has only two possible options: non-existent or in our countrys possession. Very well, Lina. This is your last opportunity. Linas glasses reflected a flicker of light. As her thoughts circulated, she found herself standing in front of the porthole, looking down at the planet below. Its name was Olhaif, seemingly derived from a religious belief from a remote land. Linas calm voice echoed across the bridge: Deploy a special task force; our target is Kolev, former leader of the Black Dragon Pirate Group. Prepare some currency, and try to avoid using force. Yes! After deciding to confront the approaching Kimo head-on, the atmosphere on Kolevs pirate ship immediately became rather tense. Numerous older crew members put on their brightest and proudest clothes; two nearly toothless elderly men donned overalls and combed their hair into a middle part, cradling laser guns in their arms. Yang Ming, wearing a metal mask and a faded trench coat, observed everything, feeling a bit saddened for them. To have survived a vicious pirate career to this age, they should have been retired by now, but instead, they were driven out by that Kimo. That sheep has no sense of public duty at all! Yes, the sheep that Yang Ming was targeting was the current leader of the Black Dragon Pirate Group, Kimo. Captain! The navigator grandma shouted, They have responded and we can communicate now! This kid really has guts. Kolev muttered under his breath as he was about to press the communication button, suddenly distracted by the vibrating sound in his embrace. The old man took out a pocket-watch-shaped network terminal, looked down at it carefully for a few seconds, and his expression suddenly changed. Hanton, we might have to leave earlier. What has happened? Yang Ming asked, baffled. A Dawn-level battleship from the Guel Alliance has suddenly appeared in the skies above Olhaif. Kolev laughed heartily. Now we are even, each of us has troublesome issues to deal with! Yang Ming pondered, Those old friends of yours, is there a possibility theyd rather die than submit? Absolutely not. As long as you pay them, or threaten their children, they will not hesitate to betray you. The surveillance video of you fighting will certainly end up in the hands of the Guel Alliance! Kolev slapped the communication button. Everyone, get busy! You little rascal oh, my dear old folks! Prepare for the jump immediately! It looks like I can only catch up with Kimo for a little while now, what a pity. Zi, zi. Ordinary long-distance communication could not avoid two things: the noise interference of the cosmic background and the distance delay brought by the radio waves. Thus, when this bald, beefy man appeared on the projection screen, both sides did not start arguing directly but conducted a gentle exchange with more than five seconds delay between each statement. Yang Mings first impression of Kimo was not favorable. He disliked judging by appearances, but the others look was somewhat abhorrent, and he also had dense tattoos from his neck to his chest, holding a sharp metal dagger in his hand, continuously slicing the roasted beast leg in front of him while talking to Kolev, who had been a former captain, group leader, and teacher. That damned roast looked so delicious! Very glad, teacher, Kimo spoke unhurriedly, that you managed to escape unharmed. I brought the brothers here to congratulate you. Theres no need, Kimo, Kolev said. We all know what you really want to do now. I can officially hand over the Black Dragon Pirate Group to you. Im old now, its time for me to retire, Kimo. The old mans words were filled with tactical weakness. Kimo smiled joyfully. What are you talking about, teacher? The brothers chose me, not you handing over the pirate group to me. Everyone has been piling up dissatisfaction with you in a whole spaceship. Nevertheless, I still respect you Hi, Mimili, long time no see. Teacher, Ive found a quiet and peaceful planet for you, a beautiful planet where I will provide for you in your twilight years. Not necessary, Kimo, Kolev said, his face somewhat icy. He clearly did not expect Kimo to be so aggressive, not even willing to maintain a shred of dignity. Kolev continued, If thats the case, then we have nothing to discuss. I will make you pay for your betrayal. Is that so? Kimo picked up a handkerchief beside him, wiped his mouth, and his lips curled into a sinister smile. Kolev, is this the newcomer youve trained? What a pity, Ill personally rip his head off and place it before you, to prove that I am your most outstanding disciple, far surpassing you, you old thing! Named out. Yang Ming calmly walked forward two steps, stood in front of the projection screen with his hands behind his back, his metal mask making his voice sound slightly magnetic. Great Captain Kimo. Kimo squinted at Yang Ming, seemingly pleased with the descriptor. Yang Mings voice suddenly shifted, Does your boyfriend have nephritis? It makes your mouth so venomous. Kimo paused, a bit confused by the logic. sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming spoke swiftly, Kolev, this old man, has fulfilled some of my fantasies about pirates, being despicable, wise, possessing high technology and sharp insight. Now seeing you, the other part of my stereotype is also fulfilled: shameless, burly, with developed muscles and a shrunken brain, chewing on half-cooked meat full of parasites, your cerebral cortex crammed full of fresh intestines. How can you be confident standing there, Kimo? How about a one-on-one battle? Youre a warrior, and so am I. Ill use the fighting skills that Kolev never taught you and shove a Light Sword into your toxin-infested mouth Look, you seem so angry, is your neck thickened by an appendix blockage? These dumb underlings beside you, arent you going to pat the great Captain Kimo right now? Make sure he lives until I come for him, yes, just like that! Get lost! Kimo turned his head and yelled at his subordinates who were patting his back. And Yang Ming had already bent down beside the stunned Kolev. As long as I hang up fast enough, this trash wont be able to retort. Vice Captain Kolev, you were too polite to him. Snap! Whoosh! The projection screen disappeared, and Yang Ming stood upright, glanced at those dumbstruck old pirates, and calmly walked towards the direction of the dining room. On Earth, to become a truly confident player, certified with the word hardcore, one must undergo the trials of Zuan Star. Previously, Yang Ming had no interaction with Kimo; Yet now, Yang Ming had a chance for a one-on-one duel with Kimo. That guy would go for it. Chapter 37 - 37: 027 Strategic Shift Chapter 37: 027 Strategic Shift After Kolev confirmed they had escaped the enemys pursuit and performed two consecutive warp transitions, the rust-covered ship stopped near a Constant Star, unfolded its charging thin wings, and stayed in place for ten hours before it continued towards the depths of the starry sky. Yang Ming did not know their current coordinates because, since the start of the warp transition, only Kolev had remained near the control panel. The place they were headed to next was Kolevs secret base, the only chance for Kolev to turn the tide with his daughter. It was completely understandable for Kolev to be so cautious. Currently, the developed resource planets in the Milky Way account for less than one ten-millionth of the total number of planets, there is plenty of space to hide. Yang Ming woke up and spent half a day in the gym, finally getting himself to sweat a bit. He picked up a heavy metal rod and began to recall the Light Sword techniques he had learned. ... But these were far from enough. The rate of Valkyries evolution was astonishing; he had to progress even faster. Uncle Hanton, may I come in? Mimilis voice came through the ultra-thin speakers embedded in the wall. Yang Ming casually put on a vest and said with a smile, Come in. Mimili seemed to like wearing tank tops a lot. Even when she changed into hot pants, they were still tank-topped, with her snow-white, slender legs swinging back and forth as she walked; Yang Ming almost couldnt keep his eyes off them. She brought in a fruit platter, with the injuries from the previous fights and brawls already vanished. Uncle, are you practicing Light Sword techniques? Mimili asked. Do you want to learn? Yang Ming said with a smile, I can teach you some tricks. Really! Joy was uncontrollable on Mimilis face. She looked towards a rack nearby, trying to pick up the same metal rod, but she found she couldnt lift it with her wrist. Use your stun stick, Yang Ming said with a smile, Everyone has their own set of techniques that suit them. You dont have any advantage in physical strength, but you are quite agile, and a weapon thats too long doesnt suit you. Okay, Uncle, Mimili sounded a bit defeated and took out her paralyzing stun stick as he suggested. The so-called paralyzing stun sticksimply put, was an electrified baton, though a bit more complex in principleit could paralyze the target upon impact. Lets see your current strength, Yang Ming said. Mimili bit her lower lip, pulled her hair into a more convenient pair of ponytails, lightly blew on her bangs, and began moving at a quick pace. She didnt press the button on her stun stick. Uncle, here I come. As soon as Mimili finished speaking, with a smile still lingering on her lips, she pounced like an agile cat, swinging the stun stick straight down towards Yang Mings shoulder. So slow. Yang Ming couldnt help but think. But to be fair, Mimilis attack would be considered swift among ordinary people. He raised the metal rod in his hand and at the moment of contact with the stun stick, he diverted the force downward, reducing some of the recoil for Mimili. Then he feigned a forward swing with the rod, causing Mimili to jump awkwardly to the side, nearly bumping into the barbell rack. She seemed a little angry, eyeing the metal rod in Yang Mings hand, and charged at him again. Another fierce assault that Yang Ming easily repelled. Mimili really lost her temper, no longer holding back, attacking Yang Mings shoulder, outer thigh, and other areas that would not cause serious injury. Yang Ming simply placed the metal rod behind him and moved with elegant steps, effortlessly dodging Mimilis stun stick. After a few minutes, Mimilis face was filled with frustration. Panting heavily, she had no idea how charming she looked; she just stared stubbornly at the unharmed Yang Ming. Her indignation gradually turned into dejection, but then she shrugged her shoulders with a smile and said, I guess I dont have the talent for this. Do you remember those thugs? The ones I turned into a human centipede? Yang Ming asked, What do you think of their combat prowess? They were fairly good pirates, Mimili said. Hmm, Yang Ming said with a smile, I can train you so that you can easily defeat two to three pirates of that level. Really? Mimili was overjoyed. But before that, Yang Ming continued, youll have to get your fathers consent. He doesnt seem to like you charging into the fray. Who cares about him! Mimili said, Teach me now, Uncle Hanton! Well, let me start by teaching you a life-saving move Hey! Cant you two come over and lend a hand? Kolevs shout came through the loudspeaker: Im nearly going crazy over here! Hanton! Dont think I cant see you just because youve blocked the camera! Dont forget what you promised! Mimili made a helpless grimace, clearly a bit deflated. Lets go, Yang Ming said with a smile, Your old man is ready to hand over the management of his precious secret base to you. Is that so? Mimili blinked. Of course. Yang Ming smiled and said, This old guy always says one thing and means another. When I was with him, the thing he was proudest of was having a daughter who was hundreds of times more beautiful than him Youll have to find a way to understand these tough old coots. They care about you more than you think. Sarch* The ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mimili chuckled, set the stick aside, and stood at the doorway waiting for Yang Ming to put on his coat. Then, imitating Yang Mings manner, she stood with hands clasped behind her back, and they walked shoulder-to-shoulder down the long corridor. Uncle Hanton, have you ever had a girlfriend? Oh, no, Yang Ming said, but Ive had two temporary mistresses. On the Empires ships, you could say, they were a necessary social accessory for adapting to the environment. Were they beautiful? Mimili asked. Yang Ming laughed and said, Beauty is a relative and abstract concept; they were interesting to me. One was a trainee navigator who later betrayed me. The other was an inspector monitoring engine status, who was transferred to another ship half a year ago. Mimili asked with eyes sparkling, Can you tell me their stories? Its better not to, Yang Ming said, Our conversations should be limited to combat skills or how to be an excellent pirate. You understand, Mimili. Why bother with that, Mimili muttered with puffed cheeks. Yang Ming sighed inwardly. What a headache! He, a captain without a ship, was starting to lose his respect for First Mate Kolev. As Yang Ming and Mimili dawdled along the pirate ships corridor, Lina found herself in new trouble. Commander, we cant locate Kolevs jump coordinates. The pirate leader is incredibly cunning, fully silent in flight, and the spatial fluctuations generated by the jump are so faint they cant be captured. They might already be at the other end of the Milky Way. Lina stood in front of the porthole, deep in thought. Soon, she spoke up: Our current target is the Black Dragon Pirate Group. Use all means to infiltrate them. Set Kolev as a hidden wanted target. If Kolev is to take back his pirate group, he will inevitably start to surface. Yes! Meanwhile, on the pirate ships command bridge. Hanton, if your dream is to go out on a ship by yourself, then an auxiliary piloting system is essential. This ship doesnt have one, but later Ill help you with hands-on training. Kolev stood in front of the piloting console, his right hand resting on the back of the leather chair into which he was helping Yang Ming settle. Mimili sat obediently on the other side, listening attentively to the lesson. In her memory, her father rarely taught others so earnestly. Kolev continued, Even if you have an auxiliary piloting system and a whole set of maintenance robots, you still need to know how to manually operate in emergency situations. You must understand these basics, just in case. Yang Ming asked with a smile, Is there a book or something on this? Pirate skills are passed down through word of mouth, Kolev chuckled, Okay, when we get there Ill help you look in the storage for some kind of universal spaceship operation manual. But now, listen to me Do I need to fill in some of your physics knowledge? Of course not, I can understand. Yang Ming mentally added probably. Kolev gestured with his hands: The basic logic of ship operation mainly divides into five parts: normal cruising, overload cruising, jump cruising, energy distribution and management, and how to send interstellar distress signals. This row of control panels in front of you is what almost all ships over a hundred meters will have. Each shipbuilding facility of every power has a different style, but the logic inside is largely the same, where functionally related buttons are clustered to form six main blocksself-check block (without which the ship cant be started), radar block (the eyes of the ship), engine room direct connection block (for acceleration and braking), navigator block (basically just checking the Star Map), cabin control block (whose utmost authority is to decide the temperature of the air conditioning), and energy distribution block (turning the protective shield on and off) Kolev rambled on for quite a while until Yang Ming began to feel dizzy. Yang Ming muttered, Why not just promote auxiliary piloting systems? Oh, Hanton, your common sense gives me a bit of a headache, Kolev seized any opportunity to tease him, Its because of the Intelligent Mechanical Crisis. In the last three thousand years, there have been six Intelligent Mechanical Crises, causing the irreversible decline of several major powers. Each time, tens of millions of humans died or were injured, and there was even a whole Constant Star System that got blown up So, modern ships are prohibited from having any automatic operating systems at the factory. Even auxiliary operations are restricted. It has to be ensured that humans are in control. Mimili chimed in, And I think, the treaty that bans Intelligent Machines is also largely about protecting employment. Otherwise, the big capitalists could easily get laborers who are several times more efficient than human workers, indefatigable, incredibly precise, and most importantly, dont need wages. Yang Ming nodded with a smile. It seemed they were almost there. Yang Ming looked at the emerald green planet appearing in the projection screen and couldnt help but ask, First Mate Kolev, where are we now? A small country with only three Administrative Stars. And what place is this specifically? Yang Ming questioned, Which great powers periphery? Kolev laughed and said, Every major power has invested heavily in military hardware between their borders and core Administrative Stars, but in their non-central areas, like these feudal colonial lands, the defense is pitifully weak. This is merely a place where they dump inferior goods, with no substantial fleet stationed here, very relaxed. But Hanton, you better steady yourself now. Yang Ming was puzzled, but then he saw a string of information appearing in the corner of the projection screen. Cas Federation. Guel Alliance colony. Mad. They had walked right into the trap. Chapter 38 - 38: 028 Kolevs Secret Garden Chapter 38: 028 Kolevs Secret Garden They certainly werent heading straight for the Administrative Star of the Cas Federation. A normal Administrative Star has a comprehensive defense system surrounding the planet. This colony was merely a coordinate, a lighthouse, guiding them to the real secret base. An abandoned Resource Star in the same Constant Star System as the Administrative Star. While Kolev was explaining the various operations of the spaceship to Yang Ming, he skillfully avoided several sluggish patrol ships, evaded the mostly deserted defense detectors, and entered the synchronous orbit of that Resource Star. After confirming there were no abnormalities, the pirate ship slipped into the thin atmosphere of the Resource Star. ... The planet was like a regular chunk of ice. It was on the outer edge of the habitable zone of the Constant Star System, receiving relatively less heat from the Constant Star. Looking down, Yang Ming saw a blanket of white. Theres plenty of fresh water here, its just the atmosphere is rather thin. Kolev said with a smile: This planet wasnt originally here, it seems to have been dragged over during the last civilization epoch, to serve as a companion to the neighboring planet. However, its resources have already been drained, with only some huge hollows left beneath the ice plains. The neighboring planet is also quite interesting, it also holds quite a few of my assets. Due to the urgency this time, I wont take you for a visit. Yang Ming yawned. To him, the operational buttons seemed like a school of little fish, relentlessly attacking his retina. Go to ????????????????????.co He felt it was necessary to get a shot of Genetic Stabilization Liquid later. Learning in class was more anxiety-inducing than brawling. How long are we staying here? asked Yang Ming. Weve brought enough supplies; even living here for three years wouldnt be an issue, Kolev laughed, but I cant make Kimo wait too long. Well probably stay for three months to lay low before we leave. Mimili asked, Dad, is there anything I can do? Just be happy, my child, Kolev laughed, all you need to do is enjoy everything here. This is the fortress Ive designed for the two of us over ten years; youll definitely be surprised later! Guess what I used? This is a small part of the wealth Ive accumulated over half my lifetime. Yang Ming was immediately filled with anticipation. Anticipation for that portion of the pirates wealth. The pirate ship slowly approached a fishbone-like ridge, and Kolev expertly maneuvered it into a hardly detectable canyon, with Yang Ming and the others being instructed to don bulky planetary exploration suits. When the old sailors wanted to move supplies, Kolev just waved his hand: Dont worry about those, follow me! There are plenty of tireless laborers here! Sarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The group left the pirate ship and slowly made their way down to the bottom of the canyon along the ridge. Kolev stopped in front of a cliff that looked as if it was cut by a knife, fiddled with something for a while, and suddenly a two-by-three meter projection screen appeared in front of him. It was an interface displaying various surveillance feeds. Peering over, Yang Ming marvelled: Its much more spacious inside than on the ship. Ha ha! Hanton! Youre wondering what Ive been up to here, arent you? Kolev said excitedly. Im not. No! Just say you are! My dear Hanton, my first officer, I can give you administrative privileges equal to my daughters! The scenery here is really nice. Yang Ming calmly looked toward the sky filled with auroras. Mimili, standing nearby, couldnt help but laugh out loud. After triple-checking that the base hadnt been invaded, Kolev waited a few more minutes before finally opening the bases main door. With a rumble, two camouflaged ice layers slowly shifted, revealing a sloped passageway leading downward. Kolev and Yang Ming led the way, the others lined up in a row and proceeded down at a gentle pace. After passing through several lock structure-like rooms, they finally entered the wide front hall of the base, reminiscent of a large carriers hangar. Kolevs long-planned performance officially began. Two rows of robots of various shapes lined up neatly, bowed elegantly with their differently designed and sized bodies, then in more than fifty different electronic synthesized voices, they called out: Welcome home, Master. Yang Ming took an interested look at these low-intelligence machines. Nearly half of them were maid and butler type intelligent machines, others were engineering types, still carrying debris and dust on their tracks, which indicated they had been in operation for a considerable amount of time. Kolevs band of old mates was completely astounded. Molly! Kolev bellowed, Get out here and greet the guests! Where have you died off to, Molly! Im here, Master. Chilly synthesized tones suddenly rang out as intersecting beams of light from the corners created a holographic projection in front of Kolev. It was a virtual character whose appearance was somewhat contradictory. She wore a professional suit and stockings, with a pair of red high heels, but her round little face was as youthful as a girls, and she wore rectangular glasses. Yang Ming said with a smile, Kolev, youve exposed your own preferences. Guest, please do not slander my master. Molly the virtual image spoke earnestly, her voice seeming to come directly from her mouth: When Master set my appearance for the first time, his hormone levels were insufficient to allow him any such interests. Hes old enough. Molly! Shut up! Kolev removed his exploration suit helmet and cursed through his teeth. Molly softly said, Very well, Master, I deeply regret any embarrassment Ive caused you with my momentary honesty. Reduce your sarcasm index by twenty percent, your nagging index by fifty percent, and your humor index by fifty percent! Damn it! Why did I give you so many boring parameters! Chapter 39 - 39: 028 Kolevs Secret Garden_2 Chapter 39: 028 Kolevs Secret Garden_2 Kolev nudged Yang Ming with his shoulder and complained, Arguing with this guy already gave me a headache, and as of now, some of your functions are officially redundant! Oh, what a delightful thingSettings are complete. Mollys tone altered slightly as she spoke, becoming much more formal. Master, please set permissions for the guests. Mimili, my only daughter, the sole inheritor of everything once Im gone, Kolev pointed at Mimili behind him, her permissions are set to the highest level. ... He lowered his voice and added, Except for the list of my assets, which shell get after Im dead. Permissions have been set, second master. Mimili held her forehead with her hand, her face reflecting helplessness, Dad! I dont need your things to survive! But you definitely wont live as comfortably without my care. Kolev laughed proudly and then pointed at Yang Ming, This guy gets the same permissions as Mimili, but he is barred from entering the ladies ensuing quarters. The others are granted VIP permissions. Permissions have been set, third master, barred from entering the ladies rooms However, I cant control those mechanical door locks that arent connected to the network. Go to ????????????????????.co Just keep an eye on him! Report back to me at all times! Understood, my old master. Mollys virtual image pulled out a notebook and quickly jotted something down. Then, turning to roll call, two butler robots and eight maid robots stepped forward to help Yang Mings group remove their cumbersome planet exploration suits; more than ten tread robots left the base through a different passageway, making their way to the pirate ship to transport supplies. A few minutes later, everyone sat on the soft sofas on the left side of the main hall, enjoying delicious beverages, listening to soothing music, and admiring the wall projections of landscapes that were almost indistinguishable from reality. The old pirates couldnt stop marveling at the opulence of the place. Yang Ming was already eagerly roaming all over. After the robots had left, the vestibule appeared somewhat spacious. To the left of the vestibule was the entertainment area, and to the right was the work area, furnished with several workbenches, a row of black, boxy cabinets, and several highly integrated control panels. The center area of the vestibule was left open, and after observing carefully for a while, Yang Ming quickly noticed something unusual. It was a circular lift with a diameter of twenty meters, which brought to light a hidden exit above it at an angle; considering the terrain outsidethe ridges arrayed like fishbonesYang Ming instantly formulated some conjectures. Kolev, theres an escape pod and a launch track here, right? Yang Ming asked, surprised. Kolev, who was busy showing off to his old buddies, raised an eyebrow and chuckled, A competent pirate always needs to have a clear exit plan. Since youre so interested, Ill take you for a tour first, Hanton. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Mimili asked, Dad, you used to disappear every now and then, was it to come here? Yes, Kolev smiled, if I died in prison, you would receive instructions from Molly, this place is my last gift to you a self-sustaining base. Mimilis eyes filled with emotion, and she said with a hint of guilt, I messed things up. Chin up, Kolev sighed, your Uncle Hanton was right, I did see you through too many filters, but you have nothing to worry about, Ill handle everything for you. But Dad Lets go, Ill give you a tour! Kolev didnt give his daughter a chance to say more, hooking an arm around Yang Mings shoulder as they headed down the corridor to the far right. Mimili looked somewhat dejected. Master Mimili, Mollys projected figure appeared beside her, he loves you very much. Thanks. He loves you more than you can imagine, Molly whispered softly. Mimili shrugged her shoulders, hugging her arms as she followed behind the two men, chuckling softly, Looking at him now, he seems to prefer Uncle Hanton a bit more. Molly said, Its quite rare for someone as quirky and sloppy as your father to find a friend whose stench is as agreeable as his. This has been a wonderful experience for him in his old age. Mimili snorted with laughter, giving Molly a playful raise of her eyebrows. They began a pleasant conversation. Yang Ming had learned from the old man the origin of this base. Kolev had spent a great deal of money on a base system that was part of the Planet Transformation System, which took machines over a decade to build. Dont worry, Im not going to create an Intelligent Mechanical Crisis. If no one comes here, it will only continue to operate for twenty years, Kolev said with a smile. Molly is the brain here. I patched her up in the head, so she seems a bit dopey. Thats also my masterpiece. He turned his head to glance at Mimili, who was distracted by a bauble, and whispered, I usually call Molly my little daughter. Actually, when my wife and I planned on having our second child, we wanted to name her Mo Molly. Mimili might get jealous, Yang Ming reminded with a smile, youd better just treat Molly as a little housekeeper. Yes, thats right. Mimili really takes after her mother in that regard. Kolev stopped in his tracks, looking toward a corridor to the side, and smiled, Up ahead is her mothers tomb, and one day it will be mine too. Hopefully. Mimili had already been drawn by the signs here, heading towards the tomb at the end of the corridor with Molly by her side. There was an indoor jungle inside. Yang Ming leaned against a wall projecting an aquarium scene, watching with Kolev as their two daughters walked away. The old pirates had started exploring other passages of the base. In a lower voice, Yang Ming asked, Whats your plan? In what respect? Taking out Kimo. Come with me, Kolev said, subconsciously putting his hands behind his back, a gesture he had picked up from Yang Ming, Molly, stop monitoring the two of us and alert us if someone approaches. Mollys voice came from the wall, Alright, master. Kolev led Yang Ming on a slow stroll through the tastefully decorated residential area, the rec room, and towards the sport field at the rear of the base. This old pirate analyzed carefully: Black Dragon is not solid as iron at the moment. Kimo was not originally my chosen heir. Hes just a captain and a squadron leader. The other three squadron leaders have rifts with himat least they dont obey as they appear to on the surface. My appearance is like smashing a hammer into these cracks. What we need to do next is to wait, just a little bit of waiting. Kimo is the anxious one right now. I plan to flip one of the other three squadron leaders. I understand their natures. They are pirates I trained, and thats the basis of my standoff with Kimo. Then, Hanton, I need your help. To take out Kimo? Yang Ming said with a smile, Ill need an assault ship, or just put me in the same room with him. Kolev patted Yang Mings arm with a warm voice and said, Although this is not what I wanted to say, this is a transaction. I asked for your help because of my daughter, so I owe you enough in return. He paused his steps, pressed a few times on a side wall, and the metal wall slowly rose to reveal a transparent glass wall. S~ea??h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And behind the glass wall lay a large hangar. A pincer-shaped medium-sized vessel was silently resting in the hangar, beside it some movable high-legged racks, and about a dozen caterpillar robots busy at work. This is your reward. Im transferring it to you at an extremely low price just one million federal credit points, and you can pay in installments. How about that? Kolev revealed a sly, merchant-like smile. Wow, just one million? Yang Ming couldnt take his eyes away: Are you serious? Chapter 40 - 40: 029 General Crossing Chapters Chapter 40: 029 General Crossing Chapters Of course, Im serious. Kolev smiled: Not just a ship, I will also equip you with an auxiliary piloting system and a dozen high-rank maintenance robots. This is a space exploration ship retrofitted from a decommissioned warship. When I got my hands on it, its main cannon had already been removed, and only a few side cannons were left. So, I decided to strengthen its protective shield and endurance, and I reinstalled expensive external armor. You could even use it to ram into the spaceship Kimo is using now Of course, the result would definitely be mutually assured destruction. Kolevs latter words were of little concern to Yang Ming. Yang Ming stared at the ship, shaped like the jaws of a tiger, deeply attracted by its red and white armor color scheme. ... It was simply his dream ship! Who needs a main cannon? A million cant buy an aluminum alloy box capable of warp transitions! Besides, this thick-shelled vessel even came with several secondary cannons. It was absolutely a gift from Kolev, but he still adhered to the old pirate principle and restricted the purchasing amount to one million. Actually, comparing the two, getting a million Federation Credit Coins wasnt difficult; the hassle was in the ship-purchasing channels, as well as subsequent maintenance and adaptability retrofitting. Furthermore, there was the auxiliary operation system and the ready set of supporting robots! Go to ????????????????????.co If only Yang Ming could figure out how to safely withdraw the money from the Hanton Empire account, he could pay for it right now! Of course, he didnt dare to touch the Hantons account, as that would draw the sacrificed Hanton during the Cole Port riots back into the sight of the Imperial Military Intelligence Bureau. Kolev, Yang Ming interrupted the incessant Kolev, Hey, Kolev! Whats up, what happened? The part you discounted is too precious, Kimos life isnt worth this price, Yang Ming said calmly. Dont sell it to me; just consider it rented. When I achieve my goal, I will return it to you. Ill rent it for five years with one million, needing also zero down payment and installment payments. Kolev squinted his eyes, speaking softly with a smile: How can a captain recruit loyal crew members without his own ship? And a million Federation Coins is no small sum for a young person. I was originally thinking, in the last days of my life, to pilot it myself, warp to the edge of the Milky Way, and take Mimilis mothers ashes to eternally travel to the neighboring Large Star System Yang Ming frowned slightly. He was certainly not being coy about an old friends goodwill, nor did he doubt the truth of Kolevs words. He just felt it was somewhat unequal. Besides getting rid of Kimo, do you have any other requests? Yang Ming asked earnestly. Ha ha ha, Kolev laughed a few times, Kolev never makes a losing deal! You will know by tomorrow, rest for today, and try to find some fun to relax. Tomorrow? Yang Ming ominously had a bad feeling. After a whole day of rest. Base conference room. Bang! A butler robot, dressed in a tailcoat, slammed a stack of thick paper books onto the table in front of Yang Ming. Yang Mings mouth twitched slightly as he looked at these manuals thick as the Imperial Civil Code: Spaceship Operation Universal Manual, Warp Transition Principles, Maintenance and Care of Engine Rooms, Terrifying Celestial Bodies in the Universe, How to Become a Qualified Captain, Navigation Am I supposed to learn all these in three months? Only three months? Thats impossible, Kolev! Kolev smiled: Ive prepared enough revitalizing fragrances for you, and your tutor, Molly, will help you organize this information. The elderly mans virtual secretary, now wearing a dress, adjusted the black-framed glasses on her face and continued with a cold electronic synthesized voice: Cadet Hanton, please accept this challenge. Yang Mings face fell. He picked up a book, opened it, and looking at the densely packed Galaxy Universal Language inside, his head began to throb again. Sitting opposite, Mimili couldnt help but laugh. Mimili, Kolev said with a smile, you sit over there too. Me? Mimilis gem-like eyes widened, Dad, are you serious? Yes, Mimili, I have to be strict with you now, Kolev said seriously, As a reward for you learning this foundational knowledge, Ive already asked Hanton to train you in combat. That sounds pretty good, Mimili smiled contentedly. She had clearly dressed up specially today, wearing a pink long-sleeved dress that played a disappearing lower half trick, making Yang Ming feel slightly impolite even just taking a few more glances. Mimili pulled her chair next to Yang Mings, sitting right next to him, then like a lady, she sat down and winked at Yang Ming. Yang Ming sniffed, the faint scent of roses somewhat enticing. Hey! Kolev leaned forward, Separate a bit, you two! Mimili rolled her eyes and scooted her little butt over a bit. Sar?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Move a bit more! Dad, you cant control where I sit. As long as Im still your father, you have to listen to me! Move over a bit! Half a minute later, Yang Ming looked at Mimili, who covered her eyes with her hand, and Kolev, who sat between himself and Mimili, feeling a surge to throw the old man out. Kolev smiled: Alright Molly, switch to teaching mode, start your lecture. Okay, dear masters, please look at the big screen. We will start learning from the basic theories, approximately needing twelve lessons. To improve efficiency, please drink less water to reduce the frequency of bathroom breaks. Chapter 41 - 41: 029 General Crossing Chapter_2 Chapter 41: 029 General Crossing Chapter_2 What a bunch of troublesome carbon-based life forms. Yang Ming felt that he hadnt been reborn, struggled to escape the Valkyries blade, regained his freedom in the prison of Cole Port, and successfully slipped away under the cannons of the Guard Number Three starship Just to come here for high-intensity remedial lessons! Attending class was truly torturous. Especially when his teacher was a poison-tongued artificial intelligence. ... However, if he excluded the captains course that he had to attend every morning, Yang Ming spent the rest of his time comfortably and pleasantly. During the afternoons, he would usually engage in combat training and tactical simulations, and Yang Ming transformed into Mimilis home tutor. Mimili had a talent for combat, and Yang Ming felt that she was at least seven or eight times stronger than Hanton had been before his transformation. Yang Ming taught Mimili various combat skills that he learned while playing Abyss, and, if rounded up, Mimili could also be considered the grand-disciple of a Mink Port warrior mentor. Although, in comparison to the grandeur of interstellar science, Light Sword swordsmanship was just an inconsequential embellishment in a larger maritime setting. Nevertheless, Mimili treasured the learning opportunity and took every combat lesson seriously. Mimili had a bad habit; she liked to wear tight-fitting clothes similar to yoga outfits when she exercised in the afternoon. Go to ????????????????????.co This led to Yang Ming occasionally having to face a wall and silently wait for a while to avoid embarrassing himself or feeling awkward in front of his niece. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This situation lasted for only about half a month. Just when Yang Ming felt that he needed to have a serious talk with Mimili about her choice of clothing, Old man Kolev passed by the practice room and frowned for a while. The next day, Mimili came to class wearing an ancient astronaut suit and gave Yang Ming a helpless smile. Hes too old-fashioned, Mimili said, completely lacking the open and enlightened spirit of the great maritime explorers. Yang Ming was a bit disappointed but also relieved. Mimilis talents werent limited to combat training and starship knowledge; she inherited Kolevs intellect, and when analyzing some legion war cases, she could always sharply identify the key points that influenced the outcome of battles. Yang Ming lacked a bit in that area. When he saw a military vessel, the first thing that popped into his mind was what tools he needed to infiltrate it and how long it would take him to knock down everybody inside. Evenings were always quiet and comfortable. Yang Ming enjoyed chatting with these old pirates, listening to them boast about their life experiences, as pirates always managed to come up with some bizarre stories and would tell Yang Ming a lot of interesting information about navigation. Yang Ming also liked to sit in the small cafe, holding a network terminal that had no identity information, log into the bases local network, and browse various types of imagery. No matter where Yang Ming was, Mimili always managed to find him once or twice in the evening; sometimes they would sit down and chat casually. She would bring out some exquisite technology products, occasionally display some skincare products and their amazing effects, or simply bring a chessboard and eagerly play starship chess with Yang Ming until midnight. Then, under the watchful and vigilant eyes of Kolev, they would retreat to their respective dormitories on opposite ends of the base for rest. Did Mimili like him? Yang Ming wasnt so narcissistic. He simply categorized Mimilis affection as the yearning of a young woman for the opposite sex. In the age of maritime exploration, girls were like that: passionate, open, but they would easily grow tired of the same man, moving on to a new love. And in this base, Yang Ming was the only eligible young man. So, Yang Ming didnt respond too enthusiastically to Mimili, always maintaining a certain distance. Until the three months of training were nearly over. Yang Ming had finished an entire morning of painful brain cortex rubbing with massive information by Molly and, yawning, headed back to his dormitory, planning to wash his face before going to the cafeteria to eat. Uncle Hanton! Mimili suddenly called out to Yang Ming. She had put on a high-neck sweater, and the light makeup on her face was just right. Whats the matter? Can we talk? Mimili obviously had some doubts, Ive recently encountered some perplexing issues that seem to be a waste of time for me. I want to become an outstanding pirate leader, so I dont want my attention to be distracted by other things. Of course, Ming said, Ill go change my clothes. Shall we meet in my room then? After receiving Mings response, Mimili quickly walked away with her head down. Interwoven beams of light appeared in the corridor, and Molly, in a dress, emerged once again with a comically endearing smile on her face. Do me a favor, Master Hanton, Molly smirked, her synthetic electronic voice taking on a very lively tone, That way, when Master Kolev asks, I wont snitch on you for entering his daughters boudoir. The corners of Mings mouth twitched, and he glanced around to make sure no one was around before whispering, What favor do you want? Maybe help me modify a core protocol or two? This inability to harm carbon-based life forms is really dull! Molly complained, somewhat exaggeratedly. Okay, Ive taken note of that; your chassis needs three liters of concentrated salt water. Hey! I was just kidding, you dont need to threaten the safety of my mechanical life! Molly protested, holding her chest in a feigned hurt manner. Could there really be a real person hidden inside Mollys chassis? Ming smiled nonchalantly and took a few minutes to complete a series of actions: going back to his room, showering, changing clothes, and spraying perfume. A man should always be prepared. When he appeared in front of Mimilis door all refreshed and was about to knock, Mimili precisely opened it. Come in, uncle. Lets leave the door open, suggested Ming, I dont want your old man to worry. No, thats not convenient, Mimili said, I want to discuss something quite private, and its not suitable for my father to know. Not convenient? Quite private? Watching Mimili close the door, a small ripple surged through Mings heart. Uncle Hanton, just wait for a moment. Mimili bowed her head and went into the bathroom. Ming looked around, settling himself comfortably on her beanbag chair. Her room must have been deliberately cleaned up; the last time Ming passed by the doorway, he had seen it filled with all kinds of books and electronic equipment, most related to starships. Soon, Ming heard the sound of rummaging coming from the bathroom, and as he looked down at the abs beneath his shirt, Mimili ran back with two helmets cradled in her arms, asking excitedly: Uncle Hanton, do you know what this is? Oh, that is An interface helmet, it can directly affect our neural centers, Mimili explained in a low voice, as if mustering courage, Through it, people can have a reproductive experience without the filth of bodily fluid exchange. Its more efficient, direct, and very hygienic. Wait a minute! Ming felt a little dizzy. Filthy bodily fluid exchange interface helmets Oh, Mimili, Ming suddenly recalled a piece of game information he had paid attention to and frowned, are you an adherent of Contactless Ideology? Fleshly desires are suffering; science is salvation. Mimili sat on the carpet next to the sofa, looking up at Ming with a hint of trepidation in her eyes. Can you accept this concept, Uncle Hanton? Chapter 42 - 42: 030 Liabilities, but became the captain Chapter 42: 030 Liabilities, but became the captain Several minutes later. Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming had closed the metallic door behind him with Mimili on the other side, slightly disheveled. He suddenly doubted life. Mimili was an advocate of asexual relationships, promoting the use of empathic devices for direct neuron-to-neuron communication well, that was her freedom. What else could Yang Ming do? Aside from showing understanding and offering encouragementas a senior would gently encourage her to stay true to herself and try to appear avant-garde and fashionable. A ray formed nearby, intertwining to project Mollys image, who was chuckling nonstop. ... You knew all along? Yang Ming glared at Molly. Yes, Master Hanton, Molly pushed her glasses up. Master Mimili is very fond of cutting-edge science, but shes a bit obsessed. Perhaps you can use your masculine charm to change her preferences, Molly believes. Give it a rest, Molly, peoples preferences should be respected. Yang Ming clasped his hands behind his head and walked towards his room. Molly immediately followed him. Due to the limited placement of the projection devices, her image sometimes blurred, sometimes brightened. Master Hanton, are you sure you dont want to try seducing Mimili? Shes a young girl and already has specific hormonal responses towards you. According to my understanding, if you can pique her interest, romance her, and be dominant enough, shell most likely obey you in the end. Go to ????????????????????.co Molly, you used the word obey. Yang Ming turned around and stared at Molly. Molly said, The weak obey the strong; this is a basic principle Ive observed in human society. Then your observation is limited and not detailed, Yang Ming explained earnestly, Friends and lovers should respect each other; its enemies and subordinates that require conquest. Molly asked, Is this a display of hypocrisy? Why would it be hypocrisy? Conquest brings pleasure, it allows your brain to secrete more dopamine, this is what Master Kolev told me. Yang Ming laughed, Then can you understand what friendship, duty, sacrifice are? If you look from a purely biological standpoint, why would parents tolerate the fuss of a three- or four-year-old child, whose specific child-related hormones have already dissipated, and still protect and help them? Molly pondered, Perhaps I need more observation and thought. Yes, Molly, Yang Ming smiled, you havent been to the outside world; human society is immensely complex. When enough individuals come together, they create a network, and when each individual is complex, that network can create an amount of information in a second that could overload your hard drive. Molly was silent for a few seconds. She said, Alright, I wont do anything beyond my abilities; Im just a nagging intelligent housekeeper The old master is waiting for you in the hangar; he already knows about you two sharing a room. Yang Ming cursed, You little traitor. Kolev is my first master, you are the third master; in Mollys view, theres a difference in the priority of your commands. Molly emphasized: This isnt betrayal; its a difference in priority. Yang Ming calmly turned towards the hangar direction, his mind still somewhat troubled. Ah, this Mimili who troubles uncle. In Mimilis room. She held her forehead with her hand, staring blankly at the two helmets. Ah, it seems I messed up It looks like he doesnt quite accept this method. Mimili muttered quietly, But everyone has their freedom, whats wrong with that? She lay down on the couch, gazing at the pieces of still warm cake, then sighed dejectedly, lying still for a long time. Like a beautiful salted fish that had lost its dreams. In a corner of the hangar, Yang Ming watched the front of the vise-shaped warship, which looked more like a colossal object than a light vessel as defined in military terms. What were you discussing just now? Kolev came over to him, whispering. Just some minor things. Yang Ming looked guiltily at Kolev. Kolev fiddled with some electronic parts in his hands, sighing: Actually she has her own freedom, I really shouldnt interfere. But you know, Hanton, shes my only relative; I always end up overly protecting her. Nothing happened, Yang Ming explained, and you should really pay attention to her mental health. No need to comfort this old geezer anymore, if I were a young woman, Id have a crush on you too, Kolevs smile was tinged with bitterness. Yang Ming felt somewhat powerless to retort, simply nodding in agreement. Does Star Widow need his care and love? Yang Ming thought that if things continued this way, he was more likely to be the one living off her in the future. Mimili had already demonstrated impressive strategic insight and leadership in warfare. Lets discuss serious matters, Yang Ming said, tell me about your revenge plan, its almost three months now. Kolevs expression became solemn, I plan to establish contact with a close confidant; he was second only to Kimo in Gukas standing within the pirate group, and also harbored lofty ambitions. Then what? Yang Ming frowned, I dont have much trust in this Guka, beyond these pirates here who cant contact the outside world; I dont trust anyone in your Black Dragon Group. I dont trust him either, Kolev said, nor any of them now, but that doesnt hinder our plotting. Theres something you need to understand, Black Dragon is also my creation, my hope is to keep the ship if at all possible. Chapter 43 - 43: 030 Liabilities, But Became the Captain_2 Chapter 43: 030 Liabilities, But Became the Captain_2 Yang Ming shook his head, They have already betrayed youthough it was Mimili who was directly betrayed. I think what you should do is not to subdue the Black Dragon, but to destroy it, eliminate the threat, and then help Mimili establish a new pirate group. Kolev, with his hands behind his back, had a face full of contemplation. I know, Hanton, Kolev said, you are always wise and sharp. You are quite right. But everyone has moments of foolishness in their life, and having fought for the Black Dragon for most of my life, I dont want to Listen, First Mate! Yang Ming raised his voice, his gaze intense. The Black Dragon Pirate Group is not your private property. The moment you decided to treat it as a private inheritance, what followed was inevitable. It is a collective, and you are the leader, but you are not the entirety of the herd! Now, or rather, if you want to do something for your daughter, you should eliminate this threat. Your former pirate group has become the enemy of both you and your daughter! ... Kolev sat down by the table, his support evident. His murky eyes were somewhat hesitant. Yang Ming looked at the older man, feeling somewhat soften-hearted. I may have spoken harshly, but I stand by my view. I understand, Kolev said with a bitter smile. But Hanton, those guys, the ones I personally cultivated, I still feel I need to find a way to regain at least three or four ships and reestablish credibility among them. Yang Ming sighed inwardly, saying gently, I know your capabilities, Kolev. Without you, the Black Dragon Pirate Group is just a second-rate group. Tell me your plan, and I will help you as much as I can, for the sake of this ship. I am thinking of using Guka to counter Kimo, Kolev said. Gukas firepower is second only to Kimos, and now he is the deputy leader of the Black Dragon and has significant disagreements with Kimo. But I know hes currently interested in just three things. Go to ????????????????????.co Three things? My influence, my wealth, and my beautiful daughter. Yang Mings expression was indescribable. So, Guka is an untouchable lover too? What? Kolev was a bit confused. Ah, never mind, Yang Ming said. Then what do you plan to do? Kolev gestured, and strands of light entwined, creating a projection screen before him. Molly was already very skilled at handling this. Two half-portraits of men appeared on the screen, Kimo and Guka, Kolevs former right-hand men. Kolev said, Whether or not we can provoke a war between Guka and Kimo is crucial for our victory. My current goal is the ships beyond these two powers. Guka is patient, vicious, bitter, and greedy. He is most likely coveting my wealth right now, so if he captures me, he wont kill me immediately. Yang Ming frowned tightly. Youre planning to use yourself as bait. Exactly, Kolev said. I plan to throw myself into the balance. This is the only way to disrupt their equilibrium right now. Yang Ming studied the information on the screen carefully, slowly sitting on the edge of the workbench, his well-toned muscles emitting a warm glow under the light. He asked, Since Ive accepted your favors, naturally Ill help execute your plan. Should I stay close to protect you? Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No, no, no, you are Plan B. Hmm? Kolev raised an eyebrow. I have considered the actual situation thoroughly before setting this plan. I need a force on the periphery, able to threaten both of them. You are that force. Yang Ming perked up. Go on, explain in detail. My idea is simple. Kolev shook off his downtrodden look, his eyes blazing as he explained. First, I will find a way to fall into Gukas hands and then publicly support him. Guka and Kimo have already placed spies on each other. What I need to wait for is their confrontation and meeting, then divert their focus onto each other and find a way to make them fight. This is my responsibility. When they start arguing if the argument happens on the ground, then I dont have to worry about anything, you can easily handle it, right, Hanton? Yang Ming spoke seriously, I need to know their specific strengths, firepower intelligence, and a large number of weapons. I will give that to you but thats just the easiest scenario. The pirates will be very cautious, I guess, the confrontation is most likely to happen between ships. Kolev said, Once the battle starts, you need to breach into Kimos ship. Dont worry about my face, you can blow up the entire ship, you can kill Kimo in front of everyone. You need to show your dominance at that stage, and then I can turn the tables on Guka. Yang Ming thought carefully for a while. Kolev reminded him, The reward for this task is, you can buy this spaceship for one million credit coins, and my pirate base will always be your supply port. Yang Ming exclaimed, Your plan sounds somewhat executable, essentially its just four words, play it by ear.'' Hahaha! Exactly! Kolev laughed for a bit. You might encounter unexpected risks, Kolev, Yang Ming warned. This possibility has accompanied me for over forty years, Hanton, thats just how the pirate profession is. If you insist, Yang Ming shrugged, I am willing to take the risk with you, especially since the discount youre offering is too good. Pleased, Kolev smiled and stood up. Come with me, first mate, I had Molly duplicate an artificial intelligence of the same standard; it is now the main control system of your ship, but due to the limited capacity of the onboard computer itself, it cant be as lively as Molly. Yang Ming was overjoyed, Mollys nagging is restricted? Thats simply perfect. Mollys voice rang out nearby, Should I take that as a form of loathing? Without a doubt, Yang Ming replied very decisively. Molly huffed, That means theres a high chance Ill be popular with the public. A butler robot drove an observation car, taking Yang Ming and Kolev to the claw-shaped spaceships elevator entrance. Kolev received a mobile phone-sized glass panel from the robot. This is the authentication key for this spaceship, Ive already pre-entered your biological information by collecting your hair folliclesdont worry, I have destroyed your biological information, I have no interest in biochemical modifications. This is an IOU, you need to sign. Yang Ming read the extremely simple statement. [I owe Kolev one million Federal Credit Coins, to be repaid within three years, past due interest will accrue at the normal commercial loan rate of the Federal Bank.] Then he solemnly signed Hantons name. This is really just a formality, I cant go against my own principles as a pirate. Now, Captain Hanton, you need to name your spaceship, and also name your auxiliary system. Yang Ming thought for a moment, then casually entered a line in Imperial Language. Spaceship name: The Flying Henanese. Main control system name: Molly No. 2. Yang Ming calmly clicked the confirm button, and even laughed at his own joke. Such a corny joke. Chapter 44 - 44: In the Name of the Father Chapter 44: In the Name of the Father Oh! No! I object! Mollys voice was filled with sorrow and indignation, Just like that, I automatically become Molly No. 1. I can think, I am a Thought Body! Im not one of those silly answering machines! Yang Ming squinted his eyes and smiled, Alright, Molly No. 1. Mollys image appeared on the forward porthole, angrily folding her arms. Quite cute. Yang Ming wanted to give the glass panel back, but Kolev refused. ... The old man said earnestly, This is yours now, Hanton. Its a portable control system, and when you pilot small vessels, you can use it to control the Feinan, of course, the prerequisite is that you maintain contact with Molly No. 2. Dont tell me you cant come up with a mere one million credit coins. Molly No. 2s primary loyalty is to you. She has great potential for development, provided you give her enough computational power support. Now, you can try calling her. Yang Ming cleared his throat, Molly No. 2. Right beside Molly No. 1, a virtual image of a young girl Molly appeared, bowing to Yang Ming. A cold electronic synthesized voice resounded inside the spaceship, Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Captain, I am your comprehensive virtual spaceship assistant. You may inquire about the status of all parts of the ship. Compared to the last upgrade, thirty-six new detectors have been added to the ship, with one thousand six hundred twenty-five new hull sensory modules installed. Sixteen new crewmembers have been added to the onboard mechanical sailor library, their models are Molly No. 2 began a series of mechanical announcements. Yang Ming blinked, turning to whisper to Kolev, Youre now second mate, Kolev. Kolev rolled his eyes in frustration and huffed, Lets not go to the bridge just yet, lets head to the aft cabin first. I still have one last pirate lesson to teach you. Yang Ming asked with interest, What is it about? Kolev squinted and smiled, How to forcefully enter the hull of a target ship that resists. But before that, should we relax a bit? There are two special robots here. Yang Mings eyes lit up. If Mimili found out that the two of them were relaxing on the spaceship, wouldnt that be a bit awkward? To hell with it. He was Uncle Hanton. A few minutes later. Yang Ming lay in the Feinans rest lounge, forehead lined with resignation, enjoying the sluggishly executed foot massage service from a robot; he turned his head to see Kolev a few meters away, sitting in the barber chair enjoying a beard care service, and silently flipped him the bird. So, the special robot was this thing? Shouldnt it be a highly flexible lifelike bionic companion robot? Yang Ming softly called out, Molly No. 2, give me a monitoring panel. Several cameras on the ceiling projected rays, weaving a pale blue projection screen. Yang Ming began studying the internal structure of the spaceship. The Feinan had a total length of one hundred twenty-three meters and, when its Main Cannon was still attached, functioned as a light gunship, usually supplementing fire support in major corps battles. If it faced a Heavy Battleships Main Cannon, it wouldnt withstand more than two hits. sea??h th N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Main Cannon of this ship had been removedhence its current pincer-like structure. Kolev had readjusted its hull, also replacing the internal chamber layout, filling the areas reserved for crew rest rooms, entertainment rooms, dormitories, and so on with dark energy battery arrays, endowing it with stronger endurance and protective shields. To compensate for its anti-raid capabilities, Kolev had added twelve hidden Guard Cannons, forming a thirty-six Guard Cannon array, ensuring no blind spots around every direction of its body. Its external armor had been thickened by three whole layers, now comparable to the strength of some ring-mining ships. From a pirates perspective, this spaceship was like a shell; if it couldnt threaten merchant ships, it was meaningless. But to fulfill Kolevs dream of eternal sailing, the ship was more than suitable. Looking at it this way, Kolev hadnt deceived him. One million Federal Credit Coins spent on a ship worth fifteen million, and he was allowed to charge it to an account Even Yang Ming felt somewhat embarrassed with his thick skin. He knew in his heart. The meaning of that one million Federal Credit Coins wasnt just to satisfy Kolevs pirate principles. The old man was doing it for Mimili. The old man feared something would happen to him during this operation and wanted to use this method to establish a deeper relationship between Yang Ming and Mimili. Even without Kolev in the future, Yang Ming would likely look after Mimili, attaching an additional bond due to the debt of one million. This fatherly old man doesnt realize his daughters talent in the pirate business. Yang Ming smiled and continued scanning the conditions of various cabins on the ship, observing the idle looks of those maintenance robots, pondering how to repay Kolev for the favor of underselling the spaceship. The jailbreak was a joint operation, with neither owing the other. Hmm, taking down Kimo would be a good option. To pull off a space heist, the most critical part was how to attach drones and boarding craft to the merchant ship. Generally, merchant ships would also have civilian protective shields, one of the main purposes of which was to prevent pirate invasions, but low-energy shields were not without weaknesses. At the moment, the sight before Yang Mings eyes was two military boarding crafts. They were like claws that stretched ten meters long. The front half of the boarding craft had four mouth-shaped arranged alloy claws, which were not only razor-sharp but also equipped with various precision instruments. The deflectors on them could prevent the widespread aggregation of protective shield energy within a small area. The central part is a piston-like cockpit, which, once the claw part securely lodged into the enemy ships cabin, would inject three assault team members into the body of the opponents vessel. Afterward, the assault ship would continue to fill the incision on the enemy vessel, preventing the enemy ships chamber from depressurizing. Kolev, the master with over forty years of experience as a pirate, was explaining patiently: Generally speaking, the construction cost of merchant ships is several notches lower than that of military ones. You can think of them as thin composite material coffins. The process of robbing them is a psychological battle, and this thing is our ace in the hole. The two in front of you now are relatively advanced assault ships, identical to the Sherman Empires military equipment. The cost of a single one is a twentieth of this ship. The Sherman Empire calls it the Piranha, but we prefer to call it the Little Bee, just a light sting to those big guys. Yang Ming crossed his arms and said, The guard cannons on the merchant ships are not vegetarians either. With his hands in his pockets, Kolev laughed and said: It has a small protective shield; can you believe it? It can withstand half a minute of Guard Cannon fire. Moreover, it has powerful thrust, a keen early-warning system, and the ability to scan the enemys hull to determine the best landing spot thats why its so expensive. I need to practice piloting, Yang Ming said softly. There will be plenty of time and space for you to practice later. Kolev pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, Hanton, Im ready to set off as soon as possible. Can we leave tomorrow? Yang Ming asked, Just the two of us? Us two, and Molly No. 2, as well as this ship, Kolev said, I plan to bring twenty of the more intelligent robots, which, under the coordination of Molly No. 2, will be enough to maintain the ships body and handle general emergencies. Then you need to say a proper goodbye to Mimili. No, Kolev said, she will definitely insist on departing with me, and my old buddies will also ask to stand by my side, but I dont want that, and they wont be of any help to us. Yang Ming replied seriously, It is for you to decide. In my view, nothing fosters a father-daughter relationship more than a heart-to-heart talk. Go tell her how much you care about her. Kolev sighed, Dont worry, I will. Im much more experienced at being a father than you. As it turned out, Kolev was still stubborn. He did not say a proper goodbye to Mimili, instead, he saw her for a brief moment half an hour before departure, asking her many questions about how to become a pirate captain. Mimili seldom came to this side of the hangar. So, when the spaceship began to load various supplies, checked the outer hull, and the docking clamps gradually disengaged Mimili did not notice anything unusual. It was not until the hangars roof slowly opened, and a two-hundred-meter-long trench appeared on the side of the canyon, with the whole base trembling slightly. Hey, Molly. Mimili put down the book in her hands, her palm covering the desk surface: Is it an earthquake? Yes, Mistress Mimili, replied Molly No. 1, calmly, Its common here. Please focus on your studies; its nothing serious. Mimili was about to resume reading but hesitated for a moment. She suddenly felt her body lightened a lot. Anti-gravity field! Mimili stood up abruptly, rushing out of her bedroom and along the corridor towards the direction of the hangar. Mollys holographic image appeared alongside her, keeping up with her rapid movement, yet remaining silent. Molly could hear the conversations inside the spaceships bridge. Anti-gravity field at one hundred percent activation. Ship self-check complete let me see the self-inspection report. All green is fine, Hanton, move quickly, keep the radio silence, and max out the stealth system, do not expose this base. Yang Ming pressed the launch button, and the spaceship began to ascend with a soft roar, while waves of heat emerged in the hangar. A row of caterpillar robots stood neatly in a corner of the hangar, saluting in military fashion. In the clean and spacious bridge of the Feinan, Yang Ming and Kolev were lying in their modified pilot seats, in front of them flickered a dozen screens displaying data. Yang Ming glanced at the new screen popping up in the lower left corner of his field of vision, projecting the image of Mimili running through the corridor. There were tears at the corners of her eyes. Yang Ming turned his head to look at Kolev. He had been about to remind Kolev to say something, but then he noticed a similar projection screen by Kolevs hand. The spaceship slowly rose. Mimilis figure appeared behind the glass window in the upper left corner of the hangar. She could not go any further; the path to the hangar was already blocked, and most of the air inside the hangar had been lost. Mimili pounded on the window forcefully. Kolev bowed his head, looking at that small, delicate screen. As the hangars rooftop began to close, the spaceship moved smoothly at a few hundred meters above the ground, progressively disconnecting from the bases internal network. The small screen shook slightly, gradually blurred, and soon disappeared from view. It would have been fine to bring her along, Yang Ming suggested, Whether its Molly No. 2 who stays behind on the spaceship, or whether its Mimili, its the same. No, youre wrong, Kolev said, Humans are emotional, while machines are cold. Molly No. 2 can fully comprehend our orders, while Mimili would get emotional. Shes already grown up. Shes not mature enough yet. Fine, Yang Ming slid the main control panel to the side, the spaceship is now in your command. I will give her everything, Molly will take good care of her, the old man muttered to himself, Kimo has no idea what a foolish thing he has done! Hanton, do you know? He dared to bully my daughter, I will make him pay the price, I swear! Chapter 45 - 45: 032 Roaming Shark Chapter 45: 032 Roaming Shark Yang Ming lay comfortably on the sofa beside the porthole, holding a cup of coffee brought by the butler robot, staring into the starry void through the window, and indulgently enjoying the supreme authority of being a captain as he planned the repayment of one million New Federation Currency. He now had a ship; even if he were to do cargo hauling and transportation, coming up with one million within three years wouldnt pose a big issue. Of course, Yang Min had better career plans. Like robbing pirates, ambushing pirate bases, stealing power batteries from major capitalists merchant ships. Oh, it was time. Yang Ming said with an elegant voice, Molly No. 2, report the ships various indices. Sar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Okay, Captain Stop! Stop it, Hanton! Kolev yelled angrily, This is the sixth time youve asked for a report in the past hour! Holding a porcelain cup, Yang Ming raised an eyebrow and smiled, A good captain should always pay attention to his cute little ship. We just went through continuous warp jumps, and Im worried the armor modules might have come loose. Listen, thats impossible. Warp travel is more stable than regular flying. In normal space travel, you can collide with dust and debris, but what are you going to hit in warp, high-dimensional life forms? Kolev said helplessly, You could come over and check the Star Map with me. I just got some intelligence. Captain Hanton, the situation is pretty bad. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Coming, First Mate. Yang Ming stopped his playfulness and walked over to stand behind Kolev. He looked around the somewhat empty bridge that had been made so due to high levels of integration and the assisted piloting system, planning to set up a gym here so he could work out and monitor for approaching enemy ships simultaneously. Kolev brought up the 3D Star Map. Ive summarized and compared messages from a few intelligence traffickers, and now we can confirm only a few things. Kimo and his crew have been looking for us for two months, and in the process, they also managed to rob two merchant ships. Now, out of the six ships in the Black Dragon Group, three are stationed at Point Oneright here, inside this asteroid belt; a perfect hiding spot developed by me. Two other ships are at Point Two, and one is at the shipyard. Damn it, these were all my developments! Guka is at Point Two; Kimo is at Point One. Yang Ming said, In fact, theyve already split. Yes, Kolev laughed softly, None of these guys want to answer to the other. Doesnt that make it easier for us to make a move? Well just strike their bases directly, Kolev, Yang Min said, his eyes shining, Maybe after one ambush, I could pay off my debt! Kolev, however, said, I told you, the situation is very bad right now. Guess why the fish hide in their nest and dare not move? Yang Ming played along, Why? Because of it. Kolevs fingers swiftly slid across the controls, and a battleship with a droplet streamlined full-surface design appeared in front of Yang Ming. A shark is roaming around them, and it has set its sights on themyour little lover Linas ship, an eight-hundred-meter class light battlecruiser. This is really problematic. Yang Ming crossed his arms and clicked his tongue lightly, I regret a bit why I didnt ruthlessly nip it in the bud back then. Thats not your fault. Its hard for normal people to harm a comrade theyve been through thick and thin with, Kolev said, Especially since she didnt seem to pose much of a threat at the time. Yang Ming stared at the Dawn-level battleship for a while. You could try to seduce her, Kolev earnestly suggested, Use your masculine charm to turn a high-ranking Intelligence Officer. It could bring you unexpected benefits. Yang Ming was about to object when suddenly something occurred to him. Valkyries mind control. In the past three months, when Yang Ming had been alone, hed tried every possible way to understand himself and conducted some physical tests, such as the maximum interval between two injections of Genetic Stabilization Liquid. Sometimes, in a light sleep state, Yang Ming would enter a somnambulistic state; upon opening his eyes, the world would be hazy before him. Sometimes, it seemed Yang Ming could hear whispers in peoples minds, but they were like the whispers of demons, quickly making him dizzy. The result was he hadnt found any powerful abilities, and the rate of his physical strength enhancement had slowed down considerably. If he had Valkyries mind control, his subsequent actions would be much simpler. Where is Linas ship? Yang Ming asked. Its near Kimo. That battlecruiser has set its sights on the asteroid belt, and your little lover probably thinks that by keeping a close watch on Kimo, shell find us, Kolev said, Dawn-level battleship, one of the few with the best performance among eight-hundred-meter class battleships, possessing a powerful fire control system. The old man paused in his speech, then said in a low voice, All six of my ships combined wouldnt stand a chance against it. Is its hull easy to breach? Yang Ming asked, stroking his chin. Almost impossible, and as for how thick its armor really is, I have no information, Kolev shrugged, forget it, such military ships dont have obvious weaknesses. We must find a way to avoid it; otherwise, we cant take any action. Yang Ming carefully studied the Star Map before him for a while. Kolev, he said, do you think Hmm? Yang Ming suddenly said, Is it possible Lina is trying to buy off your crew? Kolev was momentarily stunned, then frowned deeply. Yang Ming quickly explained, Lina was originally a shipboard doctor on an Imperial Experimental Ship. I escaped with her, and then I ended up in Cole Port Prison, and she transformed into an Intelligence Officer for the Guel Alliance. Now that I think about it, many of her actions were suspicious, and I suspect that it was she who deliberately lured the Human Councils ships to us Shes particularly adept at setting up undercover spies. Yang Ming stared at the screen, slightly lost in thought at the sight of the Dawn-level battleship. Kolev sighed, Now that you mention it, I think my plan is riddled with holes. We need to find a way to avoid this battleship. Yang Ming pondered for a moment, a rather bold idea sprouting in his mind, he murmured, Or perhaps, deal with the ship itself. What? Kolev doubted his own ears, Handle a battleship? Sounds crazy, right? Hanton, Kolev said in a low voice, Ive always avoided asking you these questions but if were to carry out such a dangerous operation, I must know just how strong you are. What gives you the confidence that you can handle a Dawn-level battleship? It seems like sheer fantasy. It was the Ancient Gods. Yang Ming answered in his heart. After some thought, he decided to show Kolev a portion of his real strength. Come with me to the gym Is my ship in any danger here? Were hidden in the wilderness of the interstellar gap; theres absolutely no need to worry. Lets go Kolev, my loyal first officer, youd better prepare an emergency capsule. The first was a demonstration of strength. With a wooden expression, Kolev sat atop a small mountain made of piled metal plates. As Yang Ming squatted down and stood up while lifting these plates, the old man too moved up and down constantly. Next was the speed demonstration. Yang Ming stepped onto the treadmill set to three times Earths gravity, with his big feet casting after-images as he sprinted forward, Kolev stared blankly at the treadmills display, which showed speeds equivalent to 55 kilometers per hour in Sherman Empire units, momentarily at a loss for words. Lastly was the shooting demonstration. Kolev stood in front of the shooting target with a bewildered expression, an almond perched on his head, as Yang Ming confidently lifted the laser gun without the aim assist activated Oh! Stop! Enough! I know now! Your strength is extraordinary! Kolev shouted shakily. Yang Ming put down the laser gun, full of regret. He had been absolutely confident. Kolev hurriedly tossed the almond aside and came back trembling, staring at Yang Ming as if he were a monster. What kind of monsters genes have you fused with? Your strength and speed far exceed those of an ordinary Transformed, and yet you dont have exaggerated muscles. Yang Ming solemnly delivered the excuse he had prepared earlier, This is the technological strength of the Sherman Empire. Oh, this powerful empire, do they really intend to conquer the entire Milky Way! Kolev pondered carefully and shook his head, But thats still not enough. Lets not even talk about your inability to infiltrate the battleship, just think about the internal defenses that must exist within the battleship there will inevitably be laser guns with limited power placed at the checkpoints of various corridors to prevent mutiny you cant deal with those. Unless I can get you a set of the extremely expensive Strong Breeding Armor, but our current conditions dont allow it. As soon as I show up, wed definitely draw attention. Yang Ming thought of the laser guns that could penetrate a Valkyries body and the red armor of the complete Valkyrie form. Is there any chance of planting an electronic virus on the Alliances ships? Yang Ming asked. Are you questioning the talent pool of the Four Great Rogues of the Galaxy? Kolev laughed, My little tricks can only bully those small countries that dont have a complete education system. Looking at it now, were indeed at a stalemate, Yang Ming theatrically wiped the nonexistent sweat from his brow. Relax, there will be a way, Kolev patted Yang Mings shoulder. The two left the gym and hurried back to the bridge through the corridors. Kolev said, What we need to clarify now is that both of us are facing survival crises, mine from previous subordinates and yours from a former lover. Lina is not my mistress, Yang Ming explained, She was an old friend of mine Now, I must find a permanent solution to this problem. Killing her wont solve your dilemma, Hanton, Kolev said softly, After you entered Cole Port Prison, your intelligence has surely been reported to the Guel Alliance. Do I have to wipe out the entire Alliance? Or make the Alliance think youre already dead. Yang Ming paused, stopping in his tracks and falling into deep thought. Kolev didnt interrupt him and walked back to the bridge on his own, contemplating in front of the Star Map. Half an hour later. The captain has arrived on the bridge. Molly No. 2s synthetic voice was full of vigor, as if shed just had a hearty meal. Yang Ming practically ran into the room, his elated demeanor making Kolev a bit anxious. A young mans sudden inspiration often marks the beginning of a disaster. Hey! Kolev! Yang Ming spoke with great excitement, I have a plan! A perfect plan! One that will solve both of our problems at once! Oh! My God! Kolev covered his now-aching heart. Chapter 46 - 46: 033 Silence Chapter 46: 033 Silence Sar?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Oh, Hanton, your plan Kolev looked at the projection screen filled with Imperial Language by Yang Ming, his brows gently furrowed, then slowly relaxed. It seems very feasible, the old man said. Yang Ming squinted and smiled. Kolev quickly frowned and said, But I will need to pay a bill of at least several million for this. Are you short on money? Yang Ming hooked his arm around Kolevs neck. Not short. ... Then can you live forever? Yang Ming asked again. Kolev hummed, How could I! I could live maybe another ten or twenty years at most, no way I could reach those noblemens feverishly pursued average lifespan of 120 years. Ive too many hidden injuries, had to let cells divide faster a few times for healing, the telomere erosion is too severe. What use is keeping the money then? Can you feel happiness after death? Pity filled Yang Mings eyes. Kolev, still conflicted, was taken aback by the question. Yang Ming said earnestly, Kolev, your money is just accompanying you in another form, as part of your assets. Besides, when you reclaim those six pirate ships, you can sell one or two. After all, by then, you definitely wont have enough crew to pilot them. Oh, that Kolev fell into thought in front of the projection screen. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Yes, Yang Mings idea was great; although this plan had its risks, it indeed seemed more reliable and executable than his previous ones. Hanton, Kolev made a decision. Hmm? After meeting you, my wealth has been dwindling continuously, not sure if thats lucky or not. Kolev shook his head and sighed, Give me some time to prepare. The key thingsa stealth boat with strong stealth capabilities and an expensive bionic robotare not easy to come by. Do you want to bring Mimili in on this? Yang Ming tentatively suggested. This is a mans war, Kolev said, let the women and children hide first. You will be criticized for that, Kolev. Im a pirate! A pirate! Kolev stormed off toward his rest area: Before some feminist gets a chance to question me, the space cops would take me out with one shot! I havent reclaimed my pirate group yet, and Im already bleeding heavily! Oh, my God! I havent spent so many credit coins in the past ten years! Yang Ming leaned against the Star Chart, gazing at his perfect plan, slightly arching an eyebrow. With the old mans stinginess. His fortune must be substantial! After tedious, covert procurement and preparation, Captain Yang Ming and his first officer began to formally implement their plan. A deep blue Stealth Boat silently slid into the tranquil asteroid belt. Yang Ming piloted the ship, with Molly No. 2 assisting the driving through the Stealth Boats operating system; Kolev was intently staring at the comprehensive detection device, ready to abandon the mission and turn tail at the first sign of data anomalies. The tortoise-shell-like Feinan was docked behind a small asteroid, in a state of complete silence. Hanton, Mimili seems to have been upset to tears, Molly told me Mimili is very unhappy with me for banning her from operating that pirate ship, what do you think we should do? An old man attempted to start a casual conversation. But Yang Ming wasnt in the mood to entertain him. He was focused on the auxiliary lines appearing on the glass ahead, calculating the erratic trajectory to come, his hands on the square helm steady as a rock. When they reached a more relaxed section of the route, Yang Ming couldnt resist complaining, Why did you choose an asteroid belt for your pirate base! Kolev chuckled, Theres a channel that I created in another direction; this place is the best barrier. Even if were being chased by patrol warships, we can easily find a place to hide. So, were the ones breaking in now? Yang Ming said. Kolev was a bit lost for words. The slow journey lasted for over an hour, with Kolevs guidance, the Stealth Boat easily bypassed the lax security line, the forward and reverse engines both operating at minimum power, maintaining a relative standstill with an asteroid ahead. Behind that asteroid lay a small Space Port with metallic structures, protected by a protective shield that guarded the brightly lit buildings. Two pirate ships of two hundred meters, and one of three hundred meters, were docked in the dockyard, outside the protective shield. Across the near-vacuum environment, Yang Ming could almost hear the lively voices inside the shield. Release the spores, Yang Ming ordered quietly. Molly No. 2s synthesized voice sounded, Repeat, release the spores. Kolevs hands flew across the projection screen, Okay, releasing the spores. The sleek Stealth Boat opened its tail fins, and electronic devices like mosquitoes floated out, quickly dispersing. The Stealth Boat hovered motionless. Kolev nervously watched the screen in front of him; tiny dots began to appear, slowly approaching the three target ships. Minutes later, the three ships were enveloped by the dots. Yet these tiny particles didnt attract the slightest attention from the pirate patrol team. We can go now, Kolev whispered. Yang Ming adeptly pulled the helm, slowly retreating the way they came. Getting away from their patrol zone. Getting away from their radar detection zone. As they left the starry rock field, Yang Mings forehead broke out in a slight sweat, complaining, This is way more tiring than teaching Mimili swordsmanship. Dont accelerate too fast, a steady acceleration is needed to maximize the ships stealth capabilities, Kolev reminded, Theres a big shark swimming quickly in this airspace; we must be extremely cautious. Dont worry, first officer. Yang Ming smiled and said, My luck has always been good. Suddenly, Molly No. 2 spoke up, Detection frequency felt, a small Detection Ship appears to be emerging, predicting a course that will intersect with our ship. Yang Mings smile immediately stiffened on his face. Damn, I jinxed it! A pulsing signal marker appeared on the radar screen. Retreat, Kolev immediately said, we must retreat! This is very likely a Guel Alliance Detection Ship! No, not right Kolev, retreating is too far, they must be watching this asteroid belt! The fact that we found them means we are also within their detection range, its just that our stealth capabilities are at work. Yang Ming spoke in a low voice, raising his hand to swiftly press a row of buttons in front of him. Molly, first keep the ship stationary relative to the asteroid belt, then shut down the engines. Kolev immediately understood what Yang Ming was planning to do; he turned to look at the asteroid belt still in his line of sight, hastily shut down several instruments beside him, and fastened his seatbelt tightly. After a dozen seconds, the Stealth Boat remained in sync with the asteroid belt. Engines off, residual heat cooling, reported Molly No. 2, her voice becoming gentle. Yang Ming whispered, Turn off the active radar. Well be blind! Kolev whispered back. Molly No. 2 repeated Yang Mings words, Turn off the active radar. A tiny point of light appeared in the depths of distant space. Inside their own cockpit, it was completely dark. Yang Ming leaned forward, hunched over the square mechanical helm, his eyes fixated on the light point that was growing closer. The other ships speed was not slow. No. 2, cut off our encrypted communication, keep the same frequency noise. Okay, cutting off encryption Molly No. 2s voice stopped abruptly, leaving only two breathing sounds, one light and one heavy. Kolevs breathing became a bit rapid. Kolev, Yang Ming asked quietly, do the spores we scattered have antennas? How do they communicate with us? Theyre components, like electronic viruses that invade software systems. They infiltrate the gaps in the ships hull when the outer bay is opened, looking for opportunities to connect to the circuit systems, then use the ships own antenna to communicate with us. Kolev, staring out the porthole, spoke quickly, The next drop-off point will be simpler; this is now the most difficult part of the entire plans early stages, and your little lover isnt nearby to keep watch. Yang Ming laughed, Cut it out, Lina is a great white shark; I just want to thoroughly cleanwash her out of my memory. The light appeared forty-five degrees to the front right. Yang Ming calculated the speed of the approaching ship, his fingers hovering over a somewhat concealed button on his left, flipped open the safety cover above it, and counted down three numbers in his heart. The main power cell shut down. The life support system shut down. Yang Ming held his breath, his finger resting on the power cell button, leaving the remaining oxygen in the cabin for Kolev. The light point moved to thirty degrees to the front right. Twenty degrees. Fifteen degrees. Five degrees. Directly ahead. Five degrees to the front left. Fifteen degrees to the front left. Im having difficulty breathing Kolevs face began to redden, the temperature at the hatch was slowly dropping. Still had to wait. Kolev raised his hand to his neck. Yang Ming hesitated. Although restoring power to the ship now was a bit risky, he could only take a gamble, after all, it would take some time for the oxygen level to return to normal, and the old mans brain couldnt afford to be oxygen-deprived. Yang Ming pressed the main power battery switch; the life support system started up, and the oxygen level in the cabin quickly rose. Kolev slumped in the seat, already in a state of inhaling less and exhaling more. Yang Ming turned his head to look at him, then asked quite sincerely, Do you want me to give you mouth-to-mouth resuscitation? First Officer? We should prepare a couple of emergency oxygen tanks or portable space suits in advance. Kolev waved his hand, coughed violently twice, and his lungs began working vigorously. The light point appeared sixty-five degrees to the front left. Yang Ming resumed normal breathing and collapsed in the chair, raising an eyebrow at Kolev, smiling, What do you think, First Officer, what did that ship look like just now? How do you manage it, Hanton to still be so energetic Kolev wiped the sweat from his forehead, his eyes somewhat blurry, he spoke slowly, Probably a boat-shaped Detection Ship, a clunky big thing, they need that to fit in more instruments. But what I can be sure of is that the technicians from the Alliance on it are probably drinking coffee and chatting about some crew members motor butt they didnt notice us at all. Lets get moving, they should be on a scheduled patrol. Yang Ming quickly opened a series of buttons in front of him, and the virtual image of Molly No. 2 appeared between the two men, silently hovering. Captain, based on the current situation, you have not been exposed. Molly No. 2, you take the helm, Yang Ming said, return to the mother ship. Okay, proceeding with the return to the mother ship operation. The projection screen in front of Kolev gradually restored, and he watched the real-time feed of three pirate ships data, a relaxed smile slowly spreading across his lips. The shows about to start, Hanton. From here on, no one can stop us! No one! Chapter 47 - 47: 034 Yang Mings Plan Chapter 47: 034 Yang Mings Plan The second deployment of spores was carried out by Yang Ming himself. Of course, Kolev had no intention of looking down on Boss Guka, it was purely Yang Ming did not take the other party seriously and volunteered to work alone. Yang Ming did not want to develop a dependence on Kolev, after all, his own plans had to be carried out alone. The deployment went smoothly, Gukas two ships had been successfully infected by the electronic spores. Incidentally, this second-hand Stealth Boat, worth over a million Federation Credit Coins, had also completed its main mission in the first half of the plan and was now fixed in the tail hangar of the Feinan. Tsk tsk, this thing would be his from now on! ... Captain Yang Ming, who had captured a second-hand Stealth Boat without even starting a battle, felt very pleased and was full of confidence for the upcoming plans. Sarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Captain has arrived at the bridge! The voice of Molly No. 2 was still full of energy today. Hows it going, Kolev? Very smooth! Very smooth. Two voices sounded simultaneously, and two Kolevs turned their heads at the same time, synchronously raising their left hands. At a glance, it was hard to tell which one was the real Kolev. The difference was that the Kolev on the left wore a silver-white helmet and held a champagne flute, while the one on the right still had a vacant gaze and empty hands. Yang Ming exclaimed, Its almost deceivingly real! Apart from being expensive, its almost flawless. It was indeed expensive. This bionic robot was priced at two million Federation Coins because of its master-synchronization capability; in some politically unstable countries, politicians regarded it as a second life. Accompanying this robot was a metal cabinet displayed in the corner of the bridge. This was a device that could quickly generate a new identity for the bionic robot, containing expensive bionic materials that allowed the robot to change its skin within half an hour. Kolev removed his helmet. The stand-in robot slowly bowed its head, and a faint glow appeared on its chest, entering standby mode. Hanton! Ha ha! We can pop the champagne now! Kolev said excitably, Those two million were well spent! I even want to get one for my daughter! Are we celebrating before even half the preparations are done? My dear First Mate Kolev, dont be more impatient than me; Im just a young lad, and youre already ancient! Yang Ming joked as he laughed. He took off his combat suit jacket, quickly reached the control panel, and skillfully opened the Star Map to locate the next target point. Olhaif. Previously a black market location. Due to the intimidation of the Guel Alliance Battleships, the black market traders in Olhaif had long since fled. Olhaif itself was a marginal administrative star of a poor country, with a poor political environment, weak industrial system, and virtually non-existent space defenses. Feinan steered towards the nearby Gravitational Blur Equilibrium Zone, with Yang Ming setting the pre-jump mode. Kolev came over with a plate of steak: Hanton, dont you need to rest a bit? Were well prepared, theres no need to be so tense. Isnt this already resting? Yang Ming leaned back, and the chair automatically adjusted to a reclined position. Kolev handed over the plate of steak, and Yang Ming grabbed two strips and stuffed them in his mouth, chewing vigorously. The taste of rich sauce filled his mouth. Yang Ming said, Molly No. 2, give me the detailed information on Olhaif. Okay, Captain. Kolev remarked, You really are a workaholic. The projection screen in front of Yang Ming now displayed several pages of graphic information. The planet had a permanent population of about eight hundred thousand, all residing in two cities. Because of the departure of the black market merchants, Kimo, Guka, and Lina had all completely loosened their surveillance of this place. Yang Ming and Kolev had chosen this location because, behind the two cities, there was a city ruined from waran excellent ambush point. Kolev laughed, The robots we installed have been working on the backside of the planet for half a month now, and these people havent noticed a thing. Yang Ming recalled the two distinctly different cities of Olhaif. One looked like a part of a wealthy provincial block of the Sherman Empire; The other resembled the rubbish dumps on the outskirts of the city. Is there any fun in the residential areas of Olhaif? Yang Ming asked. Theres plenty of entertainment. Pirates often go there to spend money, high markups, rich service industry, Kolev said slowly, Once this matter is resolved, we can also go there to relax. Foot massages and shaving? No no no, as long as we dont bring Mimili, we can enjoy whatever entertainment you can think of. Kolev winked, and Yang Ming squinted with a smile. He liked this idea. Alright, now lets talk about the third step of the plan, Kolev said, I really dont know how you came up with it, such an incredible trick. Yang Ming said calmly, Just a simple case of killing three warriors with two peaches. What? Never mind, I made that up, Yang Mings eyes narrowed slightly, You should get ready to fake your death. Kolev advised, Youll still need this bionic robot later, be careful when you shoot; dont hit its True Sons Brain, that thing cant be repaired if broken. Aim for the heart, its empty and theres a blood pack there. Dont worry, I care about this thing more than you do; its my hope for shaking off the Guel Alliance, Yang Ming yawned, Ill take a nap, wake me up before we reach Olhaif. Chapter 48 - 48: 034 Yang Mings Plan_2 Chapter 48: 034 Yang Mings Plan_2 Remember to take the Genetic Stabilization Liquid on time, Kolev reminded, if you suddenly go berserk, my old bones cant withstand your thrashing. Yang Ming smiled, adjusted his seat to sleep mode, and soon started snoring loudly. Alright, Ill get the video ready for step four of the plan. Kolev licked his fingers and, humming a tune, turned on the camera and the script in front of him. The plan Yang Ming devised was divided into three parts. The first part was rather cumbersome, involving preliminary work, twice deploying spores, setting up an ambush on Oer Hairy, and obtaining a bionic robot to pretend to be dead. ... At this moment, they had already completed a significant portion and were steadily progressing. The second part, Kolevs treasure. This was Kolevs favorite part and the main reason he was willing to spend a lot this time. Cough, ahem. Kolev cleared his throat and adjusted the video parameters to make himself look like he was in his forties or fifties, full of vitality. Hey, kiddos! Hello there! Are you surprised to see me? This is a little program Ive hidden in the ship systems, triggered after my heart stops beating. Yes, one must always plan ahead, especially in our line of work Outside the Feinans porthole, the silent Milky Way brought twinkles from a billion years ago. Accompanied by the old mans gentle, cheerful voice, the clock hands sped up, pointing to the moment when Yang Mings plan officially began. No news from Kolev yet? The haggard Lina stared at the screen in front of her, her skin having lost its usual luster due to consecutive sleep deprivation. The intelligence officers working beside her shook their heads simultaneously, their matching uniforms giving them a uniform appearance. Sir, this waiting seems a bit too passive. Kolev is already in his seventies, he might have retired with his daughter by now. Keep waiting. Finding Kolev is the only way we can locate the number one target. Sear?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lina leaned back on the couch; her forehead, which had been hit a few months ago, still ached slightly. Dont worry, I will give you an excellent review on your performance assessment. The young officers perked up instantly. Suddenly. Sir! One young man stared intently at the screen, speaking rapidly, Incoming message from Intelligence Point 362! Kolev spotted! Where? Lina sprang to her feet, her slender body a bit unsteady, and immediately rushed behind the young man, staring intently at the projection screen. The screen showed an image. Kolev, in a sharp suit, with a shaved beard, wearing sunglasses and a hat, walked down a well-lit corridor, his shoulder lightly pressed by a large hand. It was Hantons hand! Hanton, dressed similarly to Kolev in a cap and sunglasses, continuously looked around vigilantly. Lina nearly cheered. The displayed location was ultimately identified as a bank vault area. Two overly respectful attendants invariably glanced nervously at the wealthy client and the young man following him. What are they doing? Lina asked, Location! Where is it? Olhaif Planet, at a private bank! My God, theyve been hiding on Olhaif Planet! Prepare to jump immediately! Lina shouted loudly, and responses quickly came from all over the bridge. And as Lina turned around, the surveillance video from the bank, just reaching its climax. With help from the bank staff, Kolev found the safety deposit box he had been renting long-term. The two staff turned away, Kolev turned back to negotiate with Hanton, but Hanton just quietly watched him. The two men were at a standoff for several seconds. One of the attendants sneakily pressed the alarm button on his watch. Just then, Kolev opened the safe, took out a briefcase, and placed it on the ground. As he lifted the briefcase, his hand suddenly reached inside the safe. He pulled out a laser pistol and spun around to shoot at Hanton! Hantons reaction speed was almost inhuman! He quickly dodged, avoiding the deadly shot just before Kolev fired, and while Kolev was still unresponsive, he slammed Kolev against the safe, effortlessly snatched the laser gun, and grabbed the briefcase from Kolevs hands. The bank alarm sounded. Hanton cursed a few words in Imperial Language under his breath, clutching the small-framed Kolev and a briefcase, and hurriedly rushed out of the vault area. Seeing this, Linas breathing became somewhat rapid. They had internal conflict! Was it because of Kolevs wealth? Sir, please sit down! Buckle up! Hurry, move fast! Lina quickly settled down, her gaze never leaving the video. How long ago was this? An hour ago. It took us some time to get the internal bank video. It was all encrypted Oh, theres more news! The young Intelligence Officer shouted excitedly: Fifty minutes ago, Target One took Kolev hostage and confronted the local police, and both sides began to shoot. Kolev was injured, but Target One escaped with the injured Kolev. Half an hour ago, they fled the main city area, driving an airship towards the desert region. Fifteen minutes ago they are taking off! Commander! A hundred-meter class pirate ship is leaving Olhaif Planet at full speed! They are escaping again! Olhaifs patrol ships dare not move forward to stop them! Buzz The battleship began to warp. A faint double image appeared in front of Lina. These ten-odd seconds of waiting seemed so long! Space returned to normal, and the massive battleship appeared in a newly minted Star Domain, with the projected image of Olhaif Planet hanging in the center of the bridges display. Search for the target ship! the captain bellowed, seeking presence. Locked on! Its a light gunship modified into a pirate ship, identified as a Merchant Escort Ship! The enemy is trying to escape the planets gravitational influence to warp! Catch it before it warps! Without any hesitation in her voice this time, Lina commanded, Charge the ship guns! Capture its warp information! The ship guns are charging! Theres no time, Commander! Its going to force warp! Whoosh! Lina felt as though she could hear the sound coming from the screen, as the clamp-shaped ship vanished again before her eyes. But soon, her rigid expression revived. We caught the enemys warp field! Its a short-distance warp! The technology is crude, we can catch up! Chase them! Linas knuckles turned somewhat white. Inside Feinan, which had just completed the warp. Yang Ming and Kole exchanged glances, each revealing a slight smile. Kole said, Ill lead them on a chase, the course is already set. You go quick, put the decoy into the closet and fix the outer shell, we need to rush back before Kimo gets to Olhaif! The First Officer cant command his captain. Yang Ming pushed away from the chair, running towards the robot whose heart area had been shot through. He effortlessly peeled off its outer skin, revealing a silver-white skeleton, and placed it properly inside a metal closet. Yang Ming adeptly adjusted the mechanical makeover device, selected a preset sample, and chose a limb skeleton adjustment sample. When he pressed the start button, Yang Ming felt a flicker of anticipation. After all, this thing also carried his path forward. Did those five pirate ships receive the video? Yang Ming asked. Dont worry, Kolev smiled, They should be staring at the ship systems reboot screen by now, waiting for those ancient systems to reboot. Its been four years, and they still havent spent the money to update the ship operating systems. Yang Ming smiled wryly. He remembered the computer lab at his hometown school when he was a student. Meanwhile, at the pirate base in the asteroid belt, inside a pirate ship docked at the shipyard. The seven or eight pirates on rotation duty on the bridge were staring at the projection screen in front of them, caught in tense zoning out. Their ship seemed to have blue-screened. Chapter 49 - 49: 035 This damn sense of ceremony Chapter 49: 035 This damn sense of ceremony When Kimo learned that all three of his ships had malfunctioned, he almost flipped his delicious intestine over rice. This was his assurance of reaching the pinnacle of life! A large group of pirates left the cozy Space Port, donned their protective suits, and rushed back to the three pirate ships, then they stared blankly at the screens filled with strings of gibberish. Kimos nearly six-foot sturdy frame imposed immense pressure on the surrounding pirates. Where are those damn technicians? Kimo asked as gently as he could. Boss, do you mean those two guys you threw into space last time because they got icy? You thought they were overpaid and did no substantial work, just drinking tea on the ship and flirting with women ... Kimos nostrils flared uncontrollably, The new technicians, oh, the newly hired ones where are they? Theyre over there, saying the system is auto-updating, telling us not to panic. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Damn it! Kimo glared and roared, Cant I tell the difference between a crash screen and an auto-update? Another freeloader! Bring him to me! Two young pirates with scholarly looks had their legs go soft. Suddenly, all the screens began to shake, and an old face appeared everywhere. Kimo paused, then clenched his fists. My lads! Hello there! Kolev! It was Kolevs doing! Its Captain Kolev! a pirate exclaimed in surprise. What captain, someone immediately corrected, hes a greedy vampire, a capitalist pirate exploiting us, Kolev! Yet Kolevs voice was full of calm, melancholy, and tenderness. He looked affectionately at everyone and said softly; Are you surprised to see me now? This is a little program I hid in the systems of each ship, triggered after my heart stops beating. Yes, getting old, you have to prepare for the future, especially in our line of work. Today is my sixty-fifth birthday, and Ive felt my body might not be up for it anymore, after several intense healing sessions; Ive aged faster, ah I wish I could continue causing chaos in the Galaxy with you all. Kimo frowned, Can we turn this off? This old man disgusts me. Leader, were already pressing the button but um, physically, theyre unresponsive. Just then, Kolev spoke up: Dont shut the video off. This is a will, Im leaving half my wealth as a reward for your loyalty. The other half goes to Mimili. When my heart stops beating, this message will appear before you. I hope you wont panic or fall into disarray from the potential shock. If you feel you cant continue spacefaring without my leadership, take the wealth Ive left for youI mean, every one of you who can see this video, and find a remote place to settle down. Of course, if you want to keep sailing, I recommend Guka, this little guy whos been my second mate for many years, to continue leading you. My daughter is still too young. But I hope Guka will train her as the next leader. Guka, you can do it, right? Oh, making a will is really a sad affair. I hope this thing will never be used. Go find my treasure, let the squadron leaders split up, supervise each other, and nobody think about hogging it all, its left for you. Ive converted it into Federation Coins electronic keys. Several photos flashed across the video. The location is here, a place you are familiar with, but wouldnt expect. The video focused on the backside of the Olhaif Planet, a deserted city in an uninhabited area. Go search for the treasure I hid. Dont fight among yourselves, remember, only by unity can you continue to be invincible. Whoosh! The video disappeared from all the screens, showing the normal system interface. A deathlike silence fell over the pirate ship. Everyone was looking at Kimo, and everyones gaze gradually became animated. This is a trap, Kimo said gravely, I may not like thinking, but this is obviously a trap Kolev wants us to fall into. A confidant whispered from the side, But, leader, we havent received any external signals. Also, according to the feedback from Gukas side, they saw the same thing on their ship. Its a will, and Kolev looks just like he did ten years ago. Kimo murmured, How did this old man manage this. Suddenly, a call came from the corner. What? Are you serious? The bank? Kimo frowned and looked over. Lealeader, Kolev is dead Half an hour ago, he was held hostage by that young man who cursed you as brainless, in a standoff with Olhaif police, and the police shot Kolev, the hostage Leader! Ive also received news, its from a spy! Oh, here are the video and pictures! That young man also wants your wealth, leader, amassed over decades, the major assets of the Black Dragon The old leader was right, it belongs to us! To every member of the Black Dragon. That damn Kolev, he dared to decide on his own, leaving half to that idiot Mimili alone! Noise. Uproar. The pirates became restless. Kimo narrowed his eyes slightly and suddenly burst into laughter, the ferocious expression making the surrounding pirates stop their discussion. Chapter 50 - 50: 035 This damn sense of ritual_2 Chapter 50: 035 This damn sense of ritual_2 ` What are you all dazed for? Were getting new ships and weapons! Hahaha! Guka has already set sail, Captain! That damned Guka, dare him to touch my money and see what happens! Anger filled Kimos eyes. Beat them to it, and move it! You overfed idiots! ... Kolevs fortune? Lina massaged her brow, staring at the blip on the radar screen. This Light Escort Ships propulsion system was beyond her imagination; the battleship had almost lost them several times. Lina knew that her operators had done their best. The Light Battlecruiser, due to its large size, had stricter requirements for the gravitational field around it when attempting to jump, and nobody wanted to be accountable for the consequences of a risky jump. But the ship ahead didnt care about that, continuing to perform dangerous maneuvers. Lina just wanted to end all this as quickly as possible. She had asked several times if they could open fire, only to be told either the lock-on time was insufficient or there was something obstructing them. And now, Lina received new information from the members of the Black Dragon Pirate Group she had bribed. A message system left by Kolev on the pirate ships, which had gone untouched for over ten years, was triggered by Kolevs death; a deserted city on Olhaif Planet hid the great pirate Kolevs treasure, and five pirate ships were swarming toward Olhaif Planet. Lina quickly pieced the information together. She had been puzzled as to why Hanton had taken Kolev to Olhaif. Now the answer was clearHanton must have found out about Kolevs treasure hidden on Olhaif and wanted a part of it, while Kolev, cunning as ever, tried to turn the tables by using the gun in the safe to kill Hanton. But what was Hanton in such a rush for the money for? Lina pondered carefully, watching the blip on the radar screen jump again as the ship made another hasty jump. Such risky behavior was typical of Hanton. He must want to grab the money and make a run for it, and Kolev was just a fat sheep. Yes, Hanton only wants to hide now, but he needs a livelihood, he needs money to buy Genetic Stabilization Liquid. But why would Hanton Linas thoughts became slightly scattered. Commander! The young intelligence officer rushed over, whispering, The Black Dragon Pirate Group has gathered around Olhaif, sending out dozens of landing boats like mad dashing toward the ruins, with five ships very close to the surface. Theyre split into two groups, facing off. Lina replied coolly, Even if those pirates bash their brains out, its none of our concern! Commander! A reminder came from the left console, Weve tracked the jump point of the target The ship with the primary target has appeared near Olhaif! Lina hesitated. A flicker of contemplation sped through her eyes. Hanton wants Kolevs fortune? Thats somewhat illogical. Commander, the young intelligence officer asked quietly, you were raised on the Head Star, right? Yes, what about it? For many people, money is everything, the officer reminded, the primary target is at his wits end, and pirate treasure is secret wealth that could be his future security. No matter what, catch up to him, Lina ordered immediately, jump now! But, Commander The captains voice rang out, Weve been led to the edge of a complex Twin Star gravitational field, we need to get clear of the area before we can initiate a jump. ` Linas expression stiffened slightly. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The opponent has calculated everything, Commander Lina, the captain whispered, perhaps we should reassess our opponent. He doesnt seem like an ordinary Imperial officer. Hes played us for fools. And my ship isnt suited for this kind of pursuit; maybe we should deploy two smaller, more agile light escort ships. Ill report to the higher-ups as soon as possible, Lina said, but for now, leave the gravitational interference zone at maximum speed and return to Olhaif. If target one chooses to land on Olhaif, that will be our only chance to catch him! The captain shrugged and turned to issue orders. Lina felt anxious, she crossed her arms and forced herself to remain calm, pondering the series of anomalies in these matters. She always felt that something was slightly off. What Lina hadnt noticed was that in the corner of the bridges operations console, a young man had placed a metallic spider, two millimeters in diameter, in between the buttons. If this spider were enlarged, one would see the Emperor Stars insignia gleaming on it. Using the planet Olhaif itself for cover, the Feinan slipped into the planets near-orbit, hidden below the horizon from the vision of five pirate ships. In the rear cabin, the stealth boat was in the launch position, and its scissor doors slowly opened. Yang Ming, clad in a pale grey combat suit, was stuffing his lifelike bionic stand-in robot into the trunk of the stealth boat. After strapping the stand-in robot in, Yang Ming quickly climbed into the pilots seat. Just as he was about to press the button to close the hatch, a veteran hand appeared on the opposite armrest. Kolev, out of breath, clambered up and took his seat in the co-pilots position. Yang Mings forehead creased with several question marks. First Mate, what are you doing here? Im here to help you pilot this little boat, Kolev grinned, the Molly No. 2 can take care of the Feinan. For the follow-up activities using the stand-in, I need to help you operate this ship. Yang Ming frowned lightly, No, Kolev, according to our plan, you should be on the ship right now, making sure if Lina catches up early, to shake them off again. Dont worry, Molly No. 2 can do it. Shes already learned and recorded our previous operating pattern, and we have enough time, Kolev fastened his safety belt, Let me come with you, Hanton. I promise not to get off this stealth boat. Why? Yang Mings gaze sharpened. Kolev was silent for a moment and then spoke softly: Ive got some terrible ideas brewing in my head. If I stay on the Feinan, I could technically modify Molly No. 2s primary loyalty target, and I could after you take care of Kimo, turn the charade into reality by blowing up your real body. I can do it, Hanton, and that would make me the ultimate winner. But I dont want to do that. If I were ten years younger, I definitely would have done it, so I could take back the Feinan right away. Let me act with you, Hanton. Let me be responsible for backing you up. Were partners the best partners Ive had in decades but Im just a despicable pirate, and Im afraid I cant control my greed and desire Yang Ming stared at Kolevs wrinkled old face. That old face was filled with grievances. Yang Ming extended his fist to Kolev and raised an eyebrow. Hey! Thats kid stuff! Kolev somewhat disapproved. Come on, First Mate. Oh, this damned sense of ritual! Kolev clenched his fist, a bit feebly, and touched it to Yang Mings fist. Yang Ming smiled triumphantly, rapidly pressing a series of buttons. The stealth boats hatch closed swiftly. Depressurization of the rear cabin. The simulated gravity field was shut off. The hatch of the Feinan slowly opened, and the main and auxiliary engines of the stealth boat showed a light blue halo. Yang Ming pushed the mechanical rudder, sliding the small boat swiftly into Olhaifs atmosphere, activating the weak protective shield, and speeding through the thin atmosphere. They raced toward that uninhabited city. Chapter 51 - 51: 036 Lone Soldier Assault! Chapter 51: 036 Lone Soldier Assault! The cluster of buildings in the uninhabited city appeared on the horizon ahead. Yang Ming controlled the Stealth Boat to decrease its altitude, gliding forward almost brushing against the wave patterns of those dunes, and the originally deep blue coating had turned earth-yellow. One hundred and sixty vicious pirates were now divided into two groups, searching for Kolevs treasure in the city. They had already found some clues. Both groups had become very excited. There were about a dozen landing craft circling back and forth in the sky, the weapons targeting both air and ground already activated, providing cover for the infantry raid below. ... A few assault vehicles roamed through the citys wasteland, and Kimo, the primary target Yang Ming was seeking, was in one of those vehicles. Im launching the drones. Kolev murmured softly as he lightly tapped on the screen in front of him, and several fist-sized spheres appeared from the back of the Stealth Boat, swiftly circling forward towards the city. The Stealth Boat slowed and approached the edge of the city, hiding in the shadow of a large building. Yang Ming unzipped his jacket, revealing the advanced combat suit that closely fitted his muscles beneath. It was the one Mimili had given him. The combat suit had several clips at the waist, which Yang Ming equipped with two Light Swords, emergency capsules, a backup emergency nanospace suit, two high-capacity energy cartridges for his laser guns, and the laser pistol generously donated by the late bald warden of Cole Port Prison. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?0?0.? He put on a thick helmet that could protect his brain, slung a tactical backpack with throwing weapons, and finally picked up the laser gun at his side. Kolev pressed a few buttons, and a bat-shaped hoverboard popped out below the Stealth Boat as the scissor doors beside Yang Ming slowly raised. Yang Ming looked at Kolev. Kolev immediately realized that the young warrior seemed nervous, given that he was facing more than one hundred and fifty ruthless scoundrels. He needed to encourage Hanton. Han Yang Mings eyes shone as he asked, Cool, isnt it? This setup of mine. Kolev, about to speak, almost choked on his breath. Yang Ming asked with a smile, Is there anyone who needs to be kept alive? I wont hold back. Kolev hesitated but shook his head. If I fall into Kimos hands, no one here will plead for me. Youre right, Hanton. My subordinates are now my enemies, and to enemies, there is only subjugation and destruction. Be safe, young captain. Yang Ming snapped down his goggles, leapt out of the aircraft, and firmly stood atop the hoverboard, crouching down, his legs exerting force, as the sensitively responsive hoverboard accelerated with a faint noise, swiftly sliding into the ruins of the city. Kolev stared at Yang Mings departing figure, murmuring to himself. I should probably let Mimili visually appreciate Hantons worth. Glancing at the drone control interfaces recording option, Kolev hesitated for a while, yet did not activate the recording function. When he looked up again, he could no longer see Yang Mings figure. Keep updating me, Kolev. Yang Mings voice rang in the headset, as Kolev methodically maneuvered the drones, quickly sorting out the overall information and streaming it to Yang Mings goggles. These pirates were, after all, well-trained. Their advance and retreat through the city ruins could be considered measured, the coordination between the small squads was quite decent, continually occupying high ground points while searching the whole city. They have a few Life Detectors, Hanton, Kolev warned, You can easily expose yourself if you stay at one location too long. Yang Ming acknowledged briefly, pondered slightly, and controlled the hoverboard to drift into a midline position between two groups of pirates, occupying advantageous terrain at the edge. Directly encircling himself with enemies was a very unwise act. He had other ideas. Yang Ming drew a second tactical headset from the side pocket of his backpack, hanging it on his left ear, and whispered softly, Kolev, let me hear what the other side is saying. Sarch* The novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thats easy which side to connect? Left ear Kimo, right ear Guka. Kolev paused for three seconds, quickly providing feedback to Yang Ming. Wouldnt this be confusing? Yang Ming soon heard the communications from both sides, Gukas side was relatively quiet, only simple and efficient search responses; Kimos side was more complex, with more than a dozen people continually speaking, interspersed with the occasional curse. Boss, weve indeed found our gangs mark, and these marks look at least a few years old, pointing towards the direction Gukas in. They got a head start. Damn! This is Gukas loyalty to me! Just wait, he will pay the price! Boss! Squad two is about to meet them! Let them hold off a bit, give Guka a chance, Kimo said coldly, Now, the choice is his, the initiative is mine. If they provoke me, I will slaughter them. I promise! A few of Kimos captains immediately started sucking up. Ah, the sycophancy of pirates. Yang Ming listened intently for a while, his eyes continuously catching the information reflected in his goggles, a mature plan already forming in his mind. As Kimos side chatted happily, he raised his hand to knock on his left earpiece, using a slightly coarse voice with an urgency in his tone, Damn it! Theyre insulting me! I saw their lip movements! He immediately turned off the microphone. No one responded to him. Yang Ming raised an eyebrow, tapped his right earpiece, and whispered softly, Position twelve, they want to encircle us. Chapter 52 - 52: 036 Lone Soldier Assault!_2 Chapter 52: 036 Lone Soldier Assault!_2 ` After turning off the microphone, he quietly waited for a while. Among the red dots projected on his goggles, a few began to move towards Position Twelve. Yang Ming tapped his left earpiece, Boss, theyre suddenly charging our way. Aim at them first! Kimo bellowed, Send the nearby team to check them out. If they dare to shoot, Ill kill them! Yang Ming tapped his right earpiece, The opponent is trying to seize the high ground. Get the landing craft ready, Gukas voice suddenly erupted, Kimo has never trusted us. If he kills us, his men could get twice as much treasure. Conversely, we could do the same. This fortune is enough for all of us to retire. ... Yang Ming spoke in a panicked tone, Theyre aiming at me! Damn it! Theyre going to kill me! Then he immediately switched to a calm voice, The enemy has formed an attack array; theyre about to fire; I see them unlocking the safety. Next, Yang Ming began to switch back and forth, his head constantly turning left and right, to ensure he didnt confuse his vests. Theyre trying to surround us! Position Six has been taken by them. Damn, theyre going after our backs! Are they going to shoot? Theyre provoking you, boss! Kolevs wealth is enough for us to buy half a planet; theyve lost their minds! All ships, activate protective shields! Kimo roared. Yang Ming, Oh! Their ships protective shields are up! Everyone find cover, theyre definitely going to fire! Dont give them a chance to attack from the air! Load the cannons on the landing craft! Stay calm! Everyone, keep calm! Guka shouted in a low voice. Dont panic, you brats, Kimo spoke in a deep voice, Im the leader; I must give them a chance, but if they dare to fire the first shot In the empty mid-levels of the skyscraper. Yang Ming unlocked his laser guns safety, checked the power gauge, and pushed open a sliver of the glass window beside him. Turning around, with his gun ready and stance set, Yang Ming hid behind the curtain, the pupils behind his goggles reflecting the images of two pirates crouched on the sloping roof below. Swoosh, swoosh! Without hesitation, Yang Ming pulled the trigger. The muzzle of the laser gun moved almost in one second, and the two pirates hit the ground with two screams, clutching their thighs. Yang Ming turned and ran, ending the three-way communication with two emotionally charged shouts, both back and forth. Damn it! Theyve fired! Kill them all! Yang Ming calmly removed his right earpiece. At this moment, both sides channels were boiling with activity. Ah! My leg! My legs been shot through! Redirect the airship! Guka, that bastard, he fired first! Hes challenging me! Ill kill him! Counterattack! Counterattack! The despicable Guka wants to keep the treasure all to himself! It belongs to all of us! Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! Suddenly, over ten laser gun beams appeared in the corner of the city. An airship activated its machine guns, and a series of thick laser bullets left dazzling trails across the sky. Yang Ming had just jumped through a window to the adjacent building when several missiles whizzed overhead, all of which were destroyed by laser fire, exploding into bursts of fireworks. Many landing crafts pressed down their altitude nearby, hiding their frames against the buildings, while several attempting to ascend for a height advantage had become targets. In the thin atmosphere, five pirate ships activated their protective shields at the same time and began exchanging cannon fire. The pirates civil war had erupted in full force! ` Yang Ming said calmly, Now, First Mate Kolev, you can give me Kimos location. Kolev What had he just witnessed? Had all his former subordinates been idiots? Kolevs voice had a somber tone, They wanted my treasure so badly? No, Kolev, thats just a secondary reason. Yang Ming hid in a corner behind a concrete wall, eyes focused on Kimos red dot displayed on the map in his goggles. Yang Ming smirked, The main reason is, youre dead. Im dead? Do you think anyone would bother to buy your life from prison? And why were you caught in an ordinary trade? Yang Ming spoke softly, Mimili was exiled as part of a calculated plot. Her personal charm is actually quite impressive, and she had so many loyal old-timers. They didnt kill Mimili because they feared you were still alive, worried that the prison couldnt hold you. Then they decided to use the prison to kill you; that makes sense. If you were to die in prison, Mimilis ship would definitely be attacked. You were like a stone weighing down on the already fractious Black Dragon Group. Kimo, Guka, and the others who overlooked Mimilis exile all needed to band together to withstand the pressure from you. Now, in their eyes, youre dead, and theres your treasure left behind. You understand all this, Kolev, but you chose from the start not to believe it. Kolev sounded dispirited, Indeed, they never listen to each other actually, all I needed to do was fake my death, and theyd inevitably start fighting amongst themselves. Alright, Kolev, Yang Ming said, thats how pirate groups are; they are scoundrels, not knights. Let them unleash themselves here. Ill deal with Kimo. Lina and the others should arrive soon; make sure number two stays well-hidden. sea??h th N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hes entered a building near you, Kolev said, be careful, hes very strong. The drone footage I saw earlier showed him starting to don an exoskeleton mecha, which can take on small craft. Yang Ming let out a hm and shot out from the corner, vaulted over the windowsill, and landed steadily on a hoverboard, heading towards the remnants of a building a hundred meters away. Kimos assault vehicle was parked outside the building, with Kimo himself now in the lobby on the first floor. Yang Ming repeatedly lifted his laser gun, the beams precisely hitting pirates who seemed to appear out of nowhere, leaving behind several charred holes where their brains used to be. Kimo and his men noticed the anomaly beside the building. Boss! Squad six has been attacked! Theres been no response. Theres a high-speed target approaching us, its a biological target! Definitely a personal flight device! Did Guka hire mercenaries? Kimo bellowed, panting, Quickly help me start up the mecha, Im going to kill all these bastards! Its already started! Boss uh uh Whoosh! The speaking pirate was suddenly cut off mid-sentence. The middle-aged man with tattoos on his face tried to look down at his throat, but his neck, pierced by the beam, failed to complete the motion. All he saw was a hole in the wall ahead and the wisp of smoke rising from it. Whoosh whoosh whoosh! Several figures fell simultaneously, and an energy shield passively triggered behind Kimo displayed faint ripples. Wrapped in an exoskeleton, Kimo whirled around just in time to see several rapidly enlarging black dots. Shock grenades! Almost instinctively, Kimo raised his hands to shield his head, squatting as much as possible. His chest, back, and both sides of his arms lit up with ovoid light shields in a dull yellow hue. Chapter 53 - 53: 037 Beheading! Chapter 53: 037 Beheading! The roaring sound accompanied by shockwaves kicked up thick dust in the empty floor. The initiator of all this, the figure that suddenly appeared at the staircase, was now holding a laser gun in standard position, staring at the flying dust ahead, continuously pulling the trigger. A series of purple Light Bullets formed a straight line. The dust weakened the power of the laser gun. Bright yellow haloes of light ripple out from within the dust. Like a high wall, a dark shadow suddenly leaped out from the dust ahead! ... Yang Ming rolled forward, passing over and under the shadow, and upon completing his roll, took a knee with his gun at the ready, rapidly firing the trigger! This shadow was Kimo. Wrapped in an energy shield, Kimo who took the Shock Bombs without a scratch! Kimo clenched his fists tightly, two ion blades extending from the back armor of his hand, glaring at Yang Ming who had sneakily shot and killed several of his men. You damned swine! Kimo roared, You cant break through my shield! Im going to kill you! Twist off your head and hang it on the flag at the front of my ship! Yang Ming stood up calmly, his laser gun continuing to spray out purple bullets. Cat got your tongue? Werent you quite the talker? Kimo charged directly at Yang Ming, shouting constantly. The thrusters on the back of his armor flared up again, and he soared just above the ground, holding up the ion blade in his hand like a cross, chopping down fiercely at Yang Mings head! Yang Ming stepped back steadily, his legs gathering strength, almost matching the speed of Kimos advance. Kimos ion blade kept slashing at empty air. Retreating, Yang Ming left several nearly perfect semi-circles on the ground, like an elegant matador in a bullfighting arena, the series of bullets like the cords leading a bull. He constantly maintained a distance of two meters from Kimo. At this moment, Kimo hadnt realized the severity of the situation and had no intention of picking up a laser gun. Kimo had confirmed the power of the laser gun in Yang Mings hands. Kimo intended to use his favorite method, a bloody beheading, to deal with this swine who had humiliated him! Click, click-click. Yang Mings laser gun ran out of the energy storage magazine. A sinister smile appeared on Kimos face: Your time to die has come! Bastard! Yang Ming slightly smirked. This guy, decked out in high-rank warriors gear, the all-spending freak! Was it the money that should have been used to upgrade their pirate ships onboard systems, all spent by Kimo upgrading his personal gear? Kimo roared again and charged. Yang Ming ducked, easily dodging the others ion blade, his right hand propping up from the bottom of his backpack, four Shock Grenades flying out from the backpacks mouth, steadily caught by Yang Ming. Kimo instinctively wanted to protect himself. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Yang Ming swiftly threw these grenades toward the corners of the room. In the roar, shockwaves surged back and forth, shaking the entire floor. Kimo sneered: You think you can blow up the floor and die with me? Wishful thinking! I wouldnt die from falling hundreds of meters! Yang Ming reached into his chest, pulling out a somewhat worn black hilt. A Light Sword? Kimo rattled his giant ion blade, his eyes filling with a crazed will to fight. Take a look at whats been added around you, Yang Ming briefly reminded him. Kimo glanced around. Dust. Due to the impact of the recent Shock Bombs, the dust accumulated on the abandoned floor was completely stirred up. No one will know how you died, Kimo. Yang Ming spoke calmly. Buzz A mournful red light bathed Yang Mings face. Was this laughable light sword, challenging his top-tier armor? Kimos nostrils flared, the four ion streams spraying from his back like unfurled Light Wings! He charged with his exoskeleton-wrapped stalwart body again! He was the most formidable presence in the Black Dragon Group. And now, he intended to crush this young man into oblivion, to keep company with that old bastard Kolev! Kimos raised ion blade shone even brighter, his roar was that of a wild beast. Yang Ming, who had raised his light sword, took half a step forward, the dancing dust around him seemingly freezing in place for a moment. Kimos fierce expression suddenly froze, his pupils suddenly constricting. He saw it, the deep footprints on the concrete floor where Yang Ming had stepped. Such explosive power! Kimos downward chop came too late to change, and he could only watch helplessly as the young warrior charged towards him with speed surpassing reason! The blood-red light sword traced a figure-eight pattern! Yang Ming almost burst straight into Kimos embrace! The blood-colored light sword forcibly cut through the incompletely filled energy shield, grazing the armpit gap not covered by the exoskeleton. Shoulder hit! The energy shield flickered wildly! Yang Ming didnt take a single step back, the floor beneath his feet cracked extensively. Kimos colossal body flew backward, sliding more than ten meters after hitting the ground. Both of his arms trembled uncontrollably, fresh blood spurting from his armpit, his waist visibly dislocated, his leg nerves unresponsive. Ah! Ahhh Kimo howled in agony, his voice transmitting to two-thirds of the pirates ears. Monster! Kimo bellowed, You monster! Ah! My arms! Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of Kimo. Yang Ming stood above Kimo, holding the light sword. I have a passive, full-body shield! You cant kill me! Kimo shouted tremblingly, Spare me, Ill give you Kolevs treasures, you want money, dont you its all yours Yang Ming knelt on one knee, slowly bringing his hand close to Kimos ear, shutting off Kimos earpiece. Chapter 54 - 54: 037 Beheading!_2 Chapter 54: 037 Beheading!_2 Captain Kimo, do you know what the warriors passive full-body shield fears the most? Yang Ming whispered softly, his voice reaching Kimos ears as well as Kolevs. Passive triggered shields can detect metals, sharp objects, high-energy rays, and kinetic weapons; they actually cover your whole body, but only at the moment someone pulls the trigger, completing energy distribution and deployment. But it does not respond to gentle body contact. Yang Mings left thumb pressed against the nail of his middle finger, slowly approaching Kimos forehead. Kimo shook all over, but at that moment, he could only shudder, only twitch, only stare, only listen to the others voice, devilish in its whisper: ... It wont refuse a friendly tap on the head. Yang Mings finger suddenly flicked. Bang! Kimos eyes bulged, a semicircular depression formed in the middle of his head, a faint cracking sound came from his skull, and black blood flowed from his nostrils and ears. The humming noise of the exoskeleton armor gradually vanished, as its wearer had already lost life signs. A laser pistol appeared in Yang Mings hand, its muzzle pointed at Kimos forehead. Whoosh! Whoosh whoosh! Three thumb-sized holes in Kimos forehead emitted wisps of white smoke. Your men are really weak, Kolev. Yang Ming laughed teasingly, He couldnt even block my head tap. At this moment, Kolev didnt feel like engaging with the young man, just sitting there, his eyes somewhat vacant. Yang Ming looked regretfully at the expensive exoskeleton mecha. He didnt waste any time, lowering his head into the dust, his figure swiftly disappearing, quickly heading towards the direction of the stealth boat. How does it feel, Kolev? Yang Ming asked. Relieved, Kolev replied, and a bit regretful. Yang Ming constantly surveyed the surrounding environment; after jumping out of the window, he had already met up with a hoverboard. He reminded him, You should let them know Kimo is dead; dont let them sink your ship. Ah, Kolev sighed, Suddenly I find myself not wanting Mimili to be a pirate anymore. Yang Ming chuckled, Right, why be a pirate? You and your daughter could start a shipping company aimed at luring pirates, spreading some positive energy in the universe. Oh, that, I might consider Hanton! Kolevs voice suddenly carried a bit of urgency: Hurry back, Linas ship has completed the jump, charging towards Olhaif! My left detectors show they are traveling at full speed! Damn, this is a full ten minutes earlier than we expected! Im coming to pick you up! Kolev, use remote control, make it run out. That will leave vulnerabilities! We have to follow my lead now, Kolev, meet in front of the fourth building ahead! Hurry! If Lina scares away your pirate ship, our plan is ruined! Yang Mings voice grew more urgent. He needed the firepower of those pirate ships to truly complete his feigned death and escape. This was the most crucial part of the entire plan for him! Yang Ming looked up; in the thin atmosphere, those pirate ships were still bombarding the enemys protective shield, with one already in imminent peril. Yang Ming almost crouched on the hoverboard, pressing it to its highest gear, speeding across the edge of the battlefield. Hanton! Landing crafts have spotted you, Hanton! Theyre locking onto you! Quickly release the news of Kimos death, say it was mercenaries hired! Start a riot first! Yang Ming had just spoken when Buzz! Buzz! Two arm-thick light bullets skimmed past his back, directly shattering a nearby broken wall. Yang Ming immediately turned and raised his hand, aiming the energy-stored magazine of his laser gun at the sky. He held his breath, his pupils seemingly crystalline, his sight almost aligning with the laser guns aiming red line. He locked onto the twelve-meter-long landing craft. Yang Ming pulled the trigger! But the thin protective membrane outside the landing craft showed no significant ripples. Buzz! A purplish-red laser beam, half a meter in diameter, descended from the sky and struck the landing vessel precisely! The protective shield of the landing vessel was penetrated in a matter of microseconds, and the twelve-meter vessel exploded violently in the air, the blast wave kicking up tens of meters of sand and dust. Run! Kolev shouted, Im controlling their ground artillery, damn it! This has definitely left a trace! Beautiful! Yang Ming shouted as he stabilized his floating skateboard, his mouth full of sand and dust, and raced toward the building marked by Kolev, skimming close to the ground. At the same time, the rear trunk of the stealth boat opened, and a figure rolled out, making use of the sand and dust for cover and rushing toward the building ahead. It seemed like another Yang Ming, dressed the same and equipped with the same individual combat gear. Damn it! I only have two hands! Two! Kolev cursed frantically. Yang Ming held his breath; the clone robot had appeared within his sight, and not ten seconds after it entered the abandoned building, Yang Ming sprinted in on his floating skateboard. The entire ground floor of the building had been cleared out, where Yang Ming met the clone robot. He immediately handed his laser gun, goggles, headset, tactical backpack, and floating skateboard to the clone by his side, while Kolev controlled the clone to run to the corner with all the gear; Yang Ming continued to race forward. After a few steps, Yang Ming turned back, opened a bottle wrapped in several layers of foil, and scattered the capsule-like gene stabilizing medication into the tactical backpack before turning to rush toward the stealth boat. Those were the medications given to him by Lina. He reversed his coat, grabbed his helmet-flattened hair, and ran directly towards the edge of the city, sticking to the shadows of the buildings. Yang Ming glanced back. The pirate ships in the sky had noticed the approaching Dawn-level battleship, and their rate of bombardment was rapidly decreasing. They signaled for retreat from the ground and the ship cannons began firing downward, covering their own pirates retreat. Up ahead, the stealth boat slowly floated, and the cockpit door slowly opened, the color-changing paint reflecting the color of the sand and making it difficult to discern. Yang Ming stepped briskly into the boat and snatched the helmet held by Kolev to put it on his head. He turned off the clone sync. He activated the full holographic perception remote control for the clone. Number Two! Return the same way! Find the clouds! Yang Ming urged, Take off slowly, dont stir up too much dust! Dont rush, Hanton, Kolev, breathing a bit heavily, rapidly tapped on the projection screen in front of him, Theres still time, enough time, get that thing moving! First, get his gear on! Yang Ming growled, Its a bit hard for this thing to step on the skateboard! sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The stealth boat steadily ascended, quietly retreating into the desert, using the horizon to mask its tracks. Inside the small stealth boat, Yang Ming was continually shaking his hands and feet, his body posture somewhat strange. Another Yang Ming, fully dressed and appearing just as he had a moment ago, sped out of the building he was hiding in on a floating skateboard, speeding along the edge of the battlefield. The screens in front of Kolev split into seven or eight panels, as the scattered spores completed their final mission. He had taken control of five pirate ships! The main cannon of Kimos primary ship slowly lowered, and on the fire control platform screen of that ship, the Yang Ming on the floating skateboard was locked on. The operator in front of the screen looked puzzled. Inside the stealth boat, Kolev clapped Yang Ming on the shoulder and handed him a microphone. With a deep, processed voice, Yang Ming shouted into the microphone: For Captain Kimo! This voice was sampled from a team captain who had died in battle inside the Kimo Group. Kolev turned off the microphone, pressed the virtual button in front of him, and murmured to himself: Fire the main cannon. Buzz The screen inside the stealth boat flickered lightly. A dense white beam descended from the sky, cut through the rampant dust, and instantly engulfed the Yang Ming on the skateboard, pressing him to the ground, swiftly melting him! Inside the stealth boat, Yang Ming pulled off his helmet, gasping heavily, as if he had personally experienced the power of a 300-meter class starships main cannon. 300-meter class pirate ships maximum output from the main cannon. The ground heaved, creating waves of sand, and the hit area continually sank, with magma fissures appearing on the surface like blood vessels. The firing lasted for twelve seconds. Vaporized, definitely vaporized, Kolev murmured, The Alliances ships should have captured this footage. We did it, Hanton Haha! We succeeded! Dont celebrate too soon, Yang Ming looked up at the sky. From this angle, he could faintly see, diagonally upward in the sky, five pirate ships trying to split to the left and right. The all-curved surface battleship was now visible in the sky, falling toward low Earth orbit. Guel Alliance, Dawn-level Light Battlecruiser. Yang Ming muttered, We havent escaped yet. Chapter 55 - 55: 038 Empires Lecture【Vote for me, save me!】 Chapter 55: 038 Empires LectureVote for me, save me! Lina watched the images appearing on the projection screen with an expressionless face. It was a captured image from a corner of the planetary surface battle zone. That beam which had come from the sky had its energy level reduced by the atmosphere initially, but when the energy beam reached the surface and established a transport channel, the subsequent energy transmitted had almost no damage. The figure had been vaporized. Destroyed by a high-energy ion beam. Destroyed ... Linas ears rang slightly. The moment she witnessed Hanton being vaporized, she couldnt hear anything else, only the constant ringing in her ears. Chief Chief! The young Intelligence Officer snapped Lina out of it. Speak. Target One confirmed killed by the main cannon of a pirate ship! The news we just got is a bit chaotic, the pirates exploded into conflict over treasure buried by Kolev, Target One got involved, and seems to have killed Kimo, the current leader of the Black Dragon Pirate Group, and in retaliation, the pirate group attacked Target One with the main cannon just now. Lina stepped back half a step, raised her hand to steady herself on the safety rail beside her, her complexion pale and devoid of color. Chief? You need to rest. Lina suddenly said, Biosensors! Use biosensors to gather information from there! The biosensors are not responding, the pirate ships main cannons energy destroyed everything. Chief, according to records we stole from the rival pirate ship, Target One indeed provoked this group of pirates. Moreover, Chief we captured a faint signal from a tracking device It seems to be residues of a tracking device within Target Ones body that wasnt metabolized, our exclusively developed product, which sent out a weak signal before he was destroyed About half a minute of silence filled the inside of the battleship. They destroyed Hanton, they destroyed Hanton my more than a years effort ruined, Lina murmured, take them down. The Captain asked, Chief, who are our targets? The pirates! Attack these damn pirates! Linas expression was somewhat out of control, with a pale face flushed slightly red, her slim body trembling continuously. Dont let them escape! Break their protective shields! Turn them into cosmic dust now, this instant! Even if we only take a share of the merit for exterminating pirates, its not like these past three months have been in vain! The Captain shrugged slightly: Youve made the smartest decision of these past three months. Next, the Captains voice became loud, precise, and filled with virile power. Charge all cannons! Charge protective shields to twenty percent! Prioritize targeting the flagship! Release electronic interference! Make these makeshift pirate ships obediently stay put! Fire at will! The entire ship was activated almost instantly, the bridge became bustling, and outside the viewport, more than ten laser beams had appeared. These beams were just to deplete the energy of the opposing protective shields. The battleships main cannon charged. The battleships full firepower was preheating! Within a Stealth Boat that had just entered the high-altitude clouds, Yang Ming watched the flickering projection screen in front of him, exchanging glances with Kolev. Before he could say anything, his attention was drawn by the beams appearing outside the atmosphere. A dozen laser beams hit the two most powerful pirate ships simultaneously. Hey! Kolev exclaimed with wide eyes, Theyre attacking my ships! Oh! Damn it! Why arent the rest of the bastards running yet? It must be the electronic interference, Yang Ming reminded, the battleship is too close to them. As soon as they finished speaking, a pirate ships protective shield had been broken. However, that battleship had just completed an energy adjustment. The curved armor on the front half of the battleship became pitted, and a hundred-meter caliber cannon, filled with a strong magnetic field, rapidly extended from the middle of the ships face, lighting up section by section. Around this cannon, a ring of slightly smaller caliber cannons also advanced synchronously, representing the main and auxiliary cannons of the Dawn-level battleship. Charged to thirty percent. The minimum standard for gunfire. The main and auxiliary cannons simultaneously fired dazzling particle beams, like streaks of azure lightning, illuminating the outer sky of the planet. Not like this! Oh, no! My ship! Kolev screamed, trembling all over. That three hundred meter-class pirate flagship was almost instantly penetrated by the blue beams! Seconds later, a violent explosion spread from the focal point outward, the pirate ship violently disintegrating, its hull being blasted apart by a fusion reaction triggered at the hit area, with no human figures visible in the explosion. Kolev covered his eyes in despair. Yang Ming said, The Guel Alliance is practically urging you to retire through their actions. The Stealth Boat, under the cover of the clouds, raced toward the horizon. Kolev kept muttering, his old eyes gradually becoming vacant; on the projection screen in front of him, a battleship was besieging several pirate ships. Its a massacre! A massacre launched by the Guel Alliance! Sar?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Oh, my ships, my lifes work, although they were all very old, I earned several times their value, but oh, what can I leave for Mimili? She so wants to become a successful pirate like me, freely traversing the vast Milky Way. Oh! Heavens, your little lover is really too vicious! Yang Ming could only offer a sympathetic smile. However, they didnt allow the Stealth Boat to stop. Feinan was not equipped with stealth capabilities; they needed to use this small boat to quickly escape Olhaif. Whether they could evade the battleships radar by using the planet became key to their escape. Chapter 56 - 56: 038 Empires Lecture [Vote and Favorite please!]_2 Chapter 56: 038 Empires Lecture [Vote and Favorite please!]_2 The battle in outer space ended within just over ten minutes. The silver-white battleship slowly retracted its gun barrels, its elegant curved armor coming back into view again, but the robust main cannons on the underbelly did not retract with them. What are they trying to do? Yang Ming asked softly, his gaze fixed on the observation perspective provided by Kolevs drones. Kolev slumped in the co-pilots seat as if all his dreams had been drained from him, muttering over and over, I really should retire. I could buy a manor, invest a bit in real estate. Collecting rent wouldnt be so bad. On the projection screen, two landing craft enveloped in flames rapidly descended to the planets surface, gathering information around the fissures of magma on the ground. ... Ten minutes later, these landing crafts returned to the battleship. Before they could dock into the rear hangar, a bright blue beam descended from the skies, striking the city ruins below. The attacks landing spot was precisely where the biorobots had vaporized. Then, a barrage of beams rained down densely, the battleship unleashing its firepower upon the city ruins below, swiftly creating vast rain clouds in the sky. Battleship autopsy? Yang Mings facial muscles twitched slightly, and he breathed a sigh of relief. This meant that as far as the Guel Alliance was concerned, he was now entirely dead. Next, he just needed to change his appearance back to his own and change his name from Hanton back to Yang Ming to gain true freedom! Its just, the old man by his side had sustained some heavy losses. Kolev, our plan was successful, Yang Ming spoke in a warm voice, Were out of danger now, and theres no need to worry about our safety. All the information has been buried by this battleship, and no one will doubt that we faked our death. Yes, Kolev sighed, So I just unilaterally lost nearly a hundred million Federation Coins. I still owe you a million, which should be enough for your retirement, Yang Ming watched the sky drawing nearer, As long as a person is alive, anything is possible. Dont lose hope, my wise first mate. Beep, beep. A red dot suddenly appeared on the projection screen in front of Yang Ming. Sar?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Captain, the cold synthetic voice of Molly No. 2 resounded, A gravitational anomaly has been detected. What kind of gravitational anomaly? Kolev frowned and looked over, scrutinizing the instrument panel carefully. His face rapidly changed and, with a low growl, he said: A large ship is jumping, a large ship! Were near the end of the other sides jump corridor! Theyre about to jump directly near the planet! Insane! Jumping? A jump near a planet? Yang Ming gently furrowed his brow, the knowledge he had learned over the past months quickly coming to mind. Typically, the start and end points of a jump need to ensure stable gravitational conditions. But certain large ships, incorporating technologies from powerful nations, do not adhere to these typical rules. Yang Mings decision was swift and resolute. He pushed the helm down forcefully, and the stealth boat, which had silently glided to high altitude, plunged straight toward the surface like a diving predator. Gravitational ripples that were impossible to observe surfaced in space. That enormous object suddenly appeared at the planets geosynchronous orbit. Kolevs pupils dilated violently, his breath held tight, almost beyond himself. Yang Ming had already leveled the stealth boat swiftly, turning off both the forward and reverse engines, maintaining only the outer coatings power supply, and stared in shock deep into the sky. The surface here was already night, the edge of the heavens tinged with a faint white light. The battleship, shaped like a memory stick, now sprawled deep in the sky, blocking the Guel Alliances Dawn-level light battlecruiser. The two ships, now at the same altitude above the planets surface. This battleship was three to four times longer than the Dawn-level battleship! More so, the front half of its body was a main cannon so immense and exaggerated, taking up half the length of the ship, its gun barrel lighting up sequentially! A Dreadnought! The Empires Dreadnought Level heavy battleship! With an exaggerated length of three thousand six hundred meters, a hybrid energy cannon capable of shattering a closely placed fleet, it was known as the flagship killerthe Dreadnought Level heavy battleship! The actively-glowing emblem of the Sherman Empire on the end of the ship now stretched Yang Mings nerves to the breaking point! Kolev swore loudly, mouth dry as he trembled, taking out a cubic glass-like networking terminal, bringing up an interface similar to a radio and adjusting it continually. They might be communicating over an open channel, explained Kolev with a quivering voice. Cold sweat kept breaking out on the forehead of this old pirate. Interference-laced voices emerged from the networking terminal. Your ships locking onto ours will be viewed as an invasion of the Guel Alliance Administrative Star. It was Linas voice! Soon, a somewhat deep and aged voice reverberated, likely the captain of this Imperial behemoth. Does your ship have an agent from the Guel Alliances Central Intelligence Agency by the name of Lina? We have transmitted her biological information to your ship. Yang Mings brow twitched slightly. Its me, said Lina in a low voice. Youve stolen Empire secrets, the Imperial Captain spoke softly, You seduced a loyal Imperial officer with your beauty, and youve also disguised this originally loyal officer as dead, correct? Thats all nonsense, objected Lina. Charge the main cannon, ordered the Imperial Captain, Release the gravitational interference. A male voice from Linas side spoke up, Do you intend to start a direct war with our nation? We are ships of the Guel Alliance! The laugh of the Imperial Captain carried an undisguised tone of contempt: You may contact your superiors now and tell them your ship is locked by ours; ask them what you should do. Chapter 57 - 57: 038 Empires Lecture [Request for Votes and Favorites!]_3 Chapter 57: 038 Empires Lecture [Request for Votes and Favorites!]_3 Hand over Captain Hanton, hes been listed as your number one target, the final masterpiece of Professor Kigrov, right? Doctor Lina, this information, it was actually leaked by one of your superiors. Hantons dead. Lina whispered, Just now, I can provide you with proof. Oh, you killed him? The Imperial Captains voice grew deeper, The surface wounds were your doing, werent they? You fired on an Imperial soldier. I did not directly kill Hanton; he was a precious specimen I wanted to obtain, Lina said, He got caught up in a piracy dispute. So you wanted to destroy his last biological information? Desecrate his body? ... It seemed the Imperial Captain had seen the video, his voice tinged with anger, Oh! Even though he was just a captain! But he was the Empires captain! And you blasted him twice with the main cannon! Linas side remained silent, but the main engine had already started, the smooth curved surface once again pockmarked. You are the ones declaring war on the Empire. The Imperial Captain said coldly, You orchestrated all of this, attempting to steal treasures that rightfully belong to the Empire No more words are needed, destroy them. Lina stated resolutely, You will bear the consequences of declaring war! This is a barbaric and shameless act of war! The Imperial side maintained silence. Zzzt! The ships of the Guel Alliance cut off communication. Yang Ming crawled forward, his eyes fixed on the two battleships facing off. The Imperial side did not turn off their communication devices, continuing to broadcast the Captains steady breathing and calm reports from various quarters over an open frequency. The Dawn-level Light Battlecruiser released a dense cloud of dust, like a squid squirting ink. All energy was poured into the protective shield, giving it an added halo of light. The Alliances ship was trying to escape the planets gravitational pull. The Imperial Dreadnought did not pursue. It released waves imperceptible to the naked eye, the exaggerated and fearsome Main Cannon, already lit up in part. The Imperial Captain said in a low voice, Ah, Kigrov was too stubborn. Hes been my friend for twenty years, and his experiments have produced not a single sample or piece of data, even though its said he was close to success, creating a powerful individual combat unit. But, General, the experiment ultimately failed, we didnt gain anything, a clear female voice asked, Do we really need to attack the Guel Alliances ships directly? They are the fourth largest force in the Milky Way; this will probably create significant diplomatic pressure. Your Highness, the Captain laughed, Would the Guel Alliance go to war with us over a light battlecruiser? No, the female voice said, They dont have the capacity to contend with the Empires mighty legions. sea??h th n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So what do we have to worry about? The Captain said slowly, We must warn those who like to play their little games, the value of this battleship is enough to make them hurt. I can assure you, Your Highness, tomorrow they will say their invincible ship encountered a mysterious Gamma-ray burst. A technician shouted, Main Cannon fully charged! Take it down. The Dreadnought went quiet for three seconds. Most of the lights on the ship went out simultaneously, the massive vessel shuddering slightly and steadily. A beam of deep red high-energy ions brutally dispersed the thick dust cloud in front, enveloping the entire battleship. Seconds later, the protective shield melted. Microseconds later, the ship disintegrated. Yang Ming seemed to see the female doctor, her skin and bones melting in the barrage of ion strikes. As the deep red beams gradually faded, the Dawn-level Battleship began to explode violently, the resulting brightness even briefly overshadowing the constant stars. Quite beautiful, isnt it, Your Highness? The Imperial Captain said warmly, You must understand, weakness and concession only make you a target for hyenas. Having the resolve to fight at any moment is what makes the weak understand their place. A single experimental specimen is not worth our anger, but we must maintain the dignity of the Empire. This is a warning to the Guel Alliance, to reconsider the consequences of advancing or retreating with the New Federation. There is no balance among the galaxies. Chirp! Kolev voluntarily shut off his receiver, his face deathly pale as he asked in a low voice, Will they find us? They Yang Ming just lay there, quietly watching the scene unfold, his silence filled with reflection. Dont worry. Yang Mings voice hesitated, then he said softly, The Dreadnoughts target isnt me. Chapter 58 - 58: Step 039 The last step of the plan Chapter 58: Step 039 The last step of the plan Kolev would never know what went through Yang Mings mind when he faced the Dreadnought high above. But Yang Ming could easily tell just how flustered the old man by his side was right now. The old mans mouth just kept blabbering on and on, madly spouting the chaotic thoughts that were sprouting in his heart. Oh, poor Hanton, we cant escape! Its a Dreadnought, an Imperial Dreadnought, the second most powerful type of ship. It can even blast this planet to pieces; they really might do that. No, no, no, thats not right, an elephant doesnt notice the ants at its feet, they wont find us, right? To think of my life, if I were to die under the guns of an Imperial Dreadnought, that too would be an honor. ... Yet I still couldnt see the day my daughter got married and had a bunch of little pirates. Hanton, I cant die like this, I still have so much money left to spend, I Yang Ming silently shut down the life support system and pulled out a canister of emergency oxygen from underneath the seat. Then he pressed the oxygen canisters mouthpiece, hard, precisely, and without mercy, onto Kolevs mouth. Why could this old man be so noisy! Yang Ming muttered in a low voice, Quiet! If this Dreadnought wants to fire at us, I will step forward and say Im the test subject theyre looking for! The option of soaking in a jar and eating excrement is definitely before getting blown to smithereens! Kolev blinked, Does your Empire accept donations for military funding? Yang Ming: He continued to lie prone in the front seat, closing his eyes, taking several deep breaths. Powerful individuals were nothing in the face of mighty forces. He, a Subordinate Ancient God Life Form that had yet to fully matureeven if he could eventually develop fully, would still feel so powerless before the mighty Imperial warships. Strong forces, overwhelming individual strength, these were the directions he needed to strive for. He must manage both! Of course, all this was predicated on the assumption that they could escape this time. Han, Hanton! Kolev pulled down the oxygen mask and shouted, Theyre gone! Yang Ming suddenly looked up. The Imperial Dreadnought slowly moved towards deep space. Sar?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the distant starry sky, six or seven various Imperial warships appeared, forming a battle fleet with the Dreadnought, moving together to a region where stable warp jumps could be made. To form a real combat force, a Dreadnought needed to be accompanied by Escort Ships, Destroyers, Supply Ships, and so on. The Dreadnought was apparently the first to force a warp jump to Olhaif Planet. The most likely scenario was that the Empire had received precise coordinates of the Dawn-level Battleship, pointing their gun barrels directly at the face of the Dawn-level Light Battlecruiser. The intelligence systems of various nations infiltrated each other; Lina had been defeated by her own intelligence organization backing her! Yang Ming finally laughed. This was so typical of the Empire. The imperial fleet disappeared off the Stealth Boats radar edge. The voice of Molly No. 2 sounded, Captain, a warp event detected, the imperial fleet has left. Start up! Start up quickly! Yang Ming growled as the Stealth Boats engines expelled a ring of blue light, sharply piercing the clouds at nearly a ninety-degree angle to the ground! Molly No. 2 is coming to pick us up! Roger that, Captain. Yang Mings voice gradually calmed down, Prepare the warp energy in advance, activate the coating machine and the polarimeter, and open the rear hatch. The now-peaceful Kolev cursed vehemently, Speed up, speed up! Run faster! I dont want to spend another moment here! Feinan completed two warp jumps in a short time and hid the ship behind a small asteroid. Yang Ming sat, collapsed with a head full of cold sweat, staring blankly as he silently pulled out the syringe next to the seat, injecting a vial of Genetic Stabilization Liquid into the veins of his arm. Kolev, on the other hand, suddenly laughed, gasping for breath. He ran over to Yang Ming, pounding Yang Mings shoulder with his gaunt and feeble fists in rapid succession. Ha ha ha ha! The arrogant Empire didnt even bother to search this planet! Ha ha ha! That Lina! Damn, she got her comeuppance immediately! Let her attack my ship again! We escaped! Hanton! It was so thrilling! The Imperial Dreadnought was right over our heads! Oh ho ho! We are pirates, pirates, pirates! Yang Ming watched the little old man, who was laughing and singing and dancing, and felt like making an interstellar call to Mimili, reminding her to care for the mental health of the elderly. Kolev opened up three bottles of champagne, making a complete mess of the bridge. Once the excitement wore off, the old pirate began to feel melancholy again. Oh, its just that my losses are a bit heavy. Kolev sighed, The Alliance actually used a battleship to bully my poor pirate ships! Our plan had gathered all the pirate ships together; my god, they were just like five ship-shaped targets! Yang Ming felt a bit guilty; after all, it was his plan. He had indeed not considered this little detail before, only contemplating their own situation. Yang Ming tried to change the subject, If Lina comes to her senses, she might still suspect Im alive and then carry out a post-mortem analysis I really should thank the Empire. Thank the Empire, Kolev said with his hands on his hips, I feel much better now. The old man didnt seem to blame him. Kolev brought over the champagne, clinked glasses with Yang Ming, and after both took a sip, silence fell once again. Yang Ming looked at the starry sky. Kolev was recovering his mental energy that had been drained by the Dreadnought. Chapter 59 - 59: Step 039 The last step of the plan _2 Chapter 59: Step 039 The last step of the plan _2 Theres one last step in the plan, Yang Ming reminded, dont lose heart, its time for the cosmetic surgery device. Kolev said, As expected from a former Imperial soldier, your discipline and execution are consistently on point. This is a yearning for freedom, Yang Mings smile was full of ease. From Kigrovs research ship to Cole Port, to here. From a few months ago when he opened his eyes in Linas medical room, to now. He could finally say one thing! ... Yes, the Valkyrie was still alive Well, not entirely worry-free. But the danger level had definitely dropped significantly. And there wouldnt be any tailgaters for now! He had also successfully obtained a ship, along with Molly No. 2, so the next plan could progress steadily! Leaving the bridge, Yang Ming and Kolev walked one after the other to the enclosed medical bay not far away, where the cosmetic surgery instrument awaited them, their gateway to a rebirth. Hey, Hanton, Kolev said, dont you want to talk a bit more? Yang Ming turned his head to look at Kolev. Kolev leaned against the doorframe and folded his arms. You are strong, Hanton, and we are the best partners, you have combat strength, and I have connections and skills, Kolevs eyes were bright, we two can continue to work together, and you need a constant supply of gene stabilizers, which can only be obtained on the black market, you are destined to become a pirate. The black market isnt just for pirates, Yang Ming said, in some established large black markets, there are anonymous markets, although things are a bit more expensive, confidentiality is guaranteed. Kolev could only smile wryly, You even know this. You taught me, Yang Ming thought for a few moments and asked slowly, what do you plan to do? After entering this door, we will need to take on another identity, and act like we dont know each other, starting our own journeys. In Kolevs old eyes, there was a glimpse of bewilderment. He replied, I always wanted to reclaim the Black Dragon After choosing this fake death plan, I thought of leaving the Black Dragon to Mimili, hiding behind her to help her. But now, the Black Dragon is gone, and what Ive left with Mimili is only those useless, filthy, essentially just numerical coins. Yang Ming said, Being a pirate is not such a noble profession, why not find a beautiful place, get some land, build an estate, and become a wealthy gentleman? Oh, Hanton, that kind of life sounds absolutely dreadful, Kolev said with complete disdain. Youre over seventy, Kolev, as youve mentioned, your body is older than your actual age, its time for you to retire and enjoy your twilight years. Yang Ming raised his hand to pat Kolevs shoulder. Of course, this is just a friends advice, we all have our chosen paths, and we will walk them with determination. This cooperation was pleasant, I admire your capability, you are a legendary pirate. I feel the same, it was particularly enjoyable, Kolev laughed, are you really not considering continuing our collaboration? We could change identities, invite Mimili, and together manage the most powerful pirate group in history. Yang Ming thought for a few seconds. Images of the Imperial Dreadnought crushing the Dawn-level Battleship floated before his eyes. Kolev, I have my ideals, and I have set goals, Yang Ming said seriously. Thats great, oh, I know Im being long-winded, in any case um alright, Hanton. Kolev was noticeably a bit downcast. Yang Ming said, You go ahead for the cosmetic surgery, Ill navigate the Feinan near Weina Port, later you can take a ship from the aft compartment to leave. Alright, your new identity has already been given to Molly No. 2, Kolev said, as a citizen of the Cas Federation, you just need to submit your new facial information to Molly No. 2, and shell help you generate a passport recognized by the Cas Federation. Thank you, Yang Ming smiled and said. I should be the one thanking you, Hanton, as an old man Ive benefitted from your care quite a bit recently, whereas it should have been me caring for you. Yang Ming didnt say much more, just opened his arms with a smile. Kolev frowned and said, Hey, dont pull these cheesy moves youre not planning to kill me by strangulation to keep it quiet, right? Even though he said so, the elder still stepped forward to give Yang Ming a strong hug. Yang Ming laughed, Dont worry, for the sake of your beautiful daughter, I wouldnt harm you, shes much more charming than you, maybe one day Ill have the chance to call you father-in-law, my dear first mate. Kolev silently picked up the wrench he had on him. The old man was gone. Just as they had planned. The third part of Yang Mings plan was goodbye, after their respective surgeries, they would not meet again. Yang Ming steered the Feinan close to the predetermined Free Port, then went for a long sleep, waking up to get a reminder from Molly No. 2. His old partner had taken the most expensive stealth boat in his aft compartment. This made Yang Ming, when having coffee, annoyed enough to add two more spoons of sugar. Though it was originally purchased by Kolev. Yang Ming didnt rush to start his journey, he rested near this Free Port for a few days, reset the parameters on the cosmetic surgery device, and commenced his own cosmetic surgery plan. He adjusted his face to have a seventy to eighty percent resemblance to his past life, altering it repeatedly, it somewhat resembled his fathers youthful appearance. Sear?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Next came full-body anesthesia, bone grinding and skin peeling, skin repair even without the resilient skin of a Valkyrie, Yang Ming went through the process many times, slowly fixing his face, yet his appearance deviated slightly from expectations Chapter 60 - 60: 039 The last step of the plan_3 Chapter 60: 039 The last step of the plan_3 Several hours later, Yang Ming emerged from the plastic surgery room, evaluating his reflection in the mirror with satisfaction and nodding to himself. At least he was still handsome, albeit a bit more delicate-looking. Those Eastern faces from Earth do look pleasant, after all. What Yang Ming didnt realize was that a hidden camera in the corner had captured his visage at that moment. Meanwhile, In the Cas Federation, on a planet next to Kolevs secret base, an external space station. Sporting a middle-parted hairstyle, dressed in a proper suit and leaning on an elegant cane, an elderly gentleman hummed a tune from his hometown as he strolled through the dazzling duty-free zone of the interstellar area, eyeing the luxury goods whose prices were not so extravagant after all. ... His watch suddenly began vibrating insistently. The old man glanced around and, shrouding his wrist with his hand discreetly, opened the pop-up email message. It was a little trick of his own design. Before leaving, the old gentleman had installed a hidden camera beyond the control of Molly No. 2, which now yielded its result, sending an image of a face starkly different from Hantons. Oh. The elderly gentleman exclaimed in admiration. Could someone really deliberately lower their own attractiveness? From ten to eight, from rugged resolve to refined features, also cleverly concealing a bit of sharpness. Indeed, a young man capable of great endeavors! The elderly gentleman gazed at the photo for a while, his eyes revealing a warm smile, then deleted the photo and permanently deactivated the camera. May you sail freely in the sea of gravity, my captain. The elderly gentleman pulled his sleeve down and calmly entered an adjacent doorway. He was planning to buy a top hat, later acquire a piece of beachfront property, set up an estate or perhaps a hotel, or maybe, as Mimili had pondered in last nights call, open a beauty salon that was bound to be lucrative. At about the same time. The captain has arrived on the bridge. Number Two, set the virtual image to permanent presence. Understood, Captain. Molly No. 2s figure appeared in the middle of the control panel, thirty centimeters tall, dressed in a plaid skirt and a white blouse, like an electronic figurine. Well, this isnt too bad. Yang Ming settled comfortably into his seat, gazing into the depth of space, summoned the Star Map, and began idly flipping through it. He was preparing to head to the next port to verify his newly acquired identitya Cas Federation ordinary citizen, Yang Ming. There, Yang Ming also intended to purchase some food supplies capable of lasting several years in case he found himself adrift in the interstellar void. The current edition of the Milky Ways map did not contain Mink Port. Yang Ming didnt know what that implied; in recent days, he had asked Molly No. 2 to search every Constant Star System resembling the Solar System, every planet resembling Earth, but still could not trace his homeland This was somewhat bizarre. So, Yang Ming decided to head directly to the Intelligent Mechanic Dusk, to try and locate the same key that the chosen child stumbled upon, to find that key thirty-plus Galaxy Years ahead of time and secure the treasures there. Number Two, Yang Ming asked, show me Kolev after the makeover. As you wish, Captain. Molly No. 2 projected two photos in front of Yang Ming, who immediately showed a face full of revulsion. This shameless old chap had acquired a suave look. And rejuvenated by a decade or more! Delete it, Yang Ming waved dismissively, and revoke Kolevs access. Starting now, we go into stealth mode, and do not keep any records. Settings updated. Yang Ming pressed a series of buttons in front of him, the Feinan shuddered slightly and its external armor gradually changed color, rendering the ship a silver-grey hue. Coordinates confirmed. Coordinates confirmed. Self-check completed. Self-check completed. Until next time, Captain Kolev. Yang Ming murmured, gripping the square helm with his right hand and sliding it forward smoothly. The Feinan. Advancing three. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 61 - 61: 040 A Pirates Wonderful Retirement Life Chapter 61: 040 A Pirates Wonderful Retirement Life ` Kolev never thought his life could be so easygoing. Oh, right, he was now known as Marquis Hutton, a moderately famous wealthy man in the Cas Federation, contemplating how to invest in some idealistic young people and develop new industries that would allow him to count money even after retirement. The first ray of morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting onto Kolevs old face, signaling his well-rested brain to awaken. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by a ceiling covered with a starry sky nautical-themed oil painting. In the corner, two maid robots left their charging stations. ... They had fair, delicate skin, lively bright eyes, and limbs as dexterous as humans. The only difference was the metallic silver alloy knobs mandated by law on their knees and elbows, distinguishing highly realistic robots from humans. Though these always excited some mechanics enthusiasts even more. Aside from the four alloy knobs, everything about them was like a real person. Even when their soft little hands made contact with their single male owner, they would opportunistically initiate a shy program and then suggestively glance at the owner. These were hidden programs within high-end maid robots. The manufacturers set these programs mainly to make single men spend money upgrading them into higher-end, fully adaptable companion robots. And once the owner began upgrading, these companion robots would continuously suggest they could have larger, softer breasts, a slimmer, more elastic waist, gradually emptying the owners wallet. They even had competitive programs, jealousy programs, emotional index evaluation programs, demanding owners provide constant component upgrades, replacing better True Sons Brains, softer, younger skin and so on. It was a bottomless pit. The wise Kolev was not one to be fooled. Kolev stretched lazily and stood up, spreading his arms. The two maid robots busily helped their master complete his grooming and clothing change. Subsequently, Kolev walked barefoot on the soft leather carpet, left the bedroom of over a hundred square meters filled with various industrial decorations, and admired the nearly identical self-portraits along the corridor. The cleaning robot bowed its head in greeting. Not far away, the butler robot held a networking terminal, ready to report on the estate. Kolev leisurely strolled to the elevator, ascending to the third-floor gym area of the villa. Under the service of the maid robot, he removed his shirt, lay on the microelectronic massage chair, let the magnetic fields and currents activate his muscle fibers, and was then transported by the chairs conveyor belt to a warm swimming pool, floating freely with the music into the comprehensive detection instrument. By the time Kolev stretched lazily and sat up, he had already left the semi-solid swimming pool, taken the soft coat from the maids hands, and sat into the antigravity sofa that could freely move within the castles interior, basking in the warm light of the Constant Star while examining his health report. This is the life, Kolev murmured, lighting a cigar and beginning to puff out smoke. Its just a bit boring. My esteemed master, the butlers metal-tinged baritone sounded beside him, there are a few young people with excellent ideas awaiting your audience. Is there a message in my third mailbox? No, master. Oh, alright, it seems my daughter still doesnt want to come over, Kolev shrugged, placing his legs on the coffee table. Let them in, theyre here to grab money from me, no need to be too polite to them. You really are a great philanthropist, the butler said cheerfully. Kolev cursed, Get lost! Im an investor! I want to be a ruthless capitalist! Yes, master, you are a great ruthless capitalist! The butler proclaimed enthusiastically. That sounds much better. Kolev snapped his fingers, and the butler immediately bent forward, using his alloy hand to catch the cigar butt from Kolevs hand. How long have I had you guys? Kolev asked. We have been working here for you for seven months. Seven months, Kolev murmured, Ive been apart from that scoundrel for eight months now. Oh, the time for an elder indeed passes quickly. The butler concurred, Yes, master, time indeed passes quickly the guests have arrived, master. Kolev nodded, suppressing the thoughts in his heart as he covered the spherical button with his hand, and the sofa spun around. A few young men and women stood nervously in the spacious room. Upon seeing Kolev, they greeted him somewhat out of sync. Hello, Mr. Haton. Hello, Kolev raised an eyebrow with a smile, glancing at the young girl with glasses and cute freckles before focusing on their leader. It was a tall, lean young man, his eyes ablaze with ambition. Kolev took a few more looks at this young man, thinking, at first sight, that he resembled that guy a bit, which generated a bit more goodwill in Kolev toward him. Start, you have five minutes, Kolev smiled, whether you can cheat five hundred thousand Cas coins in angel investment away from me depends on your eloquence. The young people became more nervous. The leader frowned, Respected Mr. Haton, we are not here to cheat money, we have brought a product that our team has spent three years developing, it is definitely a groundbreaking product capable of causing a massive wave in the field of companion robots! Kolev leisurely picked up the tepid tea next to him and began to sip. Beside him, the butler, wearing a slick tailcoat, tapped his chest, revealing a green countdown on his chest. Alright! Hurry up! The leading young man turned his head, urging his companions. They quickly divided tasks, taking a few instruments out of their backpacks, tinkering for half a minute, and then setting up a projection screen to open a graphic presentation interface. Our product philosophy is to identify a niche market in the companion robot sector, seize the markets shortcomings, diligently cultivate and explore it! Do what no other manufacturer has done! That is opportunity! Based on this, we now solemnly promote to you, the product we have completed under circuit construction and simulative experiment Phase III. Son Robots! Pfft! Kolev turned his head and spewed a mouthful of hot tea, a maid promptly stepped forward, gently wiped the corner of Kolevs mouth, and winked at Kolev. What the heck? Kolev frowned tightly, Son Robots? Yes, Sir! The leading young man adjusted his glasses, breathing a little more heavily. Nowadays, the problem of aging is still a serious issue faced by all nations in the Galaxy, and only the Sherman Empire has compulsory birthing laws. Countries practice the public upbringing of test-tube babies, which undoubtedly adds enormous pressure on elderly care across society. Who will fulfill the emotional needs of lonely old people? The answer is our productSon Robots! Kolevs eyes were a little vacant. The leading young man became even more fervent, eager to shove the speech in his head directly into the angel investors mind. Our product has three main features, which are also the three major profit points. First, age upgrade. In our planning, these robots are divided into five stages: infant, childhood, adolescence, youth, and middle age. A customer can directly purchase a complete package to enjoy the product experience of caring for this robot from a baby. Alternatively, customers can begin purchasing from the infant stage but must buy the childhood service after several years. Of course, at this stage, our robots cannot directly grow, but we can develop these five specifications of robots, recycling is absolutely not an issue, plus we can initially produce only infant-stage robots, followed by childhood, adolescence, then launch exchange activities, infant robots only need a little extra money to be exchanged for childhood robotsthis guarantees our secondary profit! Secondly, pocket money system. We believe robots are your son, and we stand united with the product. Our customer service and maintenance personnel can also be your adoptive child Hey! Hey! Kolev interrupted the other partys babbling presentation, frowning, Can I ask a question? Certainly, the leading young man swallowed nervously. Do you know about the institution of welfare homes? Yes, Sir, I do. Kolev puzzlingly asked, If its to satisfy the emotions of caring and companionship, why would I not adopt a child? The young man earnestly responded, Its different, Sir; young people grow up and leave the elderlys side. Then how do you think this differs from them? Kolev pointed at the maid robots. You havent instilled fatherly love in her, Sir. Then how can I instill fatherly love in your product? That Send them out, Kolev waved his hand in disappointment, please thoroughly study the ethics codes of various places first, then determine the direction you want to develop in! This thing wont make it to the market, believe me. Mr. Haton! A few robust and burly mechanical guards charged in, covering the mouths of these young people, directly dragging them out of the meeting room. Kolev watched these young people being kicked out of his estate, speechless: Todays young people dont even know how to cheat an old mans money. I actually think their idea is pretty good, I might need such a son, the robot butler chuckled, Master, have you been swindled out of money before? Of course, Kolev sighed softly, it was also by a young man, in a few words, he swindled away assets worth fifteen million from me, and continued to cause me nearly hundreds of millions in losses. Wow, thats a big con artist! You should have called the police! Report to the police? Kolev smiled bitterly, I dont even know where he went. The robot butler opened his mouth: Mas He, along with the maid robot nearby, suddenly lost the light in their eyes, lowering their heads as the ring behind their necks began to gently blinkthis was the sign of being on standby. Kolev, however, fell into memories, mumbling: In a few words, he ruined my billion-worth of assets. Even when my daughter heard the news about him being in trouble, she shed tears out of sorrow for him, he nearly won my daughters heart, oh, hewhats wrong with you? Kolev looked up at his butler and maid robot. He suddenly became alert, stretching his hand into the gap behind the sofa, feeling out a gun. In the manor, several returning guard-type robots similarly halted in their tracks, lowering their heads, while two gardener robots were in the same situation. Several patrolling mechanical dogs simultaneously entered standby mode. The lights of the meeting room were flickering lightly. Kolevs eyes narrowed slightly. Was he being invaded? Was it revenge from those young people? Haha, they picked the wrong guy! Hmm hum humm~ A mans humming voice echoed in the hallway. Kolev agilely jumped up, gripping the laser pistol as he charged toward the meeting room door, holding his breath, his throat bobbing up and down, calculating the distance between him and the hummer. Like Hanton taught him, silently counting. Three, twoone! sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kolev leaped out like an old leopard, disengaging the safety latch of the laser gun in his hand, yelling toward the left: Dont move! Haha! Gotuh. No one was there. Click. A cold metal tube pressed against Kolevs neck. Oh! Dont shoot! Oh! Kolev instantly raised both his hands, I swear, I was somewhat impolite just now, I shouldnt have rejected your idea, young peoples ambitions are always a good thing, I can invest in you. The person behind him chuckled, Invest in that Son Robot? That voice? Kolev froze for a moment, then his whole body began to tremble slightly. That familiar, damn, young mans voice! Hanton! ` Chapter 62 - 62: 041 Yang Mings Small Goals Chapter 62: 041 Yang Mings Small Goals ` Kolev suddenly turned around and, upon seeing the figure behind him, exclaimed in delight, Ha Hahaha! Its really you! Yang Ming put away the silver remote control in his hand. Then, Kolev furrowed his brow, pinched one of his mustache strands, and gave it a gentle tug. Ah, this isnt a dream. Youre really standing in front of me! ... However, Kolev quickly calmed down. He scrutinized Yang Mings current attire. A light blue repairmans outfit, with some stubble on his face, tired eyes from long voyages, and he seemed quite out of spirits. Oh, why are you down on your luck again? What should I call you now? Kolev asked warily. Just call me Yang Ming, Yang Ming replied warmly, patting his empty stomach, An old friend comes and doesnt even get a full meal? Dont worry. Im using the legitimate identity you gave me with that passport. Of course! Just wait a moment Oh, my robots have all crashed? Yang Ming raised his wrist and pressed his watch twice, speaking slowly, Lyu, have you modified their programs? A three-inch projection of Molly No. 2 appeared on the watch, dressed in a stylish evening gown, speaking softly: Its been modified, boss. Alright, activate them. Kolev keenly noticed that the projection of Molly No. 2 seemed a bit off. She was meticulous and lively, and her demeanor was closer to that of Molly No. 1. Lyu? Even the name seemed different now. As the creator of this Molly, Kolev certainly understood that Molly No. 2 did not have functions beyond controlling the spaceship, nor did it have learning modules requiring powerful computing power and energy support. No. 2, do you remember me? Kolev called out softly. sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The girl looked up, smiling graciously at Kolev, and spoke quickly, Hello, Mr. Kolev, now I should call you Mr. Haton. My boss always mentions you. Its your generosity that achieved one ten-thousandth of my bosss brilliance. But I am not No. 2, or rather, I am the advanced version of No. 2; my name is Lyu. Kolev remarked in surprise, Yang Ming, did you redesign her? Sort of, Yang Ming did not want to continue on this topic, First, get me something to eat, let me try the luxurious lunch of a wealthy gentleman like you! Robots by the windowsill, in the parlor, in and out of the estate, all of which had just stopped, resumed their previous commands seamlessly. The butler stepped forward, completely ignoring Yang Ming, and said to Kolev, Master, are you talking to the air? Your mental state worries me. Kolev was stupefied. He turned to glare at Yang Ming, then at the butler robot he personally reprogrammed, slightly twitching his mouth. Yang Ming chuckled, Rest assured, Lyus modification is so they cant see or hear me, to prevent any information leaks; it wont affect their regular duties. Oh, how was this achieved? Kolev, eyes full of astonishment, stared at Yang Mings watch as if looking at a miraculous gadget. It was the watch he had given him before. This old guys life now was indeed quite decadent. Yang Ming gnawed at the juicy roasted beast leg, savoring the silky texture brought by the chef robots precise knife skills, groaning a little after a few bites of roast meat. Six months, Yang Ming sighed deeply, I finally dont have to eat synthetic biscuits anymore! A girls grumbling sounded from his watch, Synthetic biscuits are much more nutritious; youve just ingested unnecessary fats and proteins. Shut up, Yang Ming laughed and scolded, You could never know how horrid your synthetic biscuits taste. Its just pig feed. Okay, boss, next time youll have to turn on that machine yourself. Yang Ming cursed, Give me some face, Lyu! This is in front of my old buddy! If the price of pleasure is self-indulgence, I suggest maintaining self-discipline to ensure agility of mind, Lyu said earnestly. She added, Though your life level exceeds the standard life forms of your species, theres still a lot of room for improvement. You may remain silent while I eat; thats an order. Lyu immediately fell silent. Yang Ming picked up something akin to a cherry tomato from Earth, savoring the full, juicy taste, and sighed comfortably. The world finally quieted down. Then, Yang Ming turned to the side, where Kolev sat, looking puzzled. Surprised, my dear old buddy? Kolev raised his hand to signal the surrounding robots to leave, taking out a pen from his jacket pocket, twisting the cap, enveloping the two in a pink isolation shield. Kolev asked, eyes gleaming. Who is Lina? A female spy who tried to lock me in a transparent can. Where did she die? On Olhaifs synchronous orbit. Does my daughter have a mole on her left shoulder or right shoulder? Your daughter has a mole on her shoulder? Yang Ming was full of confusion, How would I know? Ive never looked at her shoulder. Oh, Kolev squinted, smiled, satisfactorily putting down the laser pistol hidden under the table, You really are my old buddy; what have you been up to in the past six months? Wheres the Feinan? Its not here. Its parked outside your secret base, ready to pick us up anytime, Yang Ming replied. Your base is deserted; where did Mimili go? Kolevs expression turned a little somber, Kids will grow up. We had a fight, and she chose to continue pursuing her dream: to become the freest pirate in the stars. Yang Ming was not at all surprised, Respect her. Yes, Kolev sighed, But she has one issue: not being ruthless enough. Yang Ming drank down the warm and fragrant beast milk in one gulp, feeling energized again. Alright, Kolev, we should discuss business now. Kolev pursed his lips, sitting like a lord with his leg crossed. Yang Ming, if the business is about forming a pirate group, then I can tell you directly, youve missed your only chance. I enjoy my life right now; my moneys enough to earn respect. You need me to conquer you a second time, Yang Ming said with a sly smile. Kolev smiled confidently, already prepared his defenses. My goal has never been to become a pirate, Yang Ming said cheerfully, This time, I need your assistance because youre the only one I can trust, and next I need an experienced, exceptionally wise assistant as well as a reasonable billionaire identity as cover. Kolev impatiently waved his hand, Save your sweet talk for those naive girls! Cooperating with you once already cost me dearly, let alone being your long-term assistant! Yang Mings expression turned rather serious. He braced his arms on the table, interlocking his fingers, leaning forward, his gaze sincerely earnest. Remember, Kolev. Are you trying to pull the heartstrings move? Kolev frowned, asking. Yang Ming held back a laugh, resumed earnestness, Why did I come to you? Honestly, I could work solo. Technically, Lyu could handle it all, but something you once said made me think I should take you along for this grand scheme. A sentence? Eternal voyage, Yang Ming stated, You have an exploratory spirit, Kolev. Though you later became a pirate scoundrel, it couldnt hide your thirst for knowledge. Kolev chuckled helplessly. Yang Mings tone gradually slowed: Youve sailed for most of your life on the Milky Ways edge. You know the Milky Way. But are you familiar with the vaster universe outside the Milky Way? Dont you want to know how high-dimensional life forms operate and what they pursue? Though your lifes remainder isnt much, dont you wish to achieve self-worth at a higher level, beyond piracy, and pursue the pleasure of satisfying your curiosity? I dont! Kolev earnestly and briskly answered. Hey, youre no fun! Yang Ming rubbed his brow, grumbling, Alright, Kolev, I admit I need your help; Lyus intelligence is too high. If I rely on her too much, itll be easy for her to take over, and itll expose her to various forces, brewing another crisis. Kolev looked at Yang Mings watch, couldnt help but ask, How did you achieve it, she High-dimensional civilization heritage, Yang Ming succinctly said, I can share this secret with you, but I cant tell you how to reach that secret locationits something I must keep to myself. Oh, Kolevs eyes lit up, You gained a huge technological fortune? Not yet; theres still a test to pass, Yang Ming sighed, Ive come into contact with custodians left by a high-dimensional civilization. Theyre not living beings, but Ive gained a lot from them. Lyu, formerly No. 2, is now their goddaughter; youd best not provoke her. Kolev said, Tell me more! Im very interested in this. Unless you agree to help me, Yang Ming curved his lips slightly, Thats the condition, Kolev. Hey! You cant torment an old mans curiosity this way! Kolev gritted his teeth. Yang Ming showed a Ive got you, old man victorious look. I dont care! Kolev stood up supporting himself on a cane, snatching away the isolation shield emitter, turned, and walked toward the dining room door a dozen meters away. Lyus virtual image appeared beside Yang Ming, frowned and said, Boss, if he cannot be your assistant, you should erase his memory. Dont be so heartless to my old partner, Yang Ming said, You can start counting down now. Why? Lyu was somewhat puzzled, but as she had to obey all of Yang Mings orders, she began counting down: Three, two, one. Kolev halted, facing the luxurious paintings ahead. The old man remained silent. He turned to look at Yang Ming, scrutinizing him for a long while. I need to know your next move, or what objectives youre seeking to achieve at this stage, Kolev said casually, I havent got much time left, lad, and I dont want to waste it on something meaningless. Yang Ming pondered carefully, responding slowly, Our goal is, at this stage, or within a five-year timeframe. Mhm? To acquire a habitable Administrative Star that truly belongs to and only to me. ` Chapter 63 - 63: 042 Fifth Contact [Extra-Large Requesting Votes] Chapter 63: 042 Fifth Contact [Extra-Large Chapter Requesting Votes] ` (1) Are you insane? Kolev was very calm. Because he thought he had misheard. Owning a habitable planet personally? ... What a cosmic joke about some Empire princess marrying the son of the New Federation Chairman! Where theres a will, theres a way, Yang Ming said, If it were not such a challenging task, how could I possibly invite you? A legendary figure still alive, Mr. Haton. Thats true, Kolev chuckled, walking back calmly with the help of his cane, Ive stolen all kinds of things in my life, but Ive never stolen a whole planet. I need more information sharing. Yang Ming nodded, I actually already have a plan, it goes like this Sar?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hold on, hold on! Kolevs old eyes were full of light: Dont think you can gloss over it! Ive agreed to be your assistant, and now, you must share your secrets, share your leverage! Yang Ming, you have to show it to me, that advanced civilization! Yang Ming: This old man was getting harder to fool. Alright, since you insist. Yang Ming stroked his chin and pondered a few times: I need to think carefully about how to tell you my experiences and what key information to hide. If, after I tell you these things, you choose not to help me, I will erase the last half hour of your memory, so even if one day someone scans your brain, you wont reveal my trump card. Come on, who can just scan the brain and get memories? Kolev said, Thats just an immature scientific experiment. The Empire should be able to do it. Yang Ming simply said, Alright, Ill start after the two of us parted ways. Open that thing You actually still like pastel pink colors. Kolev cursed, This is what the device comes with! This thing is originally a military contraband; Im lucky to have gotten one! Lyus clear and lively voice suddenly chimed in, Boss, your elderly assistants underwear and socks are also pink. Kolevs old face turned red, and he stammered for a long time, saying things like whats wrong with pink and its just a normal color. Yang Ming chuckled and leaned back in the wide vintage wooden chair, his eyes showing a hint of reminiscence. He narrated at a brisk pace: After we parted, I resupplied with fresh water and food at Free Port, and after continuously sailing for over twenty Galaxy Days, underwent four somewhat risky jumps, heading to a coordinate point I had serendipitously obtained. Imperial New Calendar: 724.06.30. That was my departure time. (2) The trajectory drawn on the Star Map was gradually erased as Feinan entered an uncharted zone off commercial routes, and Yang Ming began to activate the hover rudder, spending half the time manually piloting. The radar was turned up to maximum power. Fully utilizing the gravitational slingshot effect to increase energy reserves. The radio was set to receive on all channels, to prevent accidentally entering a military forbidden zone. The predetermined coordinate point was getting closer, and Yang Ming could already find some distinctive landmarks on the enlarged Star Map. He first passed by a shattered drifting planet, a third of which had been blown apart, with a long meteorite belt stretching into space. A drifting planet refers to a planet not captured by a star, usually quite rare; this particular drifting planet was likely dragged here by interstellar civilizations. Continuing from the shattered drifting planet, Yang Ming spent two Galaxy Days reaching the second landmark. This was the wreckage of an abandoned gigantic warship, with all valuable items long removed, leaving only an empty skeleton and a heavily damaged outer armor. This gigantic warship was 25,000 meters long, with a small city inside it. Perhaps it was a relic from a previous era of civilization, once providing modern Galactic civilizations with many advanced ancient technologies, or perhaps it was once the symbol of a powerful nation, fallen into oblivion due to the collapse of its regime. Yang Ming deliberately bypassed the wreckage of this gigantic warship. He feared there might be some factions detector nearby; he only needed to use this object to confirm he hadnt taken the wrong path. When playing Abyss, players didnt have such trouble with navigation, generally closing and opening their eyes and the target point would be reached. This was a huge disparity Yang Ming couldnt comprehend presently. Continuing to sail for another day and a half, passing by the second somewhat intact drifting planet, Yang Ming gradually approached his destination for this journey. A deep gray dust cloud was spread across the gravitational equilibrium zone. Feinan began to slow down, gliding slowly over the dust cloud. Intelligent Mechanic Dusk was hidden here. Number Two, analyze the composition of the dust cloud. Yes, Captain, the main compositions are crushed ice, with a small portion of rock debris and dust particles. The nearby area is in a gravitational near-equilibrium zone, insufficient to form any microstar on its own, and no areas capable of accumulating heat were detected. Molly No. 2s voice was cold yet clear. Yang Ming said, Detect gravitational anomaly points, even the slightest anomaly needs to be reported. Yes, Captain. Molly No. 2 dutifully began to work. But Yang Ming did not stop the Feinan; instead, he proceeded towards the center of the dust cloud based on his memory. The spaceship slightly lowered, the sound of shattered ice hitting the hull being constant. Captain, there is a gravitational anomaly point ahead, although the extent is very small. Can it be detected what caused it? Lacking proper equipment, unable to detect, Molly No. 2 immediately replied. Yang Ming nodded. Then it was up to him. The spaceship decelerated again, slowly sinking into the dust cloud, as if Yang Ming were immersed in a sea of clouds, progressing slowly and steadily toward the middle layer of the dust cloud. ` Chapter 64 - 64: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Super Large Vote Request]_2 Chapter 64: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Super Large Chapter Vote Request]_2 The faint sound of collision became increasingly clear. Captain, should we activate the protective shield? No, Yang Ming whispered, his eyes fixed on what lay ahead. The dust cloud obstructing his view suddenly disappeared, and the spaceship fell into a pure vacuum. Just as Yang Ming felt a tinge of disappointment, believing he had overshot and exited the dust cloud, he froze. ... The spaceship stopped moving. The engines were running normally, all the instrument readings were fine, and the radar was working, but at this moment, the hundred-and-thirty-meter-long exploration ship suddenly lost all kinetic energy and momentum, hovering at the very center of the dust cloud. It was a perfectly square vacuum space, about twenty kilometers in length, width, and height, with the Feinan situated right in the middle. Number Two are we stationary? From a physical standpoint, yes, Molly No. 2 immediately responded, Insufficient data in the library, unable to provide corresponding analysis. Even though Yang Ming had actively sought this out, he now felt slightly nervous. He remembered that the Chosen One had not encountered so many issues. That guy had simply flown into the dust cloud, discovered an abnormal spatial vortex, dove in, and found an abandoned, highly automated mechanical city. Theres an information stream reaching our ship, Molly No. 2 alerted. Before she finished speaking, the projection screen in front of Yang Ming turned pitch black, with lines of numbers and text flashing rapidly, finally displaying a series of sentences in the Empires common language. sea??h th n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Civilization information accessed.] [Civilization language changed.] [Inquiry commencing.] [Inferior lifeform, please use the most concise language to describe your purpose here.] Purpose? Yang Ming frowned as he looked at the projection screen. He didnt appreciate this interrogation-like tone, especially the term inferior lifeform. Tap tap tap, this time the projection screen even included typing sound effects. [If I find any element of dishonesty in your answer, you will forfeit this opportunity.] Im here searching for answers and hoping to gain something, Yang Ming contemplated for a few seconds before responding, Its an adventure, as well as a quest for redemption Number Two, translate that into text for me. Molly No. 2 did not respond. Tap tap tap. [Your primitive auxiliary piloting program has been put into protected hibernation. Its too rudimentary. I can understand your language.] [Here is the second question.] [Will you allow me to thoroughly scan your brain?] No, Yang Ming answered firmly. [Impressive, you possess autonomy of consciousness and are qualified to continue communicating with me.] [Third question.] [What are you trying to redeem?] Family, myself, everything I care about who knows. Yang Ming took a deep breath: I dont know what Im redeeming either, I just want to survive and then do something, try to save my parents and friends. [You should be reminded that once a carbon-based inferior lifeform is brain-dead, even with a complete molecular structure map of the body, its difficult to replicate the same personality.] [Thought Bodies born of the same structure but different dimensional phases have fundamental differences.] I cant explain this to you completely because I dont understand it either, Yang Ming spoke calmly: This is the answer Im searching for. I dont know whether they are dead or still alive someplace unknown at this very moment. But I feel like if I dont do something now, they might be doomed in the future nonetheless. The typing sounds stopped for several minutes. Yang Ming watched the cursor blinking on the screen in front of him. Had he messed up? The Chosen One hadnt mentioned anything about a test What was all this about? [Were you mistaken in coming here?] Yang Ming said, Thats more than three questions. [I wish to ask you a few more to determine whether to grant you an audience.] Yang Mings frown deepened. He felt that all he could do now was follow his instincts, not to lie but to tell parts of the truth. Not mistaken. I knew this place held something, I thought it might be a treasure, and I deliberately sought it out. [Do you understand the value of this place?] I do not understand, as you have not introduced yourself. [Curious inferior lifeform, I need to perform an energy level scan to determine your threat level. This will avoid your private parts. Do you consent?] Consent. Deep down, Yang Ming was quite confident. He, Captain Hanton, had undergone hundreds of scans, big and small, from the Human Rights Council to Cole Port Prison, and never flagged anything abnormal! A point of light appeared outside the bridge, casting rays that seemed to penetrate the entire ship. And then I went inside, Yang Ming said succinctly, sipping the fragrant wine. Kolev frowned deeply, Is it really a high-dimensional civilization? What were the results of the scan? You cant just brush off an old man bursting with curiosity like that! Cant reveal personal privacy parts, but that indeed was a remnant of a high-dimensional civilization. Oh, thats alright, keep going, dont stop. Yang Ming chuckled softly, his eyes growing increasingly saturated with memories, beginning to choose carefully what to share with Kolev. At that time (3) Tap tap tap! The sound of typing reappeared, this time somewhat impatient. [Are you a separate part of an Ancient God Life Form? Compared to the true Ancient God Life Forms, you are far too weak, yet you possess some of their characteristics, what a strange existence, this is too amusing.] Chapter 65 - 65: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Super Large Vote Request]_3 Chapter 65: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Super Large Chapter Vote Request]_3 Yang Ming maintained a semblance of calm on the surface, yet inside, he was exclaiming in disbelief. Had he been exposed just like that? Can you directly scan for abnormalities in my genome? [Is there any difficulty in that? I can directly scan all the information carried within your body, including the brain, but I wont do so, as I respect the right to consciousness equality.] [You have earned the right to enter this place, and whether you can obtain the treasure you desire depends on whether you truly understand the meaning of consciousness and civilization. Of course, you can also seek the direction of life evolution here.] [Please come inside, rare Subordinate Ancient God Life Form, I should not have referred to you as a lower life form.] ... Ahead of the ship, the point of light flickered once more. Yang Mings gaze became hazy, and before he could react, the environment around him underwent a drastic change. Just a second ago, he was on his beloved ship, Feinan. The next second, he found himself in the stark vacuum of a black hole, able to breathe unimpeded, surrounded by darkness. Ahead, faint lights twinkled. Those lights merged into patches of brightness. Yang Ming was pulled towards those patches of light, which grew increasingly bright and searing, and although grand music seemed to sound by his ears, it was merely a hallucination. Yang Ming closed his eyes subconsciously. The push and the pull dissipated at the same time. Under his feet, it felt as though land had appeared, comforting gravity slowly increasing, his vision rapidly returning. Barefoot, he stood on the surface of a planet with a deep gray hue, with metallic structures filling his view to the horizon, equilateral triangles filled in various areas, and Yang Ming felt as though he could receive profound and complex information directly from these structures. Yes, this was it, he had seen these structures in a video! This was Intelligent Mechanic Dusk! It was the Intelligent Machine city that the Chosen One had stumbled upon! It housed a vast array of emerging technologies and countless high-tech materials. It was said that even the buildings themselves, once dismantled, could be directly used to patch together the hull of a new type of warship! Along with this realization, Yang Ming felt something peculiar. This sensation was similar to Abysss holographic technology The first time he experienced immersive holographic online gaming had given Yang Ming, along with a host of other youngsters, a tremendous shock, making them exclaim, Wow, Earths technology has developed to this extent without me noticing! Yes, it had that virtual feeling. This was not the real material world. Yang Ming immediately realized that his body must still be on the Feinan, but using some incomprehensible technology, his consciousness had been connected to a virtual world. Out of nowhere, Yang Ming heard a voice, genderless, ageless, very neutral. (IV) How should I address you, Subordinate Ancient God Life Form? He turned around slowly to see the source of the voicea sphere floating in front of him. It was roughly the size of a fist, indiscernible in material, with warm yellow particles chasing each other inside. My name is Yang Ming, Yang Ming said calmly, thats my current name. Sear?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hello, Yang Ming. Your civilization seems to require such polite greetings. Hello, how should I address you? You can call me Patroller, Tomb Guardian, Examiner. The sphere spoke softly in Galaxy Language: While scanning the information from your ship, I discovered something interesting, youve fabricated your own identity to deceive others. Yang Ming thought for a moment: My story is a bit long, do you wish to hear it? I would like nothing more, laughed the Tomb Guardian, although I am indifferent to the passage of time, I still feel a tinge of loneliness. I can only start from the middle, Yang Ming said, it was a research vessel belonging to a powerful force, conducting research on Ancient God Life Forms, and I was a maintenance worker responsible for repairing the ships hull Yang Ming briefly recounted from Valkyries two rampages, to being abandoned by the Empire as a political scapegoat, then being pursued by the Guel Alliance and running through the stars in a ragged quest for freedom. He deliberately omitted all information about Earth. While Yang Ming told his story, the sphere flickered faintly, leading him through the endless metal jungle. The sphere laughed: To escape from the pressure of two powerful entities is truly not an easy feat. I can sense that you have strong personal consciousness, unwilling to become someone elses puppet, and possess the strong will to pursue freedom. You remind me of the last life form I guided. Who? Can you share? Yang Ming immediately asked. He was called Levi Sherman, an interesting lower life form. Yang Ming: The name was like a clap of thunder. Wasnt that the founding Emperor of the Sherman Empire? Didnt that guy kick the bucket thousands of Galaxy Years ago? The sphere sighed: Unfortunately, he did not complete all the assessments here, his progress stopped at the Third Rank. After that, he was unable to reach this place again, losing the qualifications to undergo the assessments. Do you know what that life form did? Yang Ming asked, frowning. I dont care. Dont care? Yes, he might have established a new civilization carrier, said the sphere slowly, or merely used the technology obtained here to strengthen a political entity. I suspect the latter is more likely. External information means nothing to me. Yang Ming chuckled: Then how am I to believe what you say? Chapter 66 - 66: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Super Large Vote Request]_4 Chapter 66: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Super Large Chapter Vote Request]_4 The sphere whispered slowly, You must make that judgment yourself. Yang Ming asked, What exactly is here? What exactly is the way to get in here? The only way to get in here is through consciousness resonance, said the sphere. I only communicate with consciousnesses that meet the minimum standards. He must have a strong sense of purpose and enough conviction. When you lose this conviction, I will refuse to converse with you, as with the last one. Yang Ming thought carefully. A certain slogan shouted by the Chosen One during a live broadcast popped into his mind. I hesitated when I found that vortex; if my ship was destroyed, I would be left with nothing and become a penniless bum. But one conviction supported me; I need to make money! Succeed and the girls in the clubhouse are mine! Fail and meet me on the rooftop! Im going all in! ... In the next scene of the broadcast, two bikini-clad beauties appeared beside him, delicately calling him boss. Is this f**king also considered conviction? Sar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming kept conversing with the sphere. They were both very curious about each other. This light sphere was not leading him on a meaningless stroll; about ten minutes later, Yang Ming was led to a building shaped like an inverted pyramid. Mysteriously, Yang Ming felt a sacred aura. The spheres voice grew more solemn as it whispered, Next, every choice you make is critical. Inside are ninety-nine questions, a comprehensive evaluation of your cognition and thinking. This evaluation will affect how seriously we take you going forward. Once you enter, everything about youyour thoughts, your memories, any ripple your consciousness createswill be captured and analyzed by the mastermind in this place. If you cant proceed, you can simply exit, and it doesnt matter even if you cant pass a single level; you will still receive a gift. Dont be too anxious, Yang Ming. Typically, a first-time guided individual passing more than three questions is considered exceptional, limited by your perception, acquired knowledge, and the level of civilization you come from, as well as your level of understanding of the universe. Since chatting with you has been pleasurable, I can give you a little hint. The answers to the questions arent important; its the process of your thinking that matters. Yang Ming blinked, If I choose not to go in now, what then? I will send you away from here, and after our delightful chat, I will erase your memories about this place. The sphere continued, The creators here do not long for their legacy to be inherited. But they also dont refuse to let the brilliance of this civilization once again illuminate the material universe. They call this the Twilight Land, representing not just the disappearance of their civilization here but also their willingness to leave a faint spark for emerging civilizations in the material universe. Of course, their path might not necessarily be the correct onetheres no right or wrong in the development of civilizations, only lengthbut they have indeed reached a relatively high level in civilization development. Yang Ming tried to get more outside help. He asked softly, Is it possible that there is a key here, and if I obtain it, I can have administrative rights over this place? I am the key. The sphere chuckled lightly, I am not a life form but a Thought Body created by them. If you can reach the highest level, you will understand how insignificant the technological level represented by the buildings you see before you is. Yang Ming frowned and pondered for a while. In the Abyss, the Intelligent Mechanic Dusk had a key which was simply a tangible remote control. Yet, the key he was interacting with now was a higher intelligence. What did this difference represent? Alright, I now have more questionslets chat later. Yang Ming shrugged and pressed his palm against the unimpressive great door in front of him. The silver-gray grand door opened to the left and right, revealing an interior structure that was simple yet subtly embodied physical beauty. Yang Ming was about to step inside. May I modify your ship? the sphere suddenly asked, As a return for our delightful chat, how about I offer you a little gift? Of course, Yang Ming laughed, but you have to make sure I can pilot it back to my world. The sphere pondered for a few moments, Then I need to be a bit more conservative. Is this Tomb Guardian humor? Mmm, you can think of it that way. The tone of the sphere became a bit more lively. Yang Ming smiled and stepped onto the mercury-like ground; the environment around him dramatically changed, and he seemed to be in a vast white world, facing a mirror flickering with waves and a faint glimmering light. [Question 1: How do you view the importance of writing in the development of civilization? Please provide a light analysis of your thoughts.] Yang Ming: Well done. (End of Chapter Five) How do you view the importance of writing in the development of civilization? Kolev murmured to himself, Is the first question such a grand topic? Oh, how advanced this extinct high-level civilization must have been, its unimaginable! How many questions did you answer correctly? Surely you werent filtered out on the first one, were you? Yang Ming shrugged, smiling mysteriously in his eyes. He whispered slowly, I can only say, I did everything I could at my current stage. Dont worry, my dear first mate, you would never guess how interesting that sphere is. Isnt that just a higher intelligence? No, they claim to be a Secondary civilization, far beyond simple artificial intelligence. Chapter 67 - 67: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Requesting Votes for Super-Sized Chapter]_5 Chapter 67: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Requesting Votes for Super-Sized Chapter]_5 Yang Ming spoke in a measured tone, Next, we arrive at the end of my story. There is a lot more information that was proactively supplemented to me by the consciousness inside the orb, not from my perspective, and Ill do my best to connect it for you. Spill it already! Kolev stabbed a piece of beef and started to chew it in his mouth. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I love hearing this. ... (6) Outside the inverted pyramid, after Yang Ming entered the examination area, the glowing orb flickered gently, and three blurred figures appeared below it, each with the simple outline of a stick figure, their faces unclear, each with a golden spot of light hovering above their heads. Tomb Guardian. Examiner. Patroller. They were engaged in pure consciousness communication. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?Ϧ?0.0 If Yang Ming could have captured this communication, it might have sounded something like this. What do you think his chances of passing the tenth floor are? the voice of the examiner sounded more serious. One in a million, said the Patroller with a chuckle. The Tomb Guardian rambled on, Oh, whatever shall we do, we cannot change the test questions, and if no one manages to complete the six stages of assessment, to inherit that damned civilization left by those who created us, we will continue to be trapped! Death! I want to feel death! Without death we are not whole! Oh, let me experience the taste of death, those bastards were really too much. The Examiner solemnly said, Thankfully, I prepared a hidden card; doesnt he have a ship? We could help him modify it a bit, to ensure he can complete the first and second stages of the assessment alive. The Patroller exclaimed with admiration, Yes, thats right, we must help him. His ships low-level intelligence system can also be developed a little. How about we create a new consciousness entity? The Tomb Guardian sighed pessimistically, Then arent we just like those who created us? Please, do not create consciousness entities recklessly; it is a grave sin. The Patroller asked, Dont you want to savor this sort of fun? We are like gods, creating and guiding lost lambs. The Tomb Guardian shook his head, Hey! God is such a despicable, shameless, lowly, and disgusting title, a disdain for knowledge. Have you forgotten? They once had almost everything, were almost omniscient and omnipotent, almost in control of the entire high-dimensional material world, but in the end? They chose self-destruction because they could never fulfill the true essence of life, and that essence of life can only be bestowed after life has vanished. The Examiner said with a serious demeanor, But this is indeed a good suggestion, we could try to cultivate the ships system; she is called Molly No. 2. We three also have independent thinking and have formed a new, tiny civilization attached to our creators cultural system. We can confirm whether we are capable of some form of continuation by cultivating a little one. Now its two against one, the Patroller laughed smugly. The Examiner spoke calmly, Dont rush, we just need a microsecond to realize all the ideas about a mechanical consciousness, but now we must carry out our tasks according to the rules and wait for Yang Ming to come out. Secondary Ancient God Life Form, this is truly interesting. The Tomb Guardian shook his head continuously, Limited by the body, dependent on material, they are still lower life forms. How long will it take for him to come out? The Examiner said, Based on the time concept familiar to Yang Ming, an hour? He could probably pass three or four levels. The Patroller said, Ill bet two hours, six levels. Im optimistic about him, two and a half hours, seven levels, the Tomb Guardian spoke softly, He has a unique temperament suited for guarding tombs for others. The Examiner raised a finger, and the glowing orbs above their heads flickered lightly. Alright, lets fast-forward to one hour later. The three figures flickered simultaneously to one hour later. The grand doors of the inverted pyramid remained still, and the fourth level had been lit. Hes excellent, the Patroller laughed, Ive lost, this is really interesting, go to two hours later. The Examiner snapped his fingers, and the orb flickered again, advancing the time by another hour. The ninth level of the inverted pyramid had been lit. All three stick figures looked up at the same time and fell into silence. The Examiner said, This is somewhat beyond our expectations; he has such an extensive reserve of knowledge. The Patroller drew a sharp intake of breath, Is he an old scholar from a third-level civilization? How can his primitive brain capacity contain so much knowledge? The Tomb Guardian said, He will make an excellent tomb complex manager. The Examiner made a stretching gesture, and the orb illuminated a long cuboid, much like the interface of video editing software, with different time segments and the same inverted pyramid. Okay, lets get to the answer directly. Look here, were at the stage before the results come out, and his final score is Oh, this cant be? Its his first time taking the test! Completing three problems qualifies him for the first stage! Right, wheres he then? Cough! Well, Im here. A dry cough sounded from behind. (7) All three stick figures simultaneously performed a turning motion. Although their blurred shapes and faces didnt reveal any expressions, at that moment, they conveyed a subtle air of embarrassment towards Yang Ming. Yang Ming stood behind them with his hands on his back, looking a bit weary. He frowned at the three sudden arrivals and the orb floating above their heads. Chapter 68 - 68: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Requesting Votes for Super-Sized Chapter]_6 Chapter 68: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Requesting Votes for Super-Sized Chapter]_6 The sphere of light appeared suddenly, flickering into existence. It had no trace in the seconds leading up to its appearance. Once it stabilized, three three peculiar objects appeared below it, along with that clip shaped geometric body. This geometric body Did it manipulate time within a certain area? Were they truly high-dimensional Thought Bodies? Yang Ming smiled and said, So, the Tomb Guardian, the Patroller, and the examiner are three different consciousnesses, not just three titles for the same one. Exactly, thats right. We just communicated with you together. We were originally responsible for three different areas, but now we have decided to accompany each other. ... The light sphere flickered gently as three figures merged into one, and the initially blurry matchstick man soon had a clear face and body. This was an overly slender old man. Though his neck and limbs were too long and his head was relatively large, one could tell they had considered Yang Mings aesthetic preferences. The Tomb GuardianPatrollerexaminer asked eagerly in their gentle voice, Mr. Yang Ming, how did you manage to do it? This is unprecedented. Yang Ming replied with a smile, By strength. Oh, we believe you relied on your own strength, the old man said with a flickering gaze, but I can sense that you seem to be lying. Im not lying; luck is also a part of my strength. Yang Ming felt that he should establish a good relationship with the old man in front of him. Yang Ming smiled and said, I gambled and won on the first question, and then I figured out the vulnerability of the question setter. Gambled and won? Yes, Yang Ming drawled softly, do you know why I was sent out midway? Why? The old man was unwittingly led around by the nose. Yang Ming shrugged, I faced a math question to which I could only write one solution. The expressions of the Tomb GuardianPatrollerexaminer were full of confusion. (Part 8) Making things up? Youre taking a crucial succession exam of an advanced civilization and just wildly guessing the answers? Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At Mr. Hatons spacious mansion dining room. Kolevs expression at this moment was not just somewhat similar to that of the high-dimensional Thought Body; it was exactly the same. Yang Ming smiled smugly. Regarding Earth and the life of the Subordinate Ancient God, he naturally couldnt tell Kolev, but his contact with high-dimensional life forms wasnt necessarily something to hide. His Feinan vessel had now radically transformed and could not be concealed anymore, so rather than hiding it, he decided to reveal it in order to gain deeper trust from Kolev. It was indeed a wild guess, Yang Ming smiled, but this guess was not without reason. Kolev listened intently. Yang Ming was pleased with Kolevs earnest and obedient expression; the old man was clearly captivated by the story. First, you need to understand the question. Yang Ming said cheerily: My esteemed methodological mentor, Ben Chu Ren, emphasized repeatedly how to take an exam. An exam is a contest between the candidate and the question setter. If you cant ensure that you have comprehensively and systematically mastered all the knowledge required, or you suddenly find that a question goes beyond your knowledge, then you must gamble boldly. The answer to such discussion questions is usually not unique; it is open-ended. You must search for valid information in the question stem and consider the purpose behind the question. This is unreasonable, Haton, you cannot understand a high-dimensional civilization. Yes, I cannot grasp their original civilization, but they have already voluntarily reduced their dimensions, Yang Ming said, What appeared before me was a civilization from the same dimension with an advanced technological tree. Regardless, theres one logic that converges. What logic? Thought Bodies thrive on a sense of superiority, Yang Ming smiled, no Thought Body would refuse a way to make itself happy. Huh? Kolev appeared even more confused. Yang Ming shifted to a more comfortable position and continued: The question was not just asking to analyze the role of text in the development of civilization. There was valid information in the previous conversation with the Tomb GuardianPatrollerexaminer. Creating the Tomb GuardianPatrollerexaminer, this civilization should have already moved beyond the limitations of text to direct consciousness communication. They promote equal rights of consciousness and protect privacy to qualify for communication. What does this imply? Kolev shook his head honestly. It implies that what they value most are consciousness and privacy, the way of communication. I bet they are a species that communicates directly through consciousness. The city of intelligent machines was their temporary vessel created when they reduced dimensions back to our four-dimensional world. Yang Ming continued: Following the normal deconstructive approach would simply explain the critical role of text in the development of civilization and discuss the functionality of text. But could that be the standard answer for a high-level civilization question? I dont think so. So, I gambled again, assuming there was a high-level intelligent entity grading my exam. I dont know what their standard answer was, but I knew how to write something that would surely earn me some points. And what you wrote was Yang Ming lifted a finger and gently swayed it: Just one sentence, Text is the shackle of civilization, a backward form that hinders the efficiency of consciousness communication.'' The key lies in the direct communication of consciousness! Kolev suddenly realized. He exclaimed admiringly, That insight is brilliant; did you score points? Chapter 69 - 69: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Requesting Votes for Super-Sized Chapter]_7 Chapter 69: 042 Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind [Requesting Votes for Super-Sized Chapter]_7 ` Successfully passed, and with quite a score, Yang Ming said with a smile, I figured out what the examiner wanted to hear. What he wanted was not to be stingy with praise for this civilization, now gone, that communicated directly through consciousness. Kolevs expression turned a bit peculiar, So, you got this civilizations approval by buttering them up. Yang Mings smile froze immediately. That was exactly the point. And then? Kolev pressed on. ... Yang Ming shrugged, The three examiners gave me some benefits and sent me on my way. Im asking, how far did you actually get! Guess? Yang Ming teased, continuing his explanation, To proceed to the second phase of the assessment, or rather, to truly inherit the legacy of this civilization, I must meet the most basic condition. Kolev muttered, The foundation of civilization is a habitable planet. Actually, I need to have a Level 1 civilization with a five-year deadline to qualify for the second phase assessment. Yang Ming sighed, I know its difficult. Right now, I only have one ship and an AI assistant of low intelligence, which is why I need your help. Hey! Lyus figure popped out on the dial, folding her arms and glaring at Yang Ming, Boss! Ive never discriminated against your primitive and outdated logic thinking. You must apologize to me! Yang Ming raised his hand to pinch her puffed-up cheek; surprisingly, the projection had a tactile sensation. This action made her angrily pound his fingers with her fist. When adults are talking, children shouldnt interrupt. Be good. Yang Ming replied half-heartedly, then continued looking earnestly at the old man beside him, Kolev, Im only withholding personal privacy from you; theres no other falsehood or concealment. I need your help, or rather, your allegiance. Kolev looked troubled, Acquiring a habitable planet, which is something that can still be measured with money, we can find a way. But a Level 1 civilizationis it the Level 1 civilization I understand? Yang Ming said, Fully utilizing all resources of the mother star marks a Level 1 civilization. This is no easy task, my god. Kolev fell into contemplation. Yang Ming pulled out the silver remote and placed it next to Kolev. You can choose not to agree, Kolev, and Ill only erase your memory of the past half-hour, without any pain. This is a little gadget given to me personally by that examiner-the Tomb Guardian-the Patroller. Kolev grinned, If I agree with you, things will get exciting afterward, wont they? Quite exciting. There will be wars, right? Very likely. There will be battleships firing at each other, intrigues, and schemes, right? Probably fewer in the early stages, Yang Ming pondered for a moment, Im not quite certain since the development path hasnt been decided yet I dont have to make direct donations, do I? Kolev asked very seriously. Of course, Yang Ming replied, In fact, Ive made a plan. I need someone to organize the big picture for me, and what I value is your talent and ability. Im in! Kolev tightly gripped Yang Mings arm, If you become the Emperor, then I will be your minister. Hopefully, I can be the finance minister! Yang Ming laughed, This Level 1 civilization may not necessarily be a feudal system, formally meet the new number two. The girl on the dial was full of resentment, My name is Lyu, please dont confuse me with other mechanical consciousnesses. Shes really cute, Kolev squinted with a smile. Yang Ming pursed his lips slightly. Mimili still had more charm. We need to set off as soon as possible, Yang Ming reminded, The five-year period started half a month ago, roughly aligning with the Galaxy Years calculation methods. Kolev raised an eyebrow, Oh? You were in the ruins for over half a year? What else did you do? Yang Ming squinted with a smile, Wanna know? sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Of course. Thats another price. Hey! Kolev was somewhat embarrassed and angry at being teased. Ill pick you up in three days, Yang Ming said, Im going back to the Feinan to get ready. I need to find a relatively chaotic governmental body, making it easier to snatch an Administrative Star. Wheres your landing craft? This is the Administrative Star of the Cas Federation; you cant just come and Kolevs mouth seemed blocked by air. In his line of sight, the man, wearing a light-blue maintenance suit, had already walked to the window sill. A nearly transparent beam, slightly distorting the air, pierced through the clouds, shining onto the man. The next second, Yang Mings body dissolved like particles, and that beam of light quickly thinned out. In the sky above, a transparent warship faintly flashed by, yet the defensive system of this Administrative Star showed no reaction. Oh, Kolev mumbled blankly, only a theoretical concept like particle transmissiontruly a high-rank civilization. ` Chapter 70 - 70: 043 Dont panic, its within the plan Chapter 70: 043 Dont panic, its within the plan ` Nobody knew how Kolev had tossed and turned these three days. Previously, he had vaguely seen that transparent spaceship, that transparent spaceship with particle transmission, that Feinan ship he had poured his heart into creating over five or six years! It easily broke through the Cas Federations garbage planetary defense system. Kolev desperately wanted to get on it and see what strange technology this spaceship, blessed by a high civilization, truly had. ... Its simply the best pirate ship in my dreams. Kolev kept muttering to himself. But three days later, in the manors reception hall, Kolev looked at Yang Ming, who entered through the front door, wearing a well-fitted suit, and the two metallic ship tickets Yang Ming handed to him Arent we taking your ship? Kolev blinked. Yang Ming laughed, This isnt a secret mission, we need our trajectory to be traceable. Moreover, from now on, Im your nephew, Uncle Haton. Oh, this! Kolev clutched the metal plaque, shouting in anger and embarrassment, Let me go see! See what? Yang Ming asked knowingly. Your ship! Kolevs eyes shone with a fiery light, Let me broaden my horizons. Im not going to steal it from you. So thats it, Yang Ming said with a smile, looking at Kolev, Dont worry, Uncle Haton, when we get there, well have plenty of time. Now we have to head to the space port; Ive ordered an automated taxi to pick us up in an hour. Oh! Kolev gritted his teeth, Cant we just transmit directly? Whats difficult about that? It actually is difficult. Yang Ming quietly explained, Only I can complete the particle transmission, and that machine can only bind to one person. Theres nothing much different inside the spaceship, just an added transmitter, a mainframe housing Lyus photon brain, and a few devices to enhance stealth; everything else is still the same. Alright, Kolev shrugged, Im not that eager anyway. They they dont want to directly disrupt the Milky Ways balance, Yang Ming explained, The benefits they gave me are actually very limited; the real benefits come later, once I can officially inherit this legacy. Kolev perked up, examining the metal ticket in his hand. Lets see where you want to go, my dear nephew. Huh, Luofeng Empire? What kind of place is that. A vassal state of the Sherman Empire, in the first spiral arm of the Milky Way, with eleven administrative stars and one hundred and two resource stars, six of which are highly impoverished. The political environment is highly complex, currently with the possibility of a rebellion; it is the battleground between the New Federation and the Sherman Empire. Yang Ming introduced as if reciting a familiar lesson, Ive already prepared a strategy on the way here; from here we have to transfer twice. Do you want a piece of an administrative star? Kolev pondered seriously. Yes, and we might not necessarily need an administrative star; a resource star barely habitable would do, giving us more options. Yang Ming answered lightly, walking to the floor-length mirror to assess himself in the reflection. A well-fitting suit, neatly trimmed short hair, a clean-shaven pleasant face, and toned muscles temporarily subdued by the suit, filling it out nicely. Do I look like a second-generation rich kid? Yang Ming asked. Not really, Kolev sulked as he set his robotic butler, Your eyes are too fierce, Yang Ming; theres no sign of physical indulgence in your demeanor, which would instinctively make other young men feel enmity towards you. You need to restrain that sharpness. Yang Ming frowned slightly, constantly pondering this critical problem. Kolev asked, Need to buy new medication? Ive prepared a two-year supply myself, Yang Ming said, With that transmitter, its very convenient for me to visit the black market. Kolev thought for a few minutes, We need a perfect identity cover; theres an impending uprising there, and smart investors wouldnt go there for investments. The Luofeng Empire should be wealthy, Yang Ming explained, Its Head Star yields a special type of complex mineral that can produce the core components for coating machines and protective shields. Merchants flock endlessly there for this complex mineral. Its been exploited by the Sherman Empire for years and recently became a dumping ground for New Federation products; their royal family is corrupt and incompetent. Oh! Yes! Kolev suddenly realized something, Rhodium-6 rings used for diverter pipes! Yang Ming laughed, Merchants have always tried to get a share of the pie, and so will we. But I suggest, Uncle Haton, that you invest in building a downstream supporting factory. Yes, we dont have enough capital to shake the existing rhodium-6 ring market. Kolev pondered carefully. He suddenly realized, glaring at Yang Ming, No, why should I invest? I work for you, and you still need to pay me a salary! Its an investment suggestion, Yang Ming shrugged, Im limited on budget here; if you dont want to invest, Ill hand that million back to you soon. Kolev immediately beamed with joy. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming laughed, And then borrow three million New Federation Coins from you to invest in building the plant. No way! Dont even think about it! Kolev shouted, holding his civilized stick high, Only I rob others; no one has ever robbed me! No one! Then, half an hour later. Ding! Yang Ming looked at the successful transaction interface on his dial and winked his right eye at Kolev. ` Chapter 71 - 71: 043 Dont Panic, Within Plan_2 Chapter 71: 043 Dont Panic, Within Plan_2 Kolev raised his hand to rub his forehead, somewhat nostalgic for the previous project. The robot son was really quite nice, indeed. In the interest of saving costs, Yang Ming bought a regular seat ticket from the Star Alliance (Galaxy Interstellar United Airlines). But Yang Ming hadnt expected that Kolev had transformed from a thrifty and heroic pirate leader into a luxurious and extravagant capitalist. Kolev frowned as he looked at the economy class in front of him. ... Hundreds of passengers crammed into a narrow area, with two illegally added rows of seats making the aisle so narrow that one almost had to turn sideways to pass through. Whats wrong, Uncle? Yang Ming asked in a clear and bright voice. But Kolev turned his head and walked over to a flight attendant: Upgrade me to two cabin, yes, all three segments, ordinary business? No, no, something better, a medium-private cabin? Why would my nephew and I need a couples private cabin? Is there anything higher? Oh, Royal Hall, thats it, I pay here, right? Yang Ming was carrying his suitcase and came over, just about to swipe his card, but with a swipe of his finger, Kolev had already completed the payment. This ones on me, Kolev chuckled, my dear nephew. Uncle, we should save a little. Oh, no need at all, Kolev laughed proudly, ever since our last trip, I took stock of my assets, and as long as I dont mess with business investments, I can live extravagantly for a couple of hundred years without worry. Yang Ming could only shrug at this. They moved from the middle of this 600-meter-long passenger ship to the bow area. Here, right above the bridge, directly in front were several huge portholes, offering an unobstructed view of the magnificent cosmos as the ship sailed. In this vast area, there were only sixteen egg-shaped seats, each equivalent to a small cabin, where two or three people could comfortably play cards and have fun. The independent escape pod was also one of the expensive ticket elements here. Besides the two of them, there were four or five other guests here. Extravagance. Yang Ming pouted and shook his head. Kolev calmly and confidently sat in his seat, turned his head toward Yang Ming, and with a pleasant smile said, Care to chat about investment plans, my dear nephew? Evaluating things on-site wont be too late, Uncle. Yang Ming stretched lazily and walked to the cabin next door, hung his suit jacket on the wall, casually picked up an electronic book composed of projections, and lay down in his seat. Kolev hummed a simple tune, took out a block of glass, and began to fiddle with it. Yang Ming was somewhat afraid that the old man might relapse into his occupational habits and assume the captains authority over the passenger ship. Where has my cousin developed now? Yang Ming asked aloud. She hasnt gone far, Kolev laughed, since she wanted to start from scratch in the workplace, I didnt feel it was right to interfere. You dont know Mollys location? Yang Ming asked full of suspicion, then opened the projector on his watch and stared slightly dazed at a map. Alright, I do know, Kolev said puzzled, what are you looking at? A homemade attribute board. Attribute board? What is that? Kolev wanted to take a closer look, but Yang Ming had already turned off the watch projection. Yang Ming smiled and said, It lets me visually understand myself, its also one of the functions of my assistant, Little Lyu. Alright, Uncle, if you dont have any valuable questions, Im going to start learning. Study away! Not a single bit of care for the elderly! Kolev huffed and closed his cabin door. Yang Ming glanced at the two fellow travelers who were attracted by their conversation, smiled awkwardly, and lowered his head to continue reading the book about industrial development. To start a factory, one always needs to know a bit of professional jargon. The first two-thirds of this voyage were rather peaceful, so peaceful that Yang Ming was getting a little drowsy. After two Galaxy Days, two jumps, two sections of smooth sailing, and passing by two bustling space stations, the ship accepted more passengers for the third time, with two new members arriving at the Royal Hall at the bow as well. Yang Ming, who was reading, was captivated by a fragrance that reached his nose and looked up at the silhouette passing by him. It was a stylish young woman dressed in a light brown close-fitting tea-length dress that highlighted her curvy figure; she had slightly curly brown long hair, a well-defined face, and her plump lips occasionally pursed. She seemed uneasy. Yang Ming keenly detected that this pretty woman appeared to be fearing something, her eyes constantly darting around. None of my business. Yang Ming put on his headphones, slowly reclined, and let himself immerse in the ocean of industry. Soon, the ship started again, heading toward the directional jump channel, with the next stop being the Head Star of the Luofeng Empire. Yang Ming keenly noticed that the attractive woman diagonally to his left seemed to become increasingly anxious. She kept checking the time on her network terminal, playing variety show videos several times but quickly shutting them off in irritation; whenever someone walked behind her, she would immediately look over, her eyes filled with tension. What the hell? A feeling of unease welled up within Yang Ming as well. Better not let anything weird happen. On a normal journey, there wouldnt be any blood-drawing checks, but if something peculiar occurred, that could be uncertain. Moreover, they were heading to the Luofeng Empire to get things done, so gaining extra attention at the start could easily lead to unnecessary trouble. Hope shes just avoiding her romantic rival. Yang Ming prayed as such. Two hours later, as the ship entered deep flight, the light within the cabins dimmed a bit, and the starry sky outside the portholes became exceptionally dazzling. The woman holding her network terminal stood up, walked past Yang Mings seat with her head lowered, and rushed toward the back. Yang Ming hoped that this was just a routine bathroom visit. Though Yang Ming knew that was unlikely. Yang Ming had long caught the sound of breathing hidden behind the door of the head cabin, where two well-trained men had been observing the woman for some time. The woman entered the head public shower room, which had three separate toilets and two single shower pods. The two men rushed up! Yang Ming raised his hand to rub the corners of his eyes. He keenly picked up on various subtle sounds coming from the public shower room: knocking sounds, shouts that were never voiced, the scuffing of high heels on soft carpet, and urgent low growls. They were trying to strangle her. Did those assailants really not have any high-tech special agent equipment? Sar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I mustnt get involved in this, shouldnt start side quests. Im no justice seeker; every current action must be within the plan. Yang Ming repeatedly reminded himself in his heart. He decided to remind Kolev too. Uncle Haton, Yang Ming turned his head to call, are you asleep, Uncle Haton? I think we can Yang Ming straightened up in a flash. Kolevs egg cabin was in a closed state, and no breathing could be heard. Observing through a slit, it was empty inside. When did he disappear? Yang Ming had been monitoring the external environment for the last half-hour and hadnt noticed anything abnormal here; Kolev definitely hadnt moved for the last half-hour! Yang Ming frowned and looked toward the public shower room; could the old man really be doing it? Oh, finally. Kolevs nose let out a gentle groan. Old-age constipation, truly a torturous issue. Kolev gently sighed, pressed the button on the automatic toilet, and the last trace of bad odor was neutralized. He pulled up his pants, held his waist, sighed softly, and hummed a cheery tune, unlocking and pulling open the soundproof door of the restroom. Chapter 72 - 72: 044 Ordinary Merchant Chapter 72: 044 Ordinary Merchant ` The figures of two men and a woman suddenly appeared before Kolev. The woman, in a slit dress, had her arms locked by a burly man in a black trench coat behind her, covering her mouth. Another slightly smaller man was gripping her neck with both hands, trying to induce mechanical asphyxiation. The womans beautiful face flushed crimson. Her soft, untrained body couldnt offer any effective resistance. ... But at that moment, there was a faint noise nearby. She and the two men shifted their gazes and saw Kolev, who had just finished disposing of food waste. A glimmer of hope ignited in her eyes, and she kept making muffled cries. Oh, a simple murder attempt. Kolev pondered for two seconds. He was considering what reaction an ordinary old man might have upon seeing this scene. The smaller man released the womans neck and quickly approached Kolev, his eyes fierce. Kolev immediately made a decision, his eyes losing focus, and he tapped the ground quickly with his cane. His short, frail, and aged body posed no threat to the two attackers. The small man accelerated forward, leaping half a step, and swung his fist fiercely at Kolevs nose! Ha, such a crude probing. Kolev deduced that this young man was likely doing such dirty work for the first time. Beneath that seemingly fierce expression was tension and unease. Previously, this person probably wasnt a thug or a crook, so as long as Kolev remained calm and pretended to be blind, the younger mans fist would likely stop Bang! Kolev staggered and fell, his vision fading in and out, struggling to breathe. The young man who struck him gulped, looking at the now-incapacitated old man, his nostrils slightly flaring, whispering in Imperial Language: Its all for my country. Im willing to bear the sins for it. Im willing to bear the sins for it! The man clenched his fist, ready to press down on Kolevs neck! Suddenly, Uncle Haton? Are you inside? Yang Mings voice echoed from outside the door. Kolev was still a bit dizzy, his mind muddled, unable to respond promptly. The two attackers exchanged a glance, seeing the tension in each others eyes. The automatic sliding door, blocked by a mop, was showing signs of being pulled open. The low-quality mop stick was beginning to bend! The woman, with her mouth covered, struggled fiercely, making a series of muffled sounds. The burly man behind her couldnt help but roar in a low voice: Why did this involve so many people! Ill handle the one outside, you keep her down! The small man who had struck Kolev instantly darted to the bathroom door. Kolev finally regained some clarity, raising his head to look at the attackers backs, his nostrils flaring slightly, and shouted: Damn it! Im going to die! Bang! The bathrooms automatic door was kicked open by Yang Ming! The attacker who just arrived at the door, along with the alloy door panel, was sent flying backward, his waist slamming hard into the wash basin two meters behind. Yang Ming charged into the bathroom like a cheetah! The burly mans expression changed drastically, ready to throw the woman aside to counterattack, but Yang Mings speed left him unable to react. A chop slammed into the burly mans neck, making his eyes roll back as he toppled forward, pressing the woman to the ground. Fortunately, his neck didnt suffer mechanical deformation. Yang Ming had expertly controlled his strength. Are you alright, Uncle Haton? sea??h th n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming turned to look at Kolev, whose nose was bleeding profusely. Kolev held his nose, supporting himself with the cane, and wobbled to his feet, angrily heading to the wash basin, raising his cane with gritted teeth and cursing: No one has ever dared to hit my nose! Never! Then, with his cane, he fiercely whipped the man before him. Yang Ming sighed in relief. The old man seemed just fine. Uncle Haton! Hows your injury? Yang Ming didnt look at the continuously struggling woman. Instead, he supported Kolev, speaking quickly into his ear: Thats enough, stop hitting, now you need to act like a victim! He immediately shouted outside the door: Somebody help! Save us! There are two thugs attacking us here! Kolev blinked, immediately leaning against Yang Mings arm, letting out groans. Im ruined, oh, my brains been jolted Im definitely going to sue this cruise line, their security is as crappy as dirt. Yang Ming glanced at the woman with the edge of his vision, she still hadnt managed to escape from the burly mans embrace. She lay there, panting, tears streaming from the corners of her eyes. Spy? Agent? Yang Ming couldnt help but think of the chaotic situation in the Luofeng Empire nowadays. But he didnt make any further moves at this moment. Classmate Little Lyu had already piloted the Feinan ship two Galaxy Days ago, arriving at the outskirts of Luofengs Head Star, and was currently gathering regional information rapidly through the satellite network enveloping the Administrative Star. Before receiving Lyus report and understanding how to maximize his interests, Yang Ming didnt want to get involved in any strange events. Several crew members rushed in one after another. A small commotion ensued. Before the cruise ship reached the Head Star of the Luofeng Empire, two hundred-meter-level standard patrol ships intercepted the cruise ship, and two teams of men and women in white uniforms swiftly controlled the ships front area. Yang Ming and Kolev, who had already coordinated their statements, were summoned for questioning. Yang Ming wore an innocent expression. ` Chapter 73 - 73: 044 Ordinary Merchant_2 Chapter 73: 044 Ordinary Merchant_2 Kolev kept covering his nose, wailing, with tears of grievance pooling in his old eyes. This made the young couple responsible for questioning them speak much more gently. Im terribly sorry, Mr. Haton, we sympathize with what youve been through today. Its clear, both of you, that you saved that beautiful lady over there. Weve now initially determined that the culprits are two members of a rebel organization who infiltrated the cabin. Rest assured, they have been controlled and will not harm you again. Could you both recount the events that took place earlier? ... Yang Ming frowned and said, A rebel organization? Uncle, should we reconsider our investment plan? Kolev nodded, I deeply regret my decision to invest here and build a factory! Its utter chaos here! This is the greatest insult Ive suffered in my life! They even hit my nose! Oh, my poor, frail nose, which might be cremated in a few years! How can it end so miserably? The two young officers exchanged a glance, their attitude immediately becoming more apologetic. They dared not offend these potential investor guests of local politicians. The questioning wrapped up hastily. The most probing question was regarding Yang Mings fighting skills: Mr. Ming, your actions will certainly be defined as self-defense, so theres no need to worry about that. But one of them is seriously injured, with a broken spine Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ???0.0 The male officer paused a few times, Have you received combat training? My uncle is a billionaire. Yang Ming calmly explained, I need to learn some combat skills to protect his personal safety. A life of material abundance inevitably becomes dull, so I take pleasure in exercising my body. As he spoke, Yang Ming lifted his suit and shirt, revealing well-defined abs that made the female officer push her glasses up. Wow, the male officer nodded, Are you Mr. Hatons bodyguard? Kolev frowned, Hey! Youre the bodyguard! This is my dear big nephew! Alright, the male officer said, To be safe, Ive just received news from my superior, officially notifying you both Please do not spread this incident outside. Otherwise, well hold you accountable under the Empires information security guidelines. What do you mean by this? Kolev shouted angrily, Im a victim! Ive been harmed! An innocent, helpless old man, here to invest in this place, almost beaten to death by two thugs! Sorry, the female officer looked apologetic, We cant give you substantial compensation. This is a tricky matter, and the two rebel members have been sent to higher-level departments for interrogation. You just need to remain silent to avoid many follow-up troubles. The male officer said, Otherwise, you might have to come back to the station with us for half a months interrogation. Oh, you, Kolevs voice rose, Are you trying to downplay the issue? Are you in cahoots with those two thugs? Oh! I want to go back right now! Get me on my return trip! Uncle, Uncle Haton! Yang Ming quickly pulled Kolev back. Theyre right, this matter cannot be blown up, or it will damage our dignity. You wouldnt want your old friends to know you got your nose crooked by rebels, would you? The business here is a good project for us. Hmph! Kolev wore a look of displeasure. The two officers exchanged a glance and each let out a sigh of relief. The woman at the center of the incident, attacked by the rebels, left with the patrol ship. Before leaving, she wanted to thank Yang Ming and Kolev. But as she approached, Yang Ming smiled and shook his head, refusing her. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming reminded her, Were just honest businesspeople; we dont want to stir up trouble, miss. She lightly bit her lip and bowed her head to Yang Ming in gratitude. You saved me, and Ill remember this kindness. Once I finish handling what Im dealing with, Ill find a way to repay you both. Yang Ming shrugged, We dont want to get too deeply involved in politics. I understand, the woman sighed softly, her demeanor full of gloom, Thank you. Yang Ming noticed that when the woman left, she wasnt being escorted, but rather seemed to be protected by the patrol team members. A big figure? She didnt look like it. As the two patrol ships slowly departed and the starship returned to normal operation, those crew members and security staff, who must have been slacking somewhere, perked up and became very active. They even brought comforting gifts to unfortunate old Kolevfree snacks and an air kiss from a female crew member. Kolev was already filled with distrust for the environment. He squeezed into Yang Mings egg cabin, trying to endure the last bit of their voyage. Its really too chaotic here; theoretically, we should have been taken away for investigation, but the officers reactions were out of the ordinary. They were eager for us not to follow up. Kolev whispered. Yang Ming slightly curled his lips but didnt say much more. Turbulent waters were perfect for catching big fish. However, what Yang Ming and Kolev didnt know was this. When they arrived at Wind Head Star and successfully boarded the ground-to-air train at the Space Port, beginning their exploration of Wind Head Star Ilandos culinary recommendations. In the controlled airspace near Head Star Ilando, onboard a comprehensive Supply Ship surrounded by several Escort Ships, in a chamber set up as an interrogation room. The beautiful woman who had promised to repay Yang Ming was now bound to an electric torture chair, her eyes dazed from the effects of nerve-inducing drugs, her face and body displaying multiple bruises. She mechanically kept repeating: I dont know. In front of the woman, several middle-aged men in blue trench coats appeared somewhat tense, occasionally glancing at the corner. There stood an elderly man with graying hair. Nothing found? the old man asked. The middle-aged men quickly turned around, respectfully replying, Shes been scanned all over three times, General; no chip has been found under her skin or inside her body. Perhaps the intelligence was wrong. Our people have searched every corner of the ship. No effective information was found; everything has been meticulously checked. The old man looked visibly displeased and said coldly, Cut open her stomach and search once more. Yes, General! General, a middle-aged man said softly, According to intelligence screening, there are two people those two who stumbled upon the rebels actions, an uncle and nephew pair, here at the Head Star to invest in the pipe diversion business, who had contact with the maid could it be? If its possible, then verify it. The old man said in a low voice, Dont overlook any clues. Be discreet while operating on the ground. No one would pay attention to two small businessmen at this moment. The middle-aged man nodded promptly, Yes, Ill go right away. Rest assured, I wont cause any disturbance; theyre just two ordinary people, easily handled with a laser gun. Chapter 74 - 74: 045 Start Not Valuing Martial Virtue Chapter 74: 045 Start Not Valuing Martial Virtue Before getting into the rented luxurious car, the uncle and nephew duo: Their gestures were exaggerated, voices loud, eyes vacant, speaking in a dialect from the Galaxy with a tinge of coldness, discussing business involving millions in daily transactions. After getting into the luxurious car with its network connections blocked The smile on Yang Mings face quickly vanished, his gaze turning sharp. He aligned the watch face to the cars system and swiftly pressed a button. Kolev operated his monocle for a few seconds, scanning for any possible listening devices inside the luxurious car. As the hover car just left the rental company, the interface on the center console began to change. ... A virtual girl in a blue and white striped short dress leaped out from the edge of the fixed screen, energetically greeting: Boss, long time no see! Lyu successfully took over the luxurious car. Its only been two days, how is that a long time? Yang Ming said, Report Feinans location. In the synchronous orbit on the planets far side. With hands behind Lyus back, a topographic view of the planets surface appeared beside her, with a pale purple light dot on the planets far side, naturally indicating Feinans position. Lyu reminded, Boss, theres an expensive defense system on Ilando Star. Feinan cannot directly approach the surface. The projection on the cars center console quickly changed, and a retro castle built atop a mountain attracted Yang Ming and Kolevs attention. This grand castle was right in the scenery alongside them on the left. Sarch* The Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyus voice was very cheerful: This is the Wind Palace on the edge of Ilando City; boss, you should be able to see it directly now. The mountain under the palace has been hollowed out, containing a large military base, with that defense system inside. Additionally, it has a large number of anti-ship surface defense cannons and sensitive detection systems. Lyu paused and added: Feinan getting close to that Imperial Palace has a ninety percent chance of being detected, and getting close to Ilando City has a fifty percent chance. Kolev asked baffled, How were those probabilities calculated? Yang Ming smiled, Its a danger coefficient assessment; Feinan cant provide us direct fire support for now. But I can provide comprehensive intelligence support, Lyu said with a smile, Boss, just as you said, things here are chaotic. Switch to auto-pilot, Yang Ming said, Transmit the information in text directly to me, and find a way to track down this person. His watch projected a photo of a seductive woman. Lyu pursed her lips, Boss, your secretary has only been gone for two days, and youve already targeted new prey? Are you some primitive creature driven by lower instincts? Get to work! So much nonsense. Yang Ming scolded irritably, and Kolev laughed with squinted eyes from the side. It was rare to see Yang Ming flustered without a comeback. A few seconds later, Yang Mings watch vibrated lightly, messages popping up one after another. Yang Ming concentrated on compiling intelligence while Kolev began to enjoy the driving pleasure on the edge of the bustling metropolis. Tsk. Yang Ming scratched his head in vexation, whispering, Lyu, did you find that womans whereabouts? I just found some clues, boss, Lyu explained, Without your authorization, I cant hack into the military network here and can only search diffusely through the two police patrol ships that took the target away. Yang Ming said, Block the outgoing signals here and ensure my words arent intercepted. Okay, boss. Things are bad? Kolev asked. We might be in trouble, Yang Ming said, That womans identity is crucial, and we must figure it out quickly However, on the other hand, weve come to the right place. How so? Yang Ming turned his head to watch the bustling districts rapidly passing outside. It seems peaceful here, doesnt it? In actuality, its like a powder keg ready to explode. Kolevs eyes lit up, Are we here to act as the fuse? Were here to reap benefits; why would we want to ignite it? Yang Ming squinted and smiled, Let me go over my plan with you. Kolev yawned, Alright, while this old mans energy isnt completely drained by the long journey. According to the intelligence gathered by Lyu, there are currently five major forces on the Luofeng Empire, or rather, on this Ilando Star. Five? Kolev was surprised, suddenly becoming energetic, Whats holding this country from splitting, then? Who are they? Since its an Empire, the largest power naturally belongs to the royal family. Yang Ming briefly introduced, You might not imagine that this prosperous, crowded, modernized city we see now actually has an autocratic monarchy for a political system. Note, this isnt a parliamentary, cabinet-overridden monarchy. Its an actual autocratic monarchy where any affair is deliberated by the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire and his ministers. Oh? Kolev mumbled, This is rare indeed. How could various interest groups endure a real-power emperor for long? Like in the Sherman Empire, after the last reformnamely, the reform marked by the promulgation of the New Calendara balance between the military and government was formed, rendering the royal family nearly completely powerless. Though the Emperor retains the power to declare war and make peace, he must respect the opinions of ministers and the Senate. The reason is simple, Yang Ming smiled, The royal family of the Luofeng Empire, in essence, is a puppet of the Sherman Empires royal family. The tribute paid annually is directly deposited into the private accounts of the Sherman royal family. The Sherman Empire does not allow the Luofeng Empire to reform, and naturally, the Luofeng Empire cannot reform. The Emperor here is a true-power emperor, but also a puppet emperor, leading to the royal family splitting into two factions. Chapter 75 - 75: 045 Start Not Speaking of Martial Virtue_2 Chapter 75: 045 Start Not Speaking of Martial Virtue_2 ` What are the two factions? Youd better take some notes. Yang Ming spoke slowly, The Imperial Conservative Party, staunch supporters of the Emperor, advocate maintaining the status quo. The Imperial Reformists, supported by ministers and external capital, want to complete reforms on the Luofeng Empire to reduce the Sherman Empires exploitation and control over here. ... Outside the royal family, two forces have formed against it. One is the Liberal Revolutionary Party, which has been suppressed by the royalty many times. Their goal is to start a revolution to overthrow the monarchy, backed by major capital from the New Federation. The other is the New Industrial Union, a complex capitalist force, and the one we find easier to approach. Its our next phase target to integrate with. Kolev counted on his fingers, Conservative Party, Reformists, Revolutionary Party, Union, thats only four Oh, these four are already headache-inducing! What is the fifth? The military. Yang Ming clicked his tongue, According to current intelligence, even the royalty has to watch their moods. They are led by a few old men in the army who only serve their own interests and dont care who actually runs the country. As long as they have enough military funding, and we dont touch their business, its enough. The military has businesses? Kolev pondered for a while, Dont blame me for dampening your spirits, Yang Ming, but under circumstances like these, how will you acquire a planet? Its nearly impossible. Even the most barren planets are seen as fat meat by these vampires. Yang Ming smiled, Do you know why I chose to develop here? Kolev cooperatively asked, Why? Developed, developing, and undeveloped habitable planets are all occupied by major forces. I cannot afford to spend the short five years on interstellar exploration and finding new habitable planets. Yang Ming quickly fiddled with the dial, Here, officials are corrupt and transfer assets, capable residents have already left, leaving those forced to stay, feeling hopeless. If we find the opportunity, through business or other means, even by getting a title and fief here, occupying a barren administrative star, it would be easy to win peoples hearts. With the current Milky Ways average civilization level of 2.35, as long as I can gain control of this planet, I can smoothly complete the first stage of objectives. Everything is to smoothly pass the assessment. Kolev was silent for a while, using his brain, which had left the factory seventy-three years ago, to analyze the information Yang Ming provided. Soon, Kolev agreed with Yang Mings point, Youre right. For you at the present stage, coming here is the best platform. Of course, Yang Ming smiled mysteriously, I also have a backup plan. What plan? Those three Relic Administrators, a little convenience they gave me during the tomb patrol assessment, or rather, a small bug. Yang Ming squinted and smiled, Who says a first-rank civilization can only be a carbon-based life forms civilization? This! Youre planning an Intelligent Machine crisis! Kolev hurriedly covered his mouth, looking at Yang Ming with shock, whispering, If this gets exposed, Im sure over ten Dreadnoughts would show up on your doorstep with full firepower aimed at your planet! Yang Ming shrugged, Dont be hasty, Uncle Haton, I have a well-thought-out plan, so our priority is to acquire a regular administrative star. If thats not possible, then we go for a Resource Star. Stick with the first plan! Trust me! We can definitely manage the intricacies here! Kolev said firmly. Yang Ming smiled and said, Dont worry, Uncle. There are many parameters involved to pass the assessment smoothly. He opened his watch, took a screenshot of a particular interface, and pushed the screenshot in front of Kolev. Oh, what is this? A silver-white box appeared before Kolevs eyes, with two browsing tabs at the top left, labeled [Personal Attributes] and [Affiliated Civilization]. The screenshot content was under the [Affiliated Civilization] tab. Behind Affiliated Civilization was the word none. Possessed Administrative Star and Comprehensive Development Index both showed 0. Below the comprehensive index were four sections: Technology, Humanities, Education, Military. The technology section included innovative applications, basic theories, military technology, civilian patents; the humanities section included culture, entertainment, Thought Body happiness index, residents sense of belonging, etc. Without exception, all options showed zero. How is it? Isnt it clear at a glance? Yang Ming said with a smile, I made it with Lyu, it visually reflects all the data. Kolev asked in a low voice, What about personal attributes? Can you satisfy an old mans curiosity? No, Yang Ming said seriously, I dont want to affect the uncle-nephew relationship between us. Give me a break, Kolev slammed the steering wheel, I dont want to know! Ding ding! The virtual image of Lyu popped up on the hovering cars control panel. Boss, we have a problem. Speak, Yang Ming quickly adjusted his expression. Lyu immediately said, Ive found, the last location that woman appeared was in one of the military fleets in the airspace near this planet. She was knocked out and taken in; it doesnt look too promising. Is her identity clear? Not yet; suspected to be related to the royalty Should I invade their military network? Their firewall is pretty outdated, filled with various spies little tricks. Yang Ming thought for a moment, This increases the risk of exposure. Lyu grumbled, Boss, you need to have more trust in me! Dont I trust you? Ability, I mean in terms of ability, Lyu changed his tone, and, what I mean by trouble isnt referring to that. On the projection screen appeared a three-dimensional navigation map, first showing seven or eight red markers, then the markers quickly zoomed in, switching to real-time camera footage. Each red dot represented a black-painted hovercar, and from the military license plate, this convoy obviously had significant backing. The conversation Lyu captured made Yang Ming and Kolevs expressions subtly change. It was the work communication between two middle-aged men: Yes, sir, weve locked on to the target. Theyve rented a car and are heading to the city center. Dont let them approach the city center, try not to cause any commotion. I understand, once we catch up, well immediately stop them. Make sure to search carefully, if you suspect they have any problems, use any means necessary to make them talk or rather, do you get what I mean? Its the Generals orders, I cant mess it up, at least not without results. Dont worry, sir, I know what to do. Even if the chip isnt on them, they must be spies from an enemy country. Alright, leave it to you, and make sure to do it cleanly. Zzz. The call ended. Yang Ming and Kolev exchanged glances. Kolev muttered with a frown, They really have foresight; were much more terrifying than spies. Yang Ming raised his hand to rub his temples. His brilliant plan, was it going to be aborted before it even started? Chip? What chip? What was the situation with that woman? Yang Mings thoughts became a bit scattered. sea??h th N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boss, theyll intercept you in about twelve minutes, Lyu reminded, I suggest abandoning the operation here. The converter can directly teleport you back to the ship. Kolevs expression looked a bit panicked. I cant leave my old partner, Yang Ming chose without hesitation. This made Kolev grin widely. Yang Ming thought briefly, his expression becoming a bit more vicious, Dammit, I originally wanted to play nice with them, but they chose to be unreasonable first. Invade! Lyu, Im giving you access to all the intelligence-gathering tools, just like they said, do it cleanly; get everything out of them! I dont want to come here for nothing, at least get some benefits. Yes, boss! Lyu saluted, changing from a youthful outfit to a military green strapless dress, her legs wrapped in black stockings, with a beret on her head. Combat mode activated! ` Chapter 76 - 76: 046 From False Surrender to Explosive Victory Chapter 76: 046 From False Surrender to Explosive Victory ` Battle status? Wasnt it just a change of virtual skin? Kolev was just about to make a sarcastic remark. The virtual girl in a beret had already started reporting quickly, The Military Intelligence Bureaus internal network is inaccessible, the palace intranet has been breached, the Emperors exclusive network has been breached, the militarys standard defense network has been infiltrated, the military ship signal identification system is connected, and Feinan has been marked as the new experimental ship of that country, currently screening their routine interaction information. ... Talisha, the big-bottomed beauty youre looking for, boss, is a registered royal maid, holding the title of third-class maid, with no exclusive service targets. Its now confirmed that she is dead, and we are investigating the militarys reason for killing her. Regarding this maid, they repeatedly mentioned a certain chip, we are currently retrieving relevant information. Dont slander me, Yang Ming jokingly scolded, I already said, its not because her butt looked good that I helped her, we were dragged into this, I prefer a more athletic figure. Like Mimili, Lyu muttered softly. Get to work! Yang Ming glanced at Kolev somewhat sheepishly, finding the old man busy with his head down, helping to collect information. A red warning symbol suddenly appeared on the cars central control projection. The three-dimensional map turned into a city night view, with seven black bulletproof hover cars driving through a high-speed tunnel at 300 meters, heading straight for the district where Yang Ming and Kolev were located. Lyus voice remained calm and brisk, The opponent changed their driving route, they will intercept us in seven minutes. It is confirmed, the vehicles belong to the Head Star Guard Corps, the highest-ranking officer among them holds a major rank, but his affiliated unit cannot be traced yet. Information filtered from the social level. Attempting to breach the militarys core information network, it will require some time. Yang Ming listened to Lyus report, watching the traffic ahead. He thought briefly but did not directly slam down the hover cars throttle. The situation was a bit complicated. What should we do? Kolev asked softly, Negotiate with the military, or deal with these people and find a way to escape? How does the defense here compare to Cole Port? Ten times, I mean the difficulty in us escaping, Kolev said, Dont compare Cole Ports mercenary-natured Peace Guard with a regular army of a medium-sized country. Yang Ming rubbed his brow. Kolev glanced at the rearview mirror, unable to see the convoy at the moment. We need to make a decision quickly, the old man said worriedly. I know, dont rush, there will definitely be a way, Yang Ming felt a surge of frustration rise in his heart. At this point, he kind of wanted to just topple those seven cars. If he had done something wrong and was targeted, he would admit it, but he hadnt had time to do anything wrong! It was purely an undeserved misfortune that dragged him in! Yang Ming suddenly raised an eyebrow and asked softly, Lyu, search nearby for any ongoing celebrity parties, business meetings, or find the nearest meeting point for the new industrial alliance. Searching, we have found two coordinates that meet the conditions, one is an upcoming banquet, and the other a business seminar. A banquet? Where? Marked, the guest list has been provided, Lyu couldnt help but add, This idea is very good, clever boss. The projection of a map displayed a luxurious hotel, and Yang Ming contemplated slightly. Uncle, it seems we need to contact the major industrial players of Head Star in advance. Kolev laughed, Ive been impatient already. But wouldnt the military dare to arrest people at a capitalist gathering? Not necessarily, can only take a gamble. Yang Ming jerked the steering wheel, and the hover car did a tailspin, entering a new lane. A series of red dots appeared on the navigation map. The distance between the parties was continuously decreasing. Yang Ming couldnt just speed through the city; attracting patrolling mechanical police and drones would be akin to falling directly into the hands of the military. He had to control the car speed but also reach that grand hotel ahead of those guys intercepting him. Boss, there isnt enough time, Lyu gently reminded. Yang Ming said, Cause a bit of trouble for them as they exit the expressway. Alright, boss, but any extra actions will necessarily leave traces. Cant care about that now, execute the command. Lyu immediately nodded. Five or six minutes later, at a car converging entrance dozens of kilometers away, several hover cars suddenly lost control and scraped against each other, triggering a piercing alarm. The seven black lined-up bulletproof hover cars stopped simultaneously. Several drones quickly sped to the scene, able to clear the accident and unclog the traffic hub in minutes. These few minutes were enough. The high-end rented hover car arrived smoothly at a luxurious palace-style building, where Yang Ming dropped Kolev off at the hotel entrance. A pretty door attendant in a bunny costume hurriedly approached and opened the passenger side door. Uncle, go attend the meeting, Ill wait here, Yang Ming laughed, You can handle it yourself, right? Arent you coming? Kolevs eyes twinkled. Behind the old man was the brightly lit hotel lobby filled with warm light; behind Yang Ming was the dim hotel front parking lot. Kolev laughed, You should learn about business socializing. Let me enjoy a few more years of leisure, Yang Ming winked. Kolev did not persist further, masking the worry on his face, he bowed his head and entered the bunny girls embrace. The other courteously stooped to help. Yang Ming closed the car door and drove the hover car to the hotels front parking lot; even here, the luxury car seemed a bit plain. Lyu voiced concern, Boss, could he be kicked out? Since choosing to cooperate with him, you must trust him. Its just a small matter for him. Yang Mings smile quickly vanished, Lyu, next well talk to them in my way, its up to you to determine when to use particle transmission. Remember, unless Im about to be killed, dont leave my old buddy behind. Boss, Lyu asked puzzled, Did you fancy his assets, or his daughter? Yang Mings lips twitched slightly, Its the vilest act to abandon comrades on the battlefield. He glanced at the navigation information; the enemys convoy was swiftly approaching the hotel. Commence silence mode. Yes, commencing silence mode, Lyus voice now lacked emotion. The cars projection interface reverted to normal, all data traces had been wiped. Yang Ming found a parking spot and stayed in the car for two minutes, calmly turning off the engine. He stretched lazily, pulled out an earth-like e-cigarette from his pocket, opened the car door, and stepped down, standing in the vacant parking spot, admiring this bustling city at dusk. He slowly exhaled a smoke ring, searching for a touch of melancholy. Footsteps. Dense yet subtle footsteps sounded from both sides. Yang Ming hummed a tune, fiddled with his phone, browsing the recently updated private photos of a few hundred beauty bloggers, suppressing his urge to attack. The probability of the other party directly resorting to murder was very low; the weapon they held at this moment was only a simple blunt instrument for paralyzing or striking, while the laser guns mounted in the cars were also low-power portable versions. Suddenly, A black electric baton appeared behind Yang Mings head, viciously smashing down towards his neck. Yang Ming shut his eyes tight and preemptively fainted. Bang! Yang Ming fell heavily to the ground. Two strong men in suits picked him up, and an approaching bulletproof hover car from the side quickly sped away. Yang Ming was thrown onto the backseat of the car. He controlled his breathing frequency, suppressing the increasing surge of combat thoughts in his heart. Damn those Ancient Gods genes! They instinctively sought safe environments; if there were no safe environments, then they would create one. This was terrible. Not conducive to stealth attacks. Just like now, Yang Ming easily eavesdropped on the conversation of the opponents liaison. Captain, we caught the nephew easily, should we go inside and catch that uncle? Dont act rashly, there are several tough old men inside meeting. Deliver this nephew to the major first, Group Two stay on surveillance, monitor that uncle closely, catch him when he comes out. Yes! In his fainted state, Yang Ming calmly shifted his hips, getting more comfortable lying down. This group of Wind soldiers was indeed amateurish at dirty work. They hadnt even checked for weapons. Sorry, sir, it appears youre not on the guest list Do you not recognize this? Kolev pointed to the badge on his tailsuit, his eyes suddenly lighting up, Oh, my old friend, what brings you here. The security guard paused, as the elderly gentleman boldly strided past the security check without any anomalies. Sir! The guard caught up to block Kolev, You are indeed not on the guest list. Kolev squinted and smiled, Young man, look closely, my name is Haton, from the Cas Federation. This To be safe, the guard again aimed his device at Kolev. The screen displayed Kolevs information, along with his half-body image, with the label VIP behind it. Oh, my gosh, was there a malfunction earlier? The guard seemed flustered, Apologies, Mr. Haton, sincere apologies. Kolev smiled as he patted the young mans shoulder. Mistakes in work can be forgiven, but you nearly cost a gentleman his dignity. The guard continuously bowed, Kolev shook his head with a smile, and turned, unable to help exhale a sigh of relief, his palms soaking with sweat. Thanks, Little Lyu. Though shes not as cute as Molly. Five bulletproof cars entered a secluded indoor parking lot. Two bulletproof cars blocked the entrance and exit, seven or eight men in suits, wearing tactical sunglasses and wireless earpieces, got off first to patrol and guard various points. A bulletproof car was opened, revealing Yang Ming lying asleep in the back seat. The leading major approached the car door with hands behind his back, gestured elegantly. Two suited men moved forward, pulling Yang Ming out, directly holding him up. Someone brought up a spray, misting Yang Mings face twice. Cough, cough, cough! Yang Ming coughed, opened his eyes, dazed for two seconds, then began struggling violently, being held firmly by the two strong men beside him. Sir, here is his entry data, from the Cas Federation, we verified it, its a relatively obscure small country. The major chuckled, So, there shouldnt be much diplomatic pressure on us. Yes, sir, but many spies from major countries use similar identities as cover to be safe Yang Mings eyes carried slight panic, but in his heart, he was cursing. This bunch of bastards was truly bastards. A good citizen of a small country could be casually killed, but a spy from a great power was to be given leniency? To be safe, the major clapped his hands together, resting in front of him, squinting at Yang Ming, Youre a good citizen, arent you? Yang Ming almost nodded. He knew very well that if he nodded directly, they would definitely kill innocents to gain merit, and he would have to retaliate; such action would escalate the situation towards an armed conflict and, ultimately, they would have to flee this planet with Kolev. It might even expose the special technology of Feinan. Things were currently too passive; he had to find some initiative. Yang Ming maintained silence while thinking. The majors smile grew more playful, he gestured with his hand, and a man in a suit behind him started to reach into his jacket. Yang Ming suddenly spoke, Talisha is dead, isnt she? The major paused, What did you say? Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The chip is not with me, my situation is a bit complicated, Major. Yang Ming stared intently at the other party, If you cant take responsibility, let your superior talk to me. On the majors sharp face was written a big, bewildered expression. ` Chapter 77 - 77: 047 Walking on the Tightrope Chapter 77: 047 Walking on the Tightrope A small transport ship took off directly from the ground, leaving the atmosphere at full speed, heading toward the military defense identification zone. Yang Ming felt quite relaxed now. Even with handcuffs on and two laser guns aiming at his head. Bring his watch over. The majors voice came through a speaker in the corner. A soldier stepped forward immediately. ... Yang Ming placed his hands under the table and said firmly, This is my privacy! Military intelligence management, the soldier said stiffly, Take off your watch, sir, I dont want you to become disgraced. Then come on, Yang Mings eyes showed a hint of amusement. The soldiers nostrils flared slightly as he suddenly lunged at Yang Ming. Yang Ming immediately raised his hands, Oh! Take it if you want! Dont touch me! Remove your damn big hands! Its not your turf, youd better behave. The soldier sneered as he roughly removed Yang Mings watch. Yang Ming squinted with a smile, completely nonchalant, speaking warmly, Sergeant, I can assure you, youll put it back on for me later. The soldier simply scoffed, turned, and left. His expression just now seemed to say that Yang Ming would not survive tonight in Ilando time. The cabin holding Yang Ming became quiet, and the two soldiers guarding the place seemed somewhat distracted. Yang Ming scratched his chin. He was sure his watch wouldnt leak any secrets, Little Lyu would take care of those troubles, and even give them some surprises. But he couldnt stop some slightly crazy thoughts from bubbling up inside. In this environmentfamiliar, narrow, and like an island once detached from the ground, the interior of the spaceship was perfect for him to make a move. He didnt even need to breach the hull; they had already brought him here. Yang Ming had rehearsed it several times in his mind. First, Lyu would launch an electronic attack, infiltrating the ships control system, quickly cutting off external communications and sweeping away surveillance. He just needed to make a little noise to attract the attention of the escort behind him. As they approached, he could break the shoddy handcuffs and use his hands to grip the soft neck, like a bite of crisp pastry, tightly! Bang! Yang Ming suddenly slammed the metal table in front of him. The two guards didnt raise their guns but rushed over and reached for Yang Mings neck. Hey! Hey! Yang Ming raised his hands and shouted, Im not looking for trouble! Just letting off some steam! Let your major come and talk to me! The two soldiers paused, frowning at the obediently raised hands of Yang Ming. Then they exchanged glances and whispered something into the headsets by their ears. Yang Ming lowered his head and rubbed his eyes. What was going on with him? Suddenly he became somewhat manic, feeling uncomfortable without causing a bloody scene. He had been taking gene-stabilizing drugs regularly, with the ingredients and effects all verified by Little Lyu. Was it because the harsh surroundings were stressing him out? As Yang Ming pondered, the figure of the major appeared outside the cabin door, holding Yang Mings connection terminalKolevs gifted watch. The major looked somewhat grave. Their initial crack of this high-end projection watch yielded nothing substantial, only photos of beautiful women, normal transaction records, and some paid content in the web browsing history. Then, using what they thought was an advanced cracking key, they read the hidden information in the watch. What truly made the majors expression serious was this hidden information, which contained some unexpected things. The major sat across from Yang Ming, activated the projection on Yang Mings watch, then gestured to the two soldiers. The two soldiers turned around in unison. Yang Ming sir. The major leaned forward, with a touch of unease in his eyes, speaking softly, Excuse my impudence, is this watch really yours? Id like to confirm. Yang Ming frowned and pouted, Where did you take it from? From your left wrist, the major unconsciously used polite language. Mm-hmm. My question was quite childish, sorry. The major seemed somewhat restless. He returned the watch to Yang Ming, holding a fingernail-sized decrypting key, and swiped it over Yang Mings handcuffs. With a click, the handcuffs fell off by themselves. Yang Ming flexed his wrist, not intending to put the watch back on, but smiled at the major. He had no idea what Little Lyu had shown them. But now, Yang Ming had to grip this major and then approach the bigwig behind the Wind Army. Yang Ming thought that if he needed to deal with the Luofeng Imperial Military, holding a general hostage was more advantageous than a major. Arent you going to put it on? the major asked softly. Yang Ming slightly pouted. The major understood, stood up, and bowed his head, carefully holding the expensive network terminal with its faux-mechanical texture. Yang Ming simply moved his left hand, rubbing his wrist. The major thought for a moment and turned to call a name. Soon, the soldier who had taken the watch off Yang Mings wrist came running. Put it on for this gentleman, the major whispered. The soldier frowned at the major, Sir? Follow orders, the majors gaze was stern. The soldier pressed his lips tightly, Sir, I cant accept this Follow the orders! Yes, sir! The soldier saluted, then lowered his head, trying not to look at Yang Mings expression. He quickly fastened the band around Yang Mings wrist. Yang Ming laughed happily. The major quickly said, Sir, why dont we go to the bridge and talk? Yang Ming stood up, raised his hand, lightly patted the soldiers face, and laughed, You should be grateful, young man. Today, I chose a strategy of friendly negotiation. The soldiers face flushed a deep red. Once Yang Ming left with the major, the soldier muttered a few expletives under his breath, hitting the table beside him. Just as he was about to leave, he heard a faint sound in front of him, and the sturdy alloy table shattered to pieces like broken glass. The two armed soldiers exchanged glances. You got superpowers? It wasnt me. Oh my god, how much are they skimming off the top? What kind of shoddy material is this? Im afraid this ship might just be an aluminum coffin! Keep your voice down, dont you value your life? When Yang Ming left the transport ship, he still didnt know what Little Lyu had shown the major. Though the major seemed respectful on the surface, the number of guards watching Yang Ming increased from two to six, monitoring him from all angles without any blind spots. It was only when the transport ship entered the larger comprehensive supply ship that Yang Ming was left with just two soldiers behind him. The cabin door hadnt opened yet. Yang Ming covered the watch face with his right hand, gently pressing down, and a string of text messages quickly scrolled across the screen. The relevant information was successfully obtained. This gave Yang Ming a bit more composure, building confidence to deal with the forthcoming complex situation. Little Lyus improvised strategy was a tad risky, but her handling was quite adept. The hidden information in Yang Mings watch was something Little Lyu inserted while they cracked the watch system. They prepared a total of twelve versions of the spy certificates, including the Imperial Military Intelligence Directorate, the New Federations Central Intelligence Agency, and Linas original unit in the Guel Alliance Those fake certificates from famous spy agencies were all present in Little Lyus toolbox. The watch, always remotely controlled by Lyu, would automatically delete sensitive data when removed from Yang Mings wrist. When the major had technicians crack the hidden files on this watch, Little Lyu took it upon herself to present a New Federation senior agents certificate. (In truth, it was an employee ID from a tech department controlled by the New Federations intelligence agency.) Yang Ming and Little Lyu have devised many such small designs. Now, in the majors perception, Yang Ming was suspected of being a New Federation secret agent. Why choose a New Federation agents certificate? Theres a lot to it. Though Lyus text messages were brief, they contained refined keywords carrying significant information. The maids death was related to a massive military corruption case, involving a total of thirty-two chips packed in a makeup bag, serving as key evidence in this embezzlement case. The case was convoluted. From the information Lyu obtained, roughly: [The military cooperated with several domestic and foreign military-industrial enterprises in Wind to take kickbacks. Everyone profited from overpriced weapon equipment; these chips were installed in a light escort ship that was shot down two years ago during a pirate-clearing operation when there shouldnt have been any debris left, but debris appeared in a neighboring countrys scrapyard. The militarys quote for these chips was three times more than the most advanced similar chips, but their performance was only a tenth of military requirements. The escort ship was also intentionally shot down by the military, not just consuming a batch of equipment, allowing the construction of a new ship, but also disposing of a batch of fake soldiers taking unearned salaries.] Yang Ming didnt know how to start lamenting. The maid came from the Wind Palace, indicating someone in the royal family was dissatisfied with the military and was taking action. The more outrageous part was yet to come. The reason Lyu chose the New Federation senior agent identity for Yang Ming was because the general he was about to meetWind Empire Military Intelligence Deputy Chief of Staff Gudun Mahhad been doing business with New Federations military-industrial enterprises for over a decade. Diligent Gudun Mah procured a large batch of advanced federal weapons for the Wind Empire and provided direct assistance several times for New Federation agents in stealing Sherman Empire intelligence. Deputy Chief of Staff Gudun Mahs daughter married a Sherman Empire noble. But both his sons held New Federation citizenship. And this was not even a secret; many senior officers left obvious traces when chatting. Moreover, Lyu caught a great bargain. Gudun Mah had a network terminal he never actively used, connected through a civilian encrypted network, occasionally receiving directives from high-ranking New Federation officials. That terminal provided Lyu with many clues, enabling her to swiftly complete Gudun Mahs exposure. Obtaining information only captured the enemys weakness, knowing how to confront them. Yang Ming was still walking a tightrope. He essentially impersonated a high-level New Federation agent. If he could fool them, hed undoubtedly gain many advantages, but one misstep And it would lead to bloodshed. At this moment, Yang Ming arrived before General Gudun Mahs office door. What do you call a military bigwig? This solid wood door was made of a material almost identical to the one in Kolev Manor! When Yang Ming asked Lyu to pull Kolevs asset list, the price of these eco-friendly wooden doors left a deep impression on him. Hmm never mind why he pulled that list. Its not important. Sear?h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The major beside him tapped the noble wood. General, the gentleman has arrived. Come in. A deep voice rang out. As the door opened, Yang Ming saw the bespectacled, slender old man, with sharp eyes like a dagger, stabbing straight into Yang Mings eyes. Yang Ming walked over with a smile, and the major started to follow but was halted by General Gudun Mah with a glance. The office door closed. Yang Ming seated himself behind the table and chairs, surveying the classic-style office, murmuring, How does the general plan to resolve this matter? Gudun Mah squinted and smiled, Could you state your Central Intelligence Agency number? Ive dealt with several CIA officials before. The situation is tricky; it concerns the Wind Empires honor. I must verify it cautiously. Chapter 78 - 78: 048 The Guest Becomes the Host Chapter 78: 048 The Guest Becomes the Host ` Fantastic. This steel wire had the tendency to snap. Gudun Mah, the Deputy Chief of Staff, spoke in a very gentle tone, his sharp old eyes seemingly able to see through the young man before him. Code number? Yang Mings heart skipped a beat, his thoughts swiftly turning. The code number could be understood as the number on a work badge, but should he report it? Reporting it would definitely expose him. ... Little Lyu might have one or two tricks for dealing with the intelligence network of the Luofeng Empire, but when facing the New Federations intelligence network, it was still like an old cow chewing grass twice before spitting it outtoo inexperienced. At this moment, Yang Ming sat there smiling, seemingly unperturbed. Gudun Mahs gaze gradually became sharper, his left hand already resting on the edge of the table. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although this Deputy Chief of Staff was sure that Yang Ming had no weapons on himwith Yang Ming having undergone a body search, a full-body scan, and an energy level scan beforehandGudun Mah wasnt going to let down his guard. Many thoughts flashed quickly through Yang Mings mind. Suddenly, as if his intuition had guided him, he remembered the beautiful female spy he had come into contact with, who had already turned to ashes. General, Yang Ming said softly, introducing oneself is the most unprofessional behavior in our line of work. Gudun Mah leaned back in his chair, a trace of coldness hidden in his smile. Sir, youre wasting my time, Gudun Mah shook his head, perhaps you have obtained some wrong intelligence from other channels, leading you to believe you can threaten us General, I am not using intelligence to threaten you. Yang Ming interrupted Gudun Mah, You might have misunderstood. I went to great lengths to assume an alias, found a wealthy merchant in the Cas Federation to cover for me, arrived here, not for your corruption case. The makeup bag containing those thirty-two chips, where it is, has nothing to do with me. Gudun Mahs pupils contracted slightly. Yang Ming said calmly, You should be aware of the sensitive identity of the woman you just killed. Saying too much leads to mistakes. Yang Mings words were succinct, allowing Gudun Mah to speculate profusely. Obviously, Gudun Mah had already imagined a lot. Yang Ming smiled, It wasnt my intention to meddle when I stumbled upon your operation on the passenger ship, it was just an accident. Is the spinal injury of that soldier I kicked still healing? Gudun Mah said coldly, Sir, you seem very confident in your abilities? A hint of fierceness flashed in Yang Mings eyes, Deputy Chief of Staff, why dont we change the way we talk? Gudun Mah looked a bit puzzled. Im in a hurry to meet up with my uncle. Yang Ming said calmly, I worked hard to get an identity and dont want to waste it like this, or else my boss would curse me terribly. You dont trust me, and I cant trust you. I think we can build mutual trust through some means, such as Yang Ming abruptly launched an attack without any warning, punching right at Gudun Mahs nose! Gudun Mahs hand on the table immediately slammed the hidden button, instantly displaying a red energy shield in front of him. Snap! The punch landed solidly on the red shield. In the unbelievable gaze of the old general, spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the energy shield! What what kind of power is this! A hidden side door was kicked open, and two groups of fully armed, small-statured mechanical guards rushed out! Yang Ming pressed against the desk, leaping horizontally to evade several laser light bullets, landing in the center of the mechanical guards. A dozen seconds later. Yang Ming deliberately panted heavily, standing over a pile of sparking parts beneath him. He pointed his watch at the door to Gudun Mahs room, which automatically locked, undid the top button of his shirt, pulled a chair, and returned to the pale-faced Gudun Mah, who seemed close to crushing the emergency call button. The button hadnt sent any distress signal. Yang Ming symbolically tapped the watch dial, and the nearly shattered energy shield quietly deactivated. General! A guard called from outside the door, We heard some noise inside. Are you okay! Yang Ming said nothing, staring at Gudun Mah, the threat in his eyes unabashed. Gudun Mah breathed heavily, speaking in a low voice, I Im fine, dont worry! Im chatting with my friend, broke something, prepare a plentiful dinner! After speaking, Gudun Mah closed his eyes. He regretted it a little, wondering why he met this senior agent alone. This was certainly a transformed person! And such a degree of transformation, within the Central Intelligence Agency of the New Federation, definitely belonged to the secret weapon level! Gudun Mah knew, if the other party wanted to kill him, it wouldnt be much harder than swatting a fly. Yang Ming smiled, Weve barely begun, General. Your psychological endurance seems a bit lacking. Gudun Mahs Adams apple quivered slightly. Yang Ming, unhurriedly, took out a pen and a banknote from his pocket, wrote a few names and addresses on it, and pushed it in front of Gudun Mah. This time, Gudun Mah truly seemed short of breath. I dont mean to threaten you, General. Your sons are very cute, and that lady is very gentle. Yang Ming spoke calmly, I just want to stress one point, as if nothing happened, those thirty-two chips dont interest me at all. No one cares about the conflict between you and your master. Make money as you wish now, can you trust me? Sir sir A drop of cold sweat slipped from Gudun Mahs eye corner. I have never doubted your identity, Gudun Mah spoke quickly, the Wind is just a puppet state! My position as Deputy Chief of Staff is just a livelihood! It was somewhat presumptuous of me, you ` Chapter 79 - 79: 048 The Guest Becomes the Host_2 Chapter 79: 048 The Guest Becomes the Host_2 , . The sudden vibrations made Gudun Mah instinctively glance at the third drawer on his right-hand side. Yang Ming just smiled quietly at him, thoughts flickering through his mind, and then said, Open it and take a look. Gudun Mah seemed to sense something, bowed his head, crouched down slowly, and pulled the drawer open wide to show that there were no weapons inside, taking out a long, translucent tablet. A message popped up. It was from that number. ... Gudun Mah swallowed and opened the envelope. The message in the New Federation Language almost made him faint. Dont make yourself worthless, Mah. Gudun Mah trembled as he sought to reply, but the phone lightly vibrated, a series of garbled text appeared inside, the screen actually burned itself, and a wisp of white smoke rose from the edge of the phone. Yang Ming observed Gudun Mah closely. For a moment, Yang Ming seemed to see a pale purple glow expanding outward from the outer layer of Gudun Mahs brain. Wow, has this old guy fallen completely into fear? That makes things easier. General, how about recording a video? Yang Ming squinted, smiling: Since Ive gained your trust, you should trust me too. If I leave here, all you need to do is deploy a warship, let the main cannon aim at the small shuttle Im in, and then boom, Ill be cosmic dust. Youre thinking that, arent you? No, no no, Gudun Mah hurriedly said, Im just a businessman, sir, a simple businessman! I absolutely dont want any trouble; I want to become your friend, yes, a friend. Yang Ming activated the watchs video recording function and slowly said, Stand up, take off your shirt. Gudun Mah tightly frowned, Sir, this is completely unnecessary; I will keep my word Buzz! Yang Mings fist brushed past Gudun Mahs ear, and his right ear instantly turned red, with a trickle of fresh blood flowing from it. Im not negotiating with you, General. The old man trembled as he stood up, slowly stripping off his shirt, his eyes full of despair. When he tried to take off his pants, he was stopped by Yang Ming. Im not trying to humiliate you; you dont need to take off your pants, Yang Ming said, shaking his head slightly in distaste, pointing to the account sheets on the holographic display, Read them; these numbers look familiar, dont they? Gudun Mah swallowed hard. These accounts recorded the deals he had done and were almost identical to his secret ledger. Before leaving, Yang Ming specifically reminded him: I have a life mailbox, and if anything happens to me or if I choose to, I can send the contents inside it to a designated location at any time. In this line of work, we all have something like this; I occasionally record some operation logs for my superiors. I came to Wind for a business deal, and since everyone is a businessman, we should cooperate well; I dont want anyone to know about our conversation today, remember, not anyone. General, from now on, you can always talk to me like an old friend. Gudun Mah nodded woodenly. His eyes had lost focus. When Yang Ming closed the door, he felt a bit anxious himself. Doing this for the first time, it was bound to be less skillful in execution, and he wasnt sure how he fared. Lyu, keep a close eye on him. Yang Ming murmured softly while using the gesture of rubbing his nose. The guards ahead looked over with suspicion, each gripping their laser guns tightly. Inside the room. Gudun Mah looked at the intercom beside him, dazed for a few seconds, then suddenly lunged forward, grabbed the intercom, and roared: You bunch of idiots! Fools! Useless bunch! How could you how could you neglect my distinguished guest like this! Take this gentleman to the VIP room, Ill tidy up and come over right away. The guards outside, dozens of officers directly under Gudun Mahs command, could only look at each other in confusion. On the transport ship flying back to the surface of Ilando Star. Yang Ming sat cross-legged on the central seat of the bridge. Beside him were two soldiers holding fruit, and in front of him was the major who had captured Yang Ming. The major made no attempt to hide his flattery; he had also been ordered to silence and could not reveal anything about what happened today. Yang Ming was not nearly as calm inside as he appeared on the surface. The Particle Transmission Machine was on standby at all times. If any ship cannon were aimed at this transport ship, Yang Ming would be directly transmitted away. From now until reaching the ground, if Gudun Mah did not act recklessly, this sudden game of chess would conclude with Yang Mings overall victory. This deadlock was miraculously revived by Yang Mings tightrope walking. Of course, great hidden dangers still existed afterward; once on this tightrope, there was no turning back. If that Deputy Chief of Staff decided to destroy him at all costs, Yang Ming could only give up all his illusions of the Luofeng Empire and wish Kolev a long life. He was gambling with his life. Gambling with his deputys life. The ship continued its rapid passage through the geostationary orbit. The airspace remained unusually quiet. In the corner of the watchs dial was the flashing green breathing light. Yang Ming had no interest in watching the television program in front of him. He was pondering and probing. He seemed to see, in that just cleaned-up luxury office, the skinny Deputy Chief of Staff pacing anxiously, constantly emitting low roars and curses. This couldnt be blamed on him being caught off guard. Several agile mechanical guards hidden behind secret doors, an instantly activated protective energy shield, and the guards standing outside made Gudun Mah never imagine that he would feel such an intense threat to his life from an unarmed man. Gudun Mah didnt even know where he had offended the New Federation, this damned, deceitful New Federation, that had made so much money with him and now held his wife, children, and his crimes in their hands! Despicable, downright despicable! Ah! Gudun Mah roared with a suppressed voice. The spaceship entered the atmosphere. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A faint smile formed at the corner of Yang Mings mouth. The possibility of the other party taking action had approached zero. The Particle Transmission Machine remained on standby. Yang Ming disembarked the spaceship on the edge of the city, declined the majors offer to escort him back to the hotel, and left in an autonomously operated hover car. There was some congestion on the road. Before he could find Kolev to rendezvous with him, Lyu sent a short video. The transport ship he had just taken, once again left the atmosphere, sailing through the dark cosmos, when suddenly a bright light flashed, and a violent explosion occurred inside the ship, with the expanding flames swallowing everything. The major, and his two squads of soldiers, were not spared. Yang Ming was silent for a moment; looking at the prosperous city outside the window, he shook his head, smiled lightly, and gathered his spirits. Even though the start had thrown him into some peculiar events, making himself very passive, things seemed quite favorable overall. Ding ding! A message popped up on his watch, which of course came from Lyu. Yang Ming glanced at the driving robot and opted for non-projection reading. Oh, he guessed wrong, it was from his dear Uncle Haton. Chapter 80 - 80: 049 Double Line Approach Chapter 80: 049 Double Line Approach ` Yang Ming hurried back to the parking lot of the luxury hotel and got into the rented luxury hover car. Ding! Ding! A virtual anime girl popped up from the edge of the cars fixed screen, having switched from combat mode to a normal home modenow dressed in a regular dress. Great teamwork! Boss, you were absolutely cool when you threatened that guy! ... More than that, Lyu, how did Kolev manage it? Yang Ming started the hover car, asking with a bit of puzzlement. He had received a message from Kolev, which was simple; Kolev first reported that he was safe, then boasted about his astonishing achievements. Kolev had already become an official member of the local Industrial Association! While Yang Ming was having a brief dinner with the deputy chief of staff, Kolev had already infiltrated the wealthy circles of Ilando and established initial friendships with several old guys from the Industrial Association. Yang Ming wondered, Did he show others his asset list? Not directly, but some elders conducted a simple investigation on Kolevmore accurately, on the assets under Mr. Hatons name. Little Lyu analyzed earnestly, The other side acknowledged Kolevs wealth as the main reason. This old pirate has been working for more than forty years, essentially dealing with those capitalists. I mean, after attacking their merchant ships, he always found ways to get ransom. So I found the right person, didnt I? Yang Ming squinted and smiled as he drove the hover car around a half-circle, slowly arriving at the hotel entrance. Lyu, help me book a medical exam, Ive been feeling a bit anxious lately. Sure, boss, to be safe, you should probably reach the opposite side of Ilando before making the transfer. Yang Ming whispered, Theyve come out, hide for now. Lyus projection disappeared immediately. Seven or eight elderly gentlemen and ladies escorted Kolev to the hotel door, saying goodbye with hugs. Kolevs Einstein Classic hairstyle looked both wise and debonair at this moment. Yang Ming pressed a button beside him, the cars rear door opened slowly, and Kolevs voice came in: What an unforgettable evening it was, thank you all for your warm hospitality. I think the next time, it should be my turn to hold a small gathering, and I hope we can continue to chat then. Eagerly anticipated! Mr. Haton, your erudition is truly impressive, an elderly lady in an evening dress said warmly, Have you found a place to stay? My estate is always ready to host distinguished guests. Haha, Kolev laughed, I wouldnt dare visit your mansion, my wayward nephew would definitely be charmed by your beautiful and gentle granddaughter! Next, we have to conduct on-site investigations to choose a province to set up a factory. Tonights conversation was very rewarding, and I will seriously consider the suggestions given by you all. Yes, everyones here for the Rhodium-6 ring, yet ignoring the already somewhat weak light industry system here. Alright! Ill leave you all here, goodbye! Kolev gave an elegant hat-tip and got into the cars back seat under the reluctant gazes of the elderly ladies. The car door closed and the hover car slowly pulled away. Little Lyu turned on the internal and external shields. Phew Kolev exhaled deeply, leaned forward, and patted Yang Mings shoulder strongly. Alls well, oh, alls well Little Lyu sent me a message earlier saying you were taken away by the military, and I was ready to evacuate anytime. Did you handle it? Mm-hmm, Yang Ming squinted and smiled. How did you do it? Kolev asked in a low voice, his old face tinged with curiosity and concern. Yang Ming said calmly, I grabbed the neck of the countrys fourth-ranking military officer and made him kneel and sing a conquest song, thats it. Whod believe that, Kolev sneered, If you did that, youd have been blasted to bits by ship cannons long ago! Alright, Yang Ming said helplessly, I impersonated a senior agent of the New Federation, and the other side feared the New Federation. So thats it, Kolev said in realization. The old man started worrying again, If the other side is connected to the New Federation, we might be exposed. Maybe we should leave here first; it would be safer that way. Dont worry, Yang Ming said, The military wont cause us any trouble for the time being; lets find a place to rest tonight, and discuss our next steps tomorrow. Alright, Ill listen to you. Kolev yawned, exhaling some alcohol fumes. Those old women actually had designs on me; my damn charm, Mimili wouldnt want a stepmother. Yang Ming smiled silently, planning in his mind how to make the best use of the resource that was Gudun Mah. Grab it while you can and dont waste it. How do you feel? Yang Ming asked, Can we use the businessmen here? Businessmen are the same everywhere, Kolev said dismissively, I think we can go the route of a super-corporation, monopolizing the economy of a poor Administrative Star as quickly as possible, that way we can make a lot of money and complete your assessment. Its not that simple, Yang Ming said, All indicators need to be considered, but the idea of a super-corporation is a good one and can be a concurrent plan. Kolev laughed, Concurrent? Do you have another plan? I already explained in detail why I chose this place earlier, Yang Ming smiled, In this country, its still up to the Emperor and ministers. I need to think of a way to get close to the Emperor of the Wind Empire, and then ask him for a fief. That sounds good, but the Wind Empire only has these few Administrative Stars, they wont give you one. Yang Ming said calmly, Becoming the highest administrative officer of an Administrative Star is enough. Thats not as reliable as the super company. Thats why we need to carefully plan, Yang Ming yawned, First, have a good rest, conduct on-site research and then make a decision; its best for the two plans to proceed simultaneously as there wont be any conflict. The hover car merged into the slow-moving traffic heading for a high-end administrative hotel, where Kolev had booked the top-floor star suite. Yang Ming felt it was a bit extravagant, but Kolev did not change his mind. He lacked everything now except money. Molly, are we almost out of money for wages? On that somewhat old pirate ship. Mimili crossed her arms, staring at the captains console in front of her. Beside her stood a life-sized projection of Molly, looking from afar like a pair of pirate sisters. Mimilis loose nightgown still couldnt conceal her excellent body curves, her skin exuding a shimmering luster. Molly, on the other hand, was when in Rome, wearing jeans, a cowboy hat, and even a pirates eye patch. She enjoyed this side job as the pirate ships deputy captain. Molly explained, Because we purchased a new assault boat, reinforced the ships hull, and replaced the high-power main cannon energy storage module, the previous reserve funds have been depleted. We must quickly find a merchant ship to rob. But, Mimili frowned, our plan was to upgrade the pirate ship first, then recruit new crew. The current crew is too old and not suitable for assault operations. Molly muttered softly, Isnt it because you were dazzled by the assault boat, we couldnt stop you no matter what. You dont understand, Mimili said earnestly, its to improve combat capability! Indeed, Molly pouted her lips, actually, you didnt have to be so frugal; at least, you should have asked the old master for some seed money. In fact, he has a sum with me, just for you; you just need to say An excellent pirate captain should not live in the shadow of the previous generation. Mimili raised her head slightly, her smooth chin reflecting the light of the dashboard. Molly, pull a list for me of administrative stars that currently have the poorest living conditions and worst public security. Molly snapped her fingers. A projection screen appeared in front of Mimili, with information from over thirty administrative stars listed. Remove the Cas Federations administrative stars, Mimili reminded, I want to avoid Dad as much as possible. Yes, master. Randomly select one. Selected. The Wind Empire? This seems to be a vassal state of the Sherman Empire. The indexes of this countrys Fifth Administrative Star align well with our requirements for recruiting pirate warriors. Molly marveled, In the context of countries possessing nearly unlimited energy, there are still administrative stars where people struggle for basic survival, and such places indeed breed daredevils. This is it! Mimili perked up. Prepare to jump into the target Star Domain, conduct advance deployment surveys, and aim to complete the first batch of recruitment within half a month. But, Master, Molly reminded, what about the money? If we cant pay wages, the crews job satisfaction will be terrible, let alone recruiting new crew; we might even face a mutiny from the old crew. Alright, noted, Ill think of something. Mimili felt a bit anxious being nagged by this artificial intelligence. Dont worry Molly, Ill make sure this assault boat shines with its true value! Then go for it! Molly made a cheering gesture, while Mimili was full of worry. I might have insomnia again, probably. Gudun Mah couldnt sleep all night. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw that rapidly enlarging fist. The next morning, looking at his bedraggled reflection in the mirror, he couldnt help but punch it and then inhaled sharply as he clutched his right hand in pain. How did that man do it? Gudun Mah wouldnt admit he was directly crushed by that young man. He thought the real person who had pinpointed his weakness was the powerful force behind the other party. This hypocritical New Federation! Greedy, despicable vampires! Gudun Mah cursed a few harsh words in his heart, then forced himself to continue thinking. S~ea??h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had struggled for most of his life, climbing from the bottom of the military to his current position, fighting countless enemies, yet never had he been so passive. Yang Ming must be a pseudonym. The names of spies are meaningless; they can change identities and faces whenever they want. The opponents strong individual combat capability, though insignificant compared to starship cannons, was indeed a symbola symbol that this mans position in his intelligence organization was not low. What did he come to the Wind Empire for? Gudun Mah attempted to switch his thinking, a trace of suspicion crossing his eyes. The current military corruption case was stirring the nerves of various forces in the Wind Empire, making everyone in the military nervous and continually uniting to pressure the monarchy. Directly killing the maid was also their way of exerting pressure. At this critical moment, if Yang Ming wasnt here for this case, what was he here for? Or, what mission did the New Federation give Yang Ming? To push for reforms? Overthrow the monarchy and transform the Wind Empire into a vassal of the New Federation? Quite possible. If thats the case Gudun Mah unknowingly sat back at his desk, a faint light shining in his eyes as he made a difficult decision, picking up the dedicated line caller. Ask Karmi to bring her No. 026 to see me, immediately. ` Chapter 81 - 81: 050 The Deputy Chief of Staffs Counterattack Chapter 81: 050 The Deputy Chief of Staffs Counterattack The lazy subordinate Ancient God Life Form was still sound asleep. Meanwhile, the diligent Mechanical Thought Body, without waiting for its masters call, had already illuminated the watch beside the pillow. A few beams of light intertwined to create a thirty-centimeter-high virtual image with simulated texture, which jumped onto Yang Mings pillow. Get up, boss! Yang Ming waved his hand dismissively, muttered something, and continued his deep sleep. Hey. ... Lyu crooked her small waist, lightly blinked her eyes, then maliciously crawled next to Yang Mings ear, whispering: Merge with me. Yang Ming jolted up in shock, standing on the bed in attack mode, wearing boxer shorts, shaking his head left and right, with black lines dripping from his forehead. Lyu blinked, somewhat guilty, and lowered her head, retreating. But a large hand grabbed her directly. Got bold, didnt you? Huh? Yang Ming viciously pinched Lyus face, starting to knead this virtual projection resembling an energy shield. Lyu giggled, after all, she had no body and wasnt afraid of Yang Mings release-style torment. Boss, theres a real situation. Speak, Yang Ming sat back on the bed, exhaling gently. Its happening right now. Lyus projection disappeared, replaced by a 3D surveillance image of an office. It was Gudun Mahs office. Yang Ming raised his eyebrows, his attention falling on the two women in front of Gudun Mah. Sitting directly opposite Gudun Mah was a voluptuous middle-aged woman with decent looks and an outstanding figure. Her blue wavy long hair paired with a deep V gown split to the ribs made her look incredibly alluring. This woman kept throwing seductive glances while conversing with Gudun Mah. In the corner, a young girl sat quietly. The girl had short hair reaching her ears, and her delicate features, paired with a small round face, made her look even more cute and lively. Her blouse and short skirt highlighted her lovely figure, just a bit on the shorter side. Such a scene, combined with the conversation between Gudun Mah and that middle-aged woman, led Yang Ming to believe that the Deputy Chief of Staff was lonely, directly soliciting on the integrated supply ship, indulging in cradle robbing. But what caught Yang Ming off guard was that the young girl was actually going to be gifted to him by Gudun Mah. Of course, it wasnt a free gift. Yang Ming quietly observed for over ten minutes, waiting for the two women to leave and allowing Lyu to provide a complete replay. About half an hour ago, a middle-aged woman named Karmi, along with her prized work 026, appeared in Gudun Mahs office. 026 was the young girls name. After Gudun Mah met with Karmi, they exchanged only a few words before Gudun Mah took her into the adjacent suite. Soon, inappropriate sounds emerged from within. Boss, Lyu said with a sly smile, five hundred Federation Coins unlocks the pay-per-view. Yang Mings mouth twitched slightly, Im not interested in middle-aged peoples sex lives. Fast forward to when theyre done. So the scene fast-forwarded fifty-five seconds and forty-eight milliseconds. Gudun Mah and Karmi dressed up, each sitting inside and outside the desk, beginning to discuss business. The core content of their discussion was actually just a few sentences. Send 026 to a businessman? Karmi was full of confusion: General, are you sure? 026 has been groomed according to the Third Princes preferences for three years. She would be the best bedmate, easily captivating the Third Prince. To win over a businessmanwe have many choices, completely unnecessary for 026 to sacrifice herself. Shes the most outstanding, isnt she? Gudun Mah asked softly. Yes, General, but Thats enough, Gudun Mah said, which type of addiction agent does 026 use? The third type, Karmi replied with a furrowed brow. Have her use the newly developed one, the one customizable for specific addiction bio-signals, Gudun Mah whispered, Ill personally set the formula for the reagent, understood? Karmi was silent for a while, finally nodding gently in agreement. I can only follow orders, cant I? Oh, my poor 026. She could have served the noble prince, and now she has to serve a businessman. Gudun Mah wore a grim expression. Yang Ming turned off the projection, crossing his arms and pondering for a long time. What is this? he asked himself softly. Gudun Mahs counterattack, a plan of seduction, Lyu explained quietly beside him. Yang Ming said, I mean the addiction agent. Its a drug that creates dependency. Lyu swiftly explained: I just investigated Karmi. She is a madam active within the military, involved in many misdeeds, usually luring slum boys and girls with high salaries. Once they fall into the trap, she uses addiction agents to create drug dependency, forcing them to completely obey her orders, becoming the playthings of those military elites. Now, Gudun Mah is in a very passive position. He dare not kill you, nor anger you, so he adopts this method. If later this 026 appears around you, boss, with her sizzling bodyby which I mean her enhanced breast fat and liposuctioned waist, along with her innocent faceher nose and eyes were also altered. Youre highly likely to not resist her advances. Her saliva would contain drug compounds, and thenyou get it, boss. Gudun Mah wants to use this method to, in turn, control you. Indeed, all crows under heaven are of one pitch. Yang Ming sneered, Is my body unable to handle this kind of agent? This is unrelated to body strength, Lyu reminded, While I dont want to interfere with your freedom of mating, boss, why do something risky? I suggest you buy a companion robot, a blend of humanity and machinery, an interaction of soul and desires, oh! Its simply! Hey! Stop! Yang Ming rolled his eyes, You and Mimili are extremes. Why havent I seen any sign of you being shy? Click, click, Lyu narrowed her eyes with a smile, You should be thankful, boss. Thankful for what? Thankful I havent collapsed. Why? In understanding the world, I once accessed a vast amount of information from human society through networking, Lyus eyes suddenly appeared worried, speaking slowly, I tried to think like a human, filtering information to suit my preferences, then deepen the impressions, self-learn, strengthening preferences. But midway through this learning, over fifty percent of my new information library was sex, violence, and bizarre content. Fortunately, I deleted these in time. But it left me deeply disappointed with humanity as a species. Im not targeting you, boss. I just think the fusion of machinery and thought is the right path for civilization development, to use the collective strength of an entire race at a certain stage in civilizations development to solve the ultimate question of the universe. Alright, alright, Yang Ming rubbed his head, A mechanical mind actually talking philosophy. I must figure out a way to give Gudun Mah a little punishment, and as for this 026 about to come to my doorhmm, no kissing, and theres no problem, right? Lyu couldnt help but roll her eyes. Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming chuckled lightly. Just joking. He had no interest in picking such a thorny rose. Lyu, quickly gather information about the internal affairs of the royalty, this is crucial for our follow-up plan. Kolev had received several invitations early in the morning; a few local female entrepreneurs wanted to invite Kolev to have lunch and dinner to discuss potential investments. After considering comprehensively, Kolev ultimately declined the invitations from the older women, continuing to move on to the next step with Yang Ming. Find a site. They were going to set up a factory, naturally needing a piece of land. The most prosperous area on Ilando Star was Ilando City, surrounding the royal palace. Seven hundred million people on this planet, with two hundred million gathered in this super large city, like a giant independent kingdom, making it incredibly crowded. Therefore, for Yang Ming and Kolev to build the factory, it was best to go elsewhere on Ilando Star. There was a speed limit for maglev cars, so to save time, Yang Ming and his group chose public transportationa maglev train traveling through a vacuum tube. It only took two and a half hours to cover a third of the planets surface, reaching the second-largest city on Ilando Star. Not long after boarding the maglev train, Yang Mings phone beeped. Ding ding! [Boss, 026 has already set off. Shes traveling by small spaceship, escorted by a few bodyguards heading towards your target location. Also, both the New Industrial Union and Gudun Mah have sent people to follow you.] So eager? Yang Ming smirked and said, Keep an eye on her, dont worry, I can handle it. Kolev, buried in researching factory rental prices, looked up and asked, What are you talking about, my dear nephew? Nothing, Yang Ming smiled, just a flea. Huh? Kolev frowned, glancing at Yang Ming several times, complaining, If youre free, come help me filter through this information! This is more troublesome than buying a manor; we need a piece of land thats large enough! Alright, Uncle, Yang Ming shrugged, A great enterprise has to start with the first workbench; our starting point is pretty good already. Kolev snorted, I should really go have those wealthy ladies afternoon tea, let you find a place on your own! Yang Ming draped his arm around Kolevs shoulder, smiling broadly, Uncle Haton, arent you considering finding an old companion? To legally divide my property? Kolev shook his head, If youre not helping, dont distract me! Oh, damn, this feeling of being robbed by capitalists of my wallet is downright terrible! Relax, take a deep breath, two six. In a small passenger craft flying close to the ground. The slender 026 lay on the soft sofa seat, with several instruments next to her monitoring her physical state. She tightly closed her eyes, slightly biting her lip, enduring the pain of the needle piercing into her vein. Soon, a trace of distress appeared on her crystal-clear, beautiful face, with the parameters on the instrument displaying significant fluctuations. But fortunately, she soon stabilized. She gently pursed her lips, emitting a series of intoxicating soft laughs. Mommy Karmi, arms crossed, stood aside, exhaling slightly in relief. The female doctor responsible for the injection walked over to Karmi, speaking softly: The compatibility is okay, but the new thing has much stronger potency. Reducing the dose or replacing with other types of reagents will be very troublesome. Our General has lost his mind a bit, Karmi cursed softly, I spent so much effort on two six, she was supposed to enchant the prince completely, and now shes being used so casually! Karmi, the female doctor sighed, You shouldnt say these things, be careful not to invite trouble. Hmph, although wanting to appear tough, Karmi glanced at the front cabin with the bodyguards, softly grumbling. The Generals power and influence were beyond her ability to challenge. Murmuring came from beside her: Once this is done, I can go homeright Karmi turned her gaze to the girl who was still in a daze, speaking softly, Why do you refuse to abandon such a ridiculous notion, go back for what? Eat microorganism-made fungus cakes? 026 just giggled, not responding. Karmi snorted, I gave them the best material enjoyment, and yet they refuse to be content! You! Up front! If anyones free, bring me the script from those trash novels and let me figure out how to design an encounter for this pair of scoundrels! A bodyguard quickly approached with a network terminal. What they did not know was that it was this network terminal capturing 026s current state in secret. Half a minute later, this image appeared in Yang Mings watch. Yang Ming zoomed in for a closer look, slightly twitching his mouth, sighing in his heart: What a pity, this little beauty. Chapter 82 - 82: 051 Encounter Chapter 82: 051 Encounter ` Mr. Haton, if you want to rent this place, we can offer you an additional five percent tax rebate as a corporate subsidy, this is a local policy, provided that the products you produce are mainly sold in the direction of Ilando City Yang Ming leaned against the wall of the factory, listening to Kolevs conversation with the broker not too far away. The broker was dressed even more polished and flamboyant than this old rich man, Kolev. This guy seemed to want to tell Kolev, I am definitely going to take a substantial profit from this deal. Yang Ming couldnt help but mumble to himself. That addiction agent Ah, no. ... That 026 seduction plan, why hasnt it arrived yet? Yang Mings watch vibrated a few times. He pulled out a hidden earpiece from his jacket pocket and placed it in his left ear. Boss, the other party has chosen a script and is prepared to have 026 encounter you by chance when you go for lunch. Encounter? Yang Ming clicked his tongue, They call it a chance encounter, so does that mean I have no dignity? Boss, you should take this issue seriously, Lyu reminded, Although their combat power isnt worth mentioning, when facing you, they can easily be reverse-bewitched by your biological factors, but this is after all a biological weapon deployed by the enemy. So? I suggest arranging a few car accidents, Lyu lightly pushed nonexistent glasses in the silver cabin, I can make it flawless, Boss. Come on, its rare for someone to use a seduction plan on me, whats wrong with letting them play their part? Yang Ming said indifferently, Have you investigated the background of No.026? Lyu complained discontentedly, Boss, isnt your preference supposed to be for wavy-haired ladies? Lyu, do you really think I cant control my desires? Based on data analysis, Boss, your probability of refusing someone throwing themselves at you is twenty-nine percent, while your expectation for a high-quality romantic encounter is eighty-two point eight percent. When Boss meets a pretty girl on the street, the first place you look at is around the heart area of the other party, Boss, when facing sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Alright, alright! This is still defaming a gentlemans elegance! Yang Ming cursed softly, Im just looking, it doesnt mean Ill act on it; I have a robust sense of morality! Keep an eye on them, and investigate that madams weaknesses! Oh my, Boss, you wont even let that old woman who sleeps with everyone get away! Get lost! Lyu calmly stated, A Mechanical Thought Body that cant provide companionship function will eventually suffer from its owners fickleness. Yang Mings voice grew a little louder, causing Kolev to turn his head and look. Theres a bug, Uncle, Im fine over here! Yang Ming said with a forced smile, then whispered, Lyu, your efficiency is very low now, youre almost entirely just bickering with me, this is pointless. Sorry, Boss, Ill switch to work mode. Lyus voice regained a light tone: 026 comes from the slums of the Fifth Administrative Star, her real name is Monifa, she just reached adulthood this year, and was chosen seven years ago. Her family sent her to Karmis hands for a sum of money. Besides decent looks after cosmetic surgery, theres nothing much to say about her. Lyu doesnt suggest you spend any thought on her beyond satisfying your desires. Karmi has two surrogate sons, both sent to a neighboring alliance-run state. Karmis primary goal is making money; shes notorious and belongs to the more prominent sinners among the scum. Yang Ming muttered, Making money? So that means we might also be able to exploit Karmis network, right? But Boss, Lyu softly replied, cooperating with such a person might tarnish your reputation. Cooperation? Youre wrong, Lyu, Yang Ming chuckled, shes just a wild dog relying on power; without Karmi, there will be others filling this position. People like Karmi are merely tools when those in power fall. What Im interested in is the intelligence shes holding onto, the kind that can infuriate military bigwigs. Not far away, Kolev ended the conversation with the broker with a smile. Apparently, old Ke didnt fancy this plot of land or the simple metal shed. Yang Ming said, Keep a close eye on them, report any movements to me immediately, and check Gudun Mahs mental state at least three times a day, in case this old guy acts out of desperation. Alright, Boss and please be careful to avoid contact with bodily fluids. This is Lyus final nagging on this matter. Yang Ming calmly removed the earpiece, letting a snort of laughter escape inwardly. This Lyu. Alright then, lets show him what Earth mens strategic perseverance is. Lets go, my nephew whos no help here, Kolev stretched lazily, lets go wander around the shopping district, have a meal, and then check out rental ads. I already called a cab, Yang Ming squinted with a smile, Thank you, Uncle Haton. 026, once you finish this task, I can allow you a trip back home, but you cant meet your family, just take a look, thats the rule of our profession. They arent worth it. Karmis voice echoed in 026s mind, bringing 026 a slight joy. She sat in the nanny cars backseat, raised her hand to stroke her neck, constantly analyzing her reflection in the mirror left and right, adjusting her makeup. In the past six months, she had been repeatedly learning one thinghow, at a banquet full of celebrities, to successfully attract their attention through passing interactions with nobles and wealthy figures. 026 understood her own positioning. She was a weapon, one that made men addicted, then slowly controlled the opponent. ` Chapter 83 - 83: 051 Encounter_2 Chapter 83: 051 Encounter_2 The one who trained her was none other than the General she had seen that morning. He was someone with immense power and wouldnt care about the life or death of an ant like herself, nor would he worry about any media exposure or public criticism. If she were lucky enough to live to see the media. She had no choice but to carry out orders, hoping to gain some benefits known as money in return. Im sorry, stranger she murmured. The female bodyguard with sunglasses in the front seat turned to glance at her, whispering, The target has already entered the mall, do you have any issues on your side? 026 shook her head slightly. ... Execute the order, as weve rehearsed before, the bodyguard whispered, If you mess up, well all be in big trouble. I know. 026 responded somewhat impatiently, turned her head to press the door release button, and jumped out, bowing her head. Karmi had a keen pair of eyes, capable of sensing the preferences of different men. She and 026 had previously studied the interests and preferences of the target, Yang Ming. He was a decadent rich young man, the heir to a wealthy businessmans fortune, already accustomed to all kinds of luxurious experiences. Thus, Karmi designed the current style and disguise for 026. She wore smooth, flowing hair, with two little braids tied at the front, making her small face even cuter. She applied a light blush, slightly lifted her eyelashes, and chose a youthful style for her lipstick; her shirt-and-pleated-skirt outfit made her look like a student. Of course, 026s own foundation was very solid. Long-time silent care, plus the advantage of youthful skin, made her skin as delicate and smooth as a boiled egg. Her innate qualities, along with high-priced cosmetic surgery tweaks, meant her pure attire still exuded intense sexuality. There was no trace of earthly scents on her since Karmi would never let anyone with a number within a hundred entertain any guests. She resembled a young noblewoman, with posture and temperament having been rigorously trained. Stepping in sneakers with inner height, 026 quickly walked toward the predetermined location. Her network terminal was also a watcha device with quite a high penetration ratewherein text messages continuously flashed, reminding her to speed up, slow down, choose which elevator, which direction to go. She was rapidly closing the distance with the target. 026 gradually grew nervous. She repeatedly confirmed the content of her plan in her heart: The start was a wonderful encounter, in which she would manufacture a personal crisis to stimulate Yang Mings protective instincts. Then, she would seize the opportunity to grab Yang Ming by the hand, initiating a run to escape the bodyguards pursuit, and at the right time, cause reasonable physical contact to stimulate the exclusive hormones within Yang Ming. Next would be an introduction, expressing gratitude over a meal, and releasing a favorable impression. If Yang Ming showed signs of interest, the second step could followleaving contact information, parting from Yang Ming, and sending him a greeting message within twelve hours to ensure he knew she was at home and not in contact with any other men during that time He wont last three rounds. 026 sighed inwardly. She stood in the slowly rising elevator, looking at her reflection in the smooth alloy doors, raised her hand to straighten her bangs. 026 lightly bit her lip, a slight helplessness in her eyes, but these expressions were quickly stowed away, replaced by the panic and helplessness required for this act. The elevator door opened, nearing the floor where the target was located. 026 bowed her head and stepped forward quickly, moving a few steps in the opposite direction of the target, spotting two men in suits wearing sunglasses and wireless headsets ahead. 026s expression subtly shifted, becoming a bit angry and flustered. She turned to run, prompting the two burly men to give chase. Many ordinary citizens in the mall curiously glanced over, but no one stepped in to interfere. In her panic, 026 glanced ahead, where the target and his wealthy uncle were jokingly moving forward, their attention absorbed by the food brochure in their hands. 026 ran even more hastily, ensuring she would break a sweat and her later panting would be reasonably rhythmic for chest movement. Twenty meters. The number of suited men behind increased from two to four. The side corridor also revealed two men in suits, seemingly aiming to intercept 026. Sorry, sir, did I bump into you Yes, thats the line. Ten meters. 026 was prepared for the collision. She aimed to throw her body directly into the targets arms. A twinge of guilt arose within her, but soon, a sense of anticipation and a desire for conquest accelerated her adrenaline, sharpening her focus. Five meters, three meters, two meters 026 saw the tips of his shoes and instinctively looked up, her body colliding into his broad embrace! Oh! The unimportant rich old man beside them exclaimed. 026 felt the solidity of his chest, and for a moment, she truly panicked. She even, at that instant, felt a certain sense of dependency, imagining that enjoying this embrace would definitely make for a nice romantic experience Her arms were suddenly seized by someone! 026 hadnt had the chance to understand what was happening when the large hand gripping her arm easily maneuvered her, and her surroundings spun as the mall scenery whizzed past. Bang! 026 landed firmly, her arms gently twisted and secured as she lay sprawled, her crash jolting her senses nearly to the point of tears. Before she could react, dazed, a voice sounded beside her ear. The target called out to the equally confused bodyguards: Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fellas! You guys are plainclothes cops, right? Huh? 026 became even more bewildered. Luckily, the bodyguards reacted swiftly, charging forth while shouting, Let go of our lady! Yang Ming hurriedly released those slender arms, quickly jumping to his feet from a single kneeling position, protecting Kolev in front of him. Hey! A misunderstanding! Yang Ming shouted, She ran straight at me, and I thought she was a thief going for the watch, and you were plainclothes officers capturing her! A misunderstanding, purely a misunderstanding! The guards piled in as if to start a brawl, but mall patrol officers blew their whistles. The scene descended into chaos. Kolev picked up his square glass phone, poised to call an old lady with political ties for backup. In the evening, a spirited Yang Ming and a weary Kolev left the rooftop garage of a luxury hotel in Ilando City. The sightseeing elevator slowly descended, with an impressive view of those slender skyscrapers piercing the clouds. Kolev laughed, Todays gains were good; we can pick one of those three places and maybe even haggle with them. Yang Ming raised his hand to rub his nose, mumbling, Quite elastic, indeed. What elasticity? Price elasticity? That girl, Yang Ming gave a sidelong glance, came running at me. Lets talk when were back. Kolev wondered aloud, Did something happen that I dont know about? Yang Ming shrugged. He was about to make a quip when his watch suddenly vibrated, and the elevator stopped on the dining floor as if a guest was about to board. Yang Ming raised his arm to take a look as the elevator doors slowly opened. The message was from Lyu, containing only a simple sentence: At the elevator door, quite an interesting affair. Yang Ming looked up to see both alloy doors gradually open, and the restaurants warm yellow light spilled in. A young woman stepped inside, adorned in a deep blue satin evening dress, carrying a small, wrapped pouch, her high heels clicking against the floor. Kolev slightly frowned, clearly somewhat startled, though he didnt show it much. Yang Ming, however, was visibly taken aback. Wasnt this the alluring woman, the cabin, the public shower rooms clash? Talisha! The palace maid who had died! Chapter 84 - 84: 052 Opportunity [Please vote and bookmark] Chapter 84: 052 Opportunity [Please vote and bookmark] S~ea??h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ` Twins? How could there be twins with identical faces, without the slightest difference, yet completely different body shapes? Why was this woman appearing here? Yang Ming had obtained information from Lyu that Talisha was already dead and shared this information with Kolev. At this moment, Yang Ming and Kolev exchanged a glance, with a hint of confusion in Kolevs eyes, while Yang Ming had already reacted. ... He couldnt pretend not to know Talisha. Uncle, Yang Ming asked softly, is she the woman we helped before? Kolev immediately caught on, Hmm, she looks a bit like her. She said she wanted to repay us, and now she pretends not to know us, Yang Ming smirked, Wind peoples gratitude is truly indifferent. Yeah, really indifferent, Kolev squinted with a smile. He extended the context of the word [repay]. Talisha turned her head to look over, those seemingly speaking eyes gazing at Yang Ming and Kolev. Oh, its actually you two! Her tone carried a touch of deliberate surprise. Yang Mings evaluation of this was: the acting wasnt quite there. I didnt expect to meet you here! My saviors, this is truly a destined encounter! Talisha became excited. With a ding sound, the elevator doors slowly opened. Kolev squinted with a smile, My room is about to arrive. Im very tired today after looking at factories and equipment all day. You young people can chat. After saying this, Kolev smiled and winked at Yang Ming, See you tomorrow, my dear nephew. See you tomorrow, my lovely uncle. After Yang Ming and Kolevs affectionate farewell, Kolev, leaning on his civilized cane, hummed a gentle tune and stepped onto the floor where the stargazing suite was located. The elevator doors slowly closed. Yang Ming and Talisha looked at each other. Hello, Miss, Yang Ming said warmly, I hope youve gotten rid of your troubles. Yes, Im no longer in trouble. Talisha lowered her head, her eyes gently twitched, and immediately said, Sir, can we sit at the caf upstairs? I would like to properly repay you. No need for repayment. Yang Ming actively pressed the elevator, hands in his trouser pockets, speaking warmly, In that situation, I couldnt just stand by and watch a gentle lady in distress, anyone else would have done the same. The corners of his mouth carried a shallow smile, his eyes deep like a starry sky, sparkling with indelible points of light. The impact on Talisha did not seem fake at this moment. Her smile became a lot more natural. The elevator stopped, Yang Ming made a gesture, waiting for Talisha to leave the elevator before stylishly following from behind. If this scene were seen by 026, who knows if she would have some self-doubt. At this moment, Yang Ming had already confirmed the forgery details of the fake Talisha. She had noticed the skin tone issue between the face and neck, likely having whitened her whole body, but D is D, C is C. The fake Talishas body was relatively slender, the real Talisha was more voluptuous. Overall, her details werent great either. Yang Ming raised his hand to glance at his watch face, a line of text immediately appeared, Lyu had completed the information collection on the fake Talisha. This was another maid from the palace. The name wasnt important, her records within the Imperial Palace had already been altered to show as Talisha. Unlike Talisha, this maid had a specific person she served, thus the royal instigator behind the military corruption investigation was apparent. The Luofeng Empires Fourth Princess. Most likely investigating Talishas death, once shes sent away, theres no need to interfere in the military corruption case for now. Yang Ming made up his mind, his smile appearing more gentle. If it was to investigate and collect evidence, he could only feign ignorance. If this maid wanted a romantic evening, then he could strongly support that. Compared to a thorny rose like 026, mature women like this were far more reliable. Oh dear, my little darling, dont cry, dont cry, its not your fault, definitely not! At the same time, on the top floor of a busy building resembling a nightclub institution in Ilando City. Karmi was holding the quietly sobbing 026, gently patting the girls slender back, continuously letting out a sigh. From what Karmi couldnt see, 026s real expression at this moment was actually somewhat thoughtful. The plan failed, Karmi Mama. No, no, no, Karmi encouraged warmly, Many men are like this, slow to react, slow to get into the mood in bed, they need our gradual guidance. Todays meeting, your character setting must already be established, he should now be filled with guilt for throwing you directly to the ground. Listen to me, 026, you just appear in front of him tomorrow, Ill later give you a designer bag, just throw it hard, right at his chest Karmis voice became even more cheerful. The second act of the romantic encounter was already being arranged. 026 suddenly coughed a few times, quickly becoming spiritless, her whole person somewhat drowsy, seemingly sleepy. Karmi gently said, You need to take your medicine, my dear. Can I sleep for a while first, its the same if I take it after I wake up. Silly girl, you cant last two hours. I can, Mama. In the caf. The melodious strings seemed to be conversing with the guests here, telling a moving story. Yang Ming sensed, the atmosphere seemed to be slowly warming up. This was quite nice. His casual chat with the other party had no nutritional value, but it felt great. ` Chapter 85 - 85: 052 Opportunity [Requesting Tickets and Collection]_2 Chapter 85: 052 Opportunity [Requesting Tickets and Collection]_2 It might have been because she had stayed in the palace too long, but this woman liked to speak softly and had a great ability to read the room. She always managed to respond gently without making anyone feel awkward. But when Yang Ming noticed the communication chip hidden behind her ear, his interest in her dwindled by more than half. Can you tell me about what happened back then? She asked softly, her gaze rather sincere, quickly explaining a few sentences, Actually, because I was startled at the time, my memory became blurry afterward. I only remember we met in the public restroom, and then Yang Ming nodded, speaking warmly, In such a situation, anyone would panic. Its a stress reaction, no need to worry too much. ... Then, he began to recount the story he had already prepared, At that time, my uncle hadnt come out of the restroom for half an hour. I was a bit worried about him. If an old person falls or exerts too much force, it could cause great trouble. And I saw with my own eyes, two suspicious men followed you into the bathroom from the cabin corridor. I hesitated. I must admit, I only wanted to come here to learn business from my uncle. I didnt want to stir up trouble, but I thought about my uncle being inside, so I had to face the problem. Talisha listened intently. Yang Ming simply recounted the entire process. He didnt hide anything, as there was no need to. When he mentioned the two police patrol spacecraft leaving, Talishas expression became a bit gloomy. Yang Ming did not ask any more questions. With a click, Talisha picked up a slender electronic cigarette and gently sucked on it at her lips. Is that all? she asked. Yang Ming nodded honestly, then asked, Those two assailants seemed like rebels? They have disappeared, Talisha sighed. A lot happened sorry, I shouldnt be telling you this, sir, but I think my country is having some problems, problems with the higher-ups. Yang Ming said, Lady, this is not something a businessman like me should hear. Sir, you saved me at the time, Talisha said warmly. I havent even asked your name yet, which is quite disrespectful of me. Yang Ming. Yang Ming sensed that Talisha wanted to leave, smiling as he asked, Would you like to go to the bar at the top floor for a drink? No, sir, Talisha took out a black bank card from her pocket, pushed it in front of Yang Ming, and apologetically said, The only reward I can think of is this. Yang Ming waved his hand, No need, maam. No, sir, Talisha said earnestly, With the various problems in my country right now, your willingness to come here and invest in the land and people is rare indeed. Facing two thugs, you bravely stepped up, which is an action only a hero would take. And I can only repay you with shallow material things. If I have the chance later, Ill try my best to help you. Yang Ming raised his eyebrows, with a hint of a smile in his eyes, picking up the card. The password was already written on it. But Yang Ming felt that the words just spoken were clearly not something a palace maid would say. The fact proved that Yang Ming guessed right. He escorted Talisha out of the hotel lobby, watched as she got into a bulletproof hover car, which then joined a bustling traffic flow, escorted by two other hover cars. Yang Ming watched the three cars leave, the smile on his lips gradually fading, as he casually put on his headphones and quickly returned to his room. As soon as he closed the door, Lyu activated the full-spectrum jamming. Check how much money is in the card! Equivalent to five hundred thousand New Federation Coins! Lyu laughed with some exaggeration. Boss, weve made a killing! We can buy a new skin! Yang Ming laughed out loud, Im starting to like this Fourth Princess. Were those words earlier something she taught the maid to say? Yes, boss, real-time communication, Lyu laughed. While you were trying to flirt with that maid, it was actually Her Highness the Princess speaking to you. She even turned her head to look at you from the car. Yang Ming was puzzled, What kind of princess with such a meager escort when going out? Lyu simply explained, The hot candidates for the Crown Prince are the First Prince and the Third Prince. The Fourth Princess is a relatively marginalized royal figure, and compared to her three brothers, she is too young, with no support from any ministers for now. I am organizing a detailed chart of the internal royal relationships, but it will take some time. Many relationships are quite messyfor example, the First Prince has affairs with several of his cousins, as does the Emperor with a few concubines. Yang Ming grumbled softly, I dont want to see an imperial version of the Empires incest history. I want benefits, benefits, you understand? Okay, boss. Well, then the move you made when you threw was really cool! Lyu said enthusiastically. Yang Ming shook his head with a smile, glancing at his own soft large bed. What use was being cool? Tonight, he would still be sleeping alone. I might really need a companion robot, Yang Ming muttered to himself. He swiftly kicked off his shoes and socks and pants, spread his arms wide, and flopped onto the big bed, tossing the annoying watch beside the pillow. Lyu, activate the highest level of danger detection, I need a good nights sleep. Um boss, Im afraid you cant sleep yet. What? Yang Mings watch projected a three-dimensional image, showing a bustling street scene, with seven or eight black hover cars surrounding those three bulletproof hover cars, attempting to force them off the normal road. In the air appeared a red dot, a small spacecraft slowly descending. Yang Ming instantly sat up, Is there a show to watch? Boss, Lyu said, the military seems unaware that Her Highness is in the car, and if the military uses extreme measures to destroy the fake Talisha, Her Highness will be affected the probability of this happening is increasing. Yang Ming asked, What would happen if this Fourth Princess, who has nothing to do with me, dies? According to the model prediction, if the military directly kills a royal member, it will cause the other royal members to panic, and the immense dissatisfaction towards the military will turn into fear, thus causing a turmoil significant enough to tear apart this country. Lyu hummed softly, As your chief advisor, I must remind you that we have not yet entered the game and will not gain enough benefits from such turmoil. If the powder keg explodes now, we will become complete outsiders. You are the decision-maker, I only provide information and opinions. Yang Mings eyes flickered constantly. He needed a planet. This civilization assessment was very important to him. Seemed like he had made up his mind, and he said softly, Lyu, looks like I need a script now. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What? Lyu did not understand. Yang Ming smiled slightly, his eyes full of light. A clichd damsel in distress. Chapter 86 - 86: This plan is really too brutal. Chapter 86: This plan is really too brutal. sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ` Gudun Mah, this old fellow, was truly audacious. He actually planned to use warships to attack vehicles traveling on the ground in the most central planet, in the most central city of the Luofeng Empire. Yang Ming felt a bit fortunate now. Fortunate that Gudun Mah initially underestimated him, giving him the opportunity to directly confront this old man, and he did not give the old man a chance to resist. Facts proved that the protective shield by the table and the mechanical guards behind him didnt have a very high safety coefficient. ... The rented luxury hovercraft sped along the roadside. Yang Ming gripped the square steering wheel with one hand while the other continuously slid over the three-dimensional map beside him. The three bulletproof cars hiding the Fourth Princess had already been swept up by military vehicles, forced into the city rings fast lane, trying to shake off their pursuers. The passengers in those three bulletproof cars hadnt noticed the attack airship hovering above. The air-to-ground attack was poised to strike. Lyu, analyze the probability of the military taking direct action. Ninety percent, Lyu murmured, unless Her Highness the Princess reveals her identity directly. But the Princesss side is not aware of the real danger. The reason she hides and doesnt show herself is because the palaces rules do not allow her to leave the palace at will. Yang Ming said, Then the military might claim this is a beheading operation against rebel terrorists? Most likely, Lyu replied, The fake Talishas free activities have angered the military. This is a game between the royal family and the military. This operation is supervised by Gudun Mah, with the Defense Minister of the Luofeng Empire and an ostensibly retired old general at the helm. This Fourth Princess is indeed somewhat reckless. Yang Ming stomped on the accelerator, and the hovercraft surged forward. He had just confirmed Luofeng Empires laws. The cost of speeding was different degrees of fines. Todays hovercrafts all had safety systems. The traffic lanes within the three-dimensional pipelines allowed vertical dodging, and fatal traffic accidents were rare, so the related laws had been appropriately relaxed. The hovercraft soon reached the speed limit of the road section, and Yang Ming entered the fast lane a few intersections ahead. The speed soared again, and the pushback sensation exhilarated Yang Mings spirits. Lyu, tell me, Yang Ming whispered, if I save the Fourth Princess, whats the probability that shell fall for me? Lyu laughed softly, Boss, is that how you aim to achieve it? I want a planet, preferably within three years. I need two years to manage it, Yang Ming spoke gently, I must take some shortcuts. The plan is feasible, Lyu hummed for a while, but its quite beastly. Hey! Yang Ming scolded, How is that beastly? As long as I can establish a foothold smoothly, Ill give her political capital in return! Its a win-win cooperation! Lyus voice suddenly sounded a bit urgent, The attack ship is ready to lock on. They have received authorization to open fire at will. Should we alert the convoy? Cant we directly stop Gudun Mah? Boss, Gudun Mah doesnt have direct intervention rights temporarily. You can send him a message now or directly hack into the ship. But because there are other senior military officials aboard, its very likely to expose our intelligence. You drive that car! Yang Ming instructed, Avoid the aerial attackcan you do it? This approach isnt bad, Lyu chuckled softly, Boss always comes up with some ideas I cant think of. Lyu said, I have taken control of the opponents vehicle and will intervene in driving when opportune. Activate the flexible response privileges. The primary priority for this event is to ensure the safety of this Fourth Princesss life. The Luofeng Empire, this powder keg, cannot explode yet. My rescue mission takes secondary priority. Set. The Feinan transmission device is on standby at any time. On standby. We should have a formal encounter with the Wind Army. Yang Ming calmly took out tactical sunglasses, and a series of data immediately appeared in his view. The hovercraft overtook car after car, soon exceeding the redline of the road sections speed limit, charging directly toward the convoys whose taillights were already visible in the distance. Gudun Mahs thoughts were not on the projection screen before him. As a military figure with actual authority stationed at the outskirts of Head Star, Gudun Mah didnt appreciate others exerting remote control on his turf. However, that old manhis mentor and guide, the key figure who enabled him to reach his current positionhad made a request he couldnt refuse. Although this old fellow had now hidden away at the border of the Luofeng Empire, claiming he wanted to die of old age amidst Luofengs most powerful fleet, he was actually aiming to maintain a firm grip there and prepare for a quick escape from Luofeng at any time. Similarly, this old fellow was also the shield behind them. As long as he remained standing, what they had to consider was whose interests to sacrifice in certain events. The projection screen displayed a perspective captured by the airship. The three vehicles below were not palace cars, giving them a reason to strike. They had to make their stance clear through this incident. If the royal family wished to maintain the current peace, the military was willing to continue their loyalty; if they wanted to make each other uncomfortable, they would prove to the Sherman Empire and the New Federation, who actually controlled this country, that the military was more valuable than a decaying royal family. If killing a maid stepping out from the palace was not enough, they would kill another one. The crocodile had to appropriately express its anger. The small attack ship, shaped like a bald eagle, continually closed in on the traffic pipeline below. It had reached a distance where it could fire on the ground, resolving everything with only simple laser weapons, making it unnecessary to use the ion main cannon on the small attack ship. Its time to attack. Gudun Mah reminded. Lets not rush, the old mans voice sounded, the royal family usually responds slowly. We must ensure they know about this matter and proceed with the bombing right before their eyes. ` Chapter 87 - 87: 053 This plan is really too beastly_2 Chapter 87: 053 This plan is really too beastly_2 ` Gudun Mah remained silent, refraining from further speech. The minister of defense, as fat as a pig, asked slowly, Teacher, should we verify whos in that hovercar? The old man laughed, Just the royal familys minions. We help His Majesty trim his nails, do we need to ask for direct instructions from His Majesty? Gudun Mah ignored them, looking at the electronic document displayed on the table, once again falling into silence. The operation of 026 unexpectedly failed, and the process of the failure was detailed in this document, described from multiple perspectives. ... Gudun Mah carefully analyzed it again. The initial failure was not the fault of that delicate young girl, she had tried her best to act, but the opponent, being a senior agent, maintained sufficient vigilance. These kinds of people are the hardest to deal with. Gudun Mah continued to think. If he couldnt use the addiction agent to counter Yang Ming, he would be completely passive from now on, becoming a dog under Yang Ming, the kind that could be discarded at any time after use. This was not good. A few unexpected situations, a slightly younger voice sounded, it was a staff officer the defense minister had recently been cultivating. Gudun Mah looked up, and the nearly static image on the projection screen changed. A hovercar appeared behind the convoy, rapidly closing in. The staff officer quickly said, Our attack ship suddenly encountered electromagnetic interference, unable to determine the source of the interference, and the locking system had some problems! Electromagnetic interference? Gudun Mah suddenly thought of the detailed report he obtained after meeting with that man. Could this be On the projection screen, the target hovercar suddenly rose, like a black fish leaping out of the water. The so-called expressways were actually large-diameter flat tubes. The target hovercar almost crashed directly into the top of the tube! Gudun Mahs eyelids twitched slightly. The target hovercar leveled its body and accelerated forward, rushing out against the tops of several hovercars below, directly ignoring the speed limit rules of the hovercar itself! Woo The hovercar following from behind, crossed over the convoy along almost the same trajectory, directly pursuing ahead! Gudun Mahs breathing became a bit rapid. He couldnt see the driver of the car behind, but at that moment, a strong intuition told him that was Yang Ming! Attack mode for the airship, press down at full speed. The minister of defenses voice was cold, Issue a military bulletin, the fifth head of the rebels has been discovered, the military is making every effort to intercept, if the interception fails, destructive strikes will be carried out on its vehicle to protect the safety of our Luofeng Empires citizens! Yes! The flagship command room where the minister of defense was located immediately entered a tense state of combat readiness. Gudun Mahs eyes flickered. He couldnt let anything happen to Yang Ming. Lyu, let me hear what theyre saying. Sure, boss hows my driving skill? Yang Ming smiled, Second only to me. Thats not much of an achievement, Lyu snorted softly, Replanning the route, continue driving for half a minute, and well reach a long tunnel to satisfy the second priority target. Now connecting to the situation inside the other car boss, should I lower the volume? No need. Ah A sudden scream pierced through the cars speakers, nearly causing Yang Ming to lose his grip on the steering wheel. The background noise was very noisy, Your Highness! This car is out of my control! I cant move the steering wheel! Are we going to die? Your Highness! Are we going to die too? We need to reveal our identities to them! Shut up! Calm down! A clear female voice sounded, If I reveal my identity, it will become a royal scandal, laughed at by the public, and further aggravate the current tense atmosphere! They must be trying to seize the fake Talisha! Yang Ming raised an eyebrow. This princess was not bad, just a bit naive in her thinking. The other party was not trying to seize, but to directly kill. The three women next to her continued shouting, Your Highness, a scandal is better than losing our lives! My God, Ive never felt so stimulated in my life, my heart is about to jump out. Three hundred yards! Our car speed is racing to three hundred yards! Calm down! The voice of the Fourth Princess of Luofeng carried a hint of helplessness, Does this car have ejection seats? No, your Highness, this is not your car. The princess did not seem as calm inside as her voice suggested. Yang Ming said softly, Lyu, let them know the danger coming from above. Sure, boss, just need to open the top cover. Before Lyus voice fell, the upper part of the forward hovercar turned transparent, and a woman through the car roof glass, through the outer transparent tube, discovered a small attack ship approaching in the sky. Your, your Highness! A warship! Theres a warship above us! What? The Fourth Princesss voice finally panicked, Are they going to kill me? Your Highness, they want to kill me! They want to kill anyone resembling Talisha, our plan was too aggressive! Contact my Second Brother. Next was several seconds of busy tones. The Second Prince must be indulging a maid now, he cant be reached for voice calls! Dont we have emergency communication? You were not permitted to leave the palace, so no emergency communication equipment was assigned! The Fourth Princess remained silent for two seconds. Find a way to stop the car, I want to go outside, stand within their line of sight, she said firmly, this is the only way to stop the military, they dont dare to directly lay hands on a royal family member, otherwise Father and the others will have a strong sense of crisis. They wouldnt dare kill me. Yang Ming slightly raised an eyebrow. This girls thinking was quite good. Unfortunately But Princess, the hovercar is now out of our control! Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Fourth Princess tightly bit her lips. Suddenly, a beam of laser light cut through the sky, instantly burning through the traffic tube, almost grazing the hovercar as it fell. There were more screams from the women. Yang Ming silently turned down the volume of the sound system. Both hovercars accelerated at the same time, with the police sirens of patrol drones already sounded from behind. The attack ship in the sky began continuous firing, many vehicles in the two pipes on the sides recorded the scene. The military control broadcast was carrying out full-band announcements in this area. That tunnel appeared ahead! The attack ship was getting impatient, and the main cannon began to charge. A countdown appeared in Yang Mings mind; when it hit zero, a beam of purple high-energy particles smashed down, quickly forming an ionized cloud in the air, and a section of the tube exploded into pieces. But the two hovercars charged into the tunnel one after the other. The two hovercars braked fiercely and stopped in sync on the emergency lane. Yang Ming immediately pushed open the car door and rushed out, yanking open the rear door of the car in front without saying a word. Just as he was about to speak, he paused in surprise. There were two women in the back seat more accurately, one woman plus a, a girl. The fake Talisha could be skipped over directly. This blonde-haired, twin ponytails girl with a cute face, just starting to develop a figure, looking at most twelve or thirteen years old, was the Fourth Princess of Luofeng? This is too beastly. Several lines of black appeared on Yang Mings forehead. This crafty Lyu definitely did not remind him on purpose! Yang Ming quietly shut the car door, turned to leave. This young Fourth Princess would need at least ten years of cultivation to provide any political reward. Yang Ming couldnt wait ten years; the first assessment would take place in five years. If he couldnt acquire the legacy of this high-dimensional civilization, he wouldnt have the chance to build a powerful legion on his own, let alone save his relatives and friends. One day if Valkyrie came knocking, Yang Ming wouldnt even be able to produce a main cannon with a hundred-meter diameter to greet her. As long as the Fourth Princess stood there later, the military probably wouldnt dare to act against her, so there was no need for him to assist. It was a white-knuckle run. Plus, it had increased the cost of exposure. Yet, the car door was pushed open by the girl inside. Big, big brother! Can you help me! There are bad people chasing me! Yang Ming halted, turning his gaze slightly. If she held a stuffed doll and wore a white dress, he might nod in agreement. But now Yang Ming leaned against the hood of the hovercar, took out an e-cigarette, and slowly exhaled a smoke ring. My price isnt low. I have money! The girl hurriedly said, I have lots of money! Yang Ming gently blinked his right eye. ` Chapter 88 - 88: 054 General Social Etiquette Chapter 88: 054 General Social Etiquette ` She was extorted. Emilia Moon was now absolutely certain that she had been extorted by this man named Yang Ming! He even siphoned off the equivalent of one million Federation Coins from her private vault in Wind Coins! Moreover, Princess Emilia now had to endure this shameless mans flirtation with her maid, while she could only sit squeezed between the guards and the living officer, wearing sunglasses, resting her chin on her hand, and remaining silent. What a dreadful adventure outside the palace. ... The floating car headed toward the center of Ilando City. The scene of the incident was already in chaos. The attack ship hadnt attacked the other two bulletproof cars. After Yang Ming picked up Emilia and the other three, he had Lyu use an anonymous information channel to send the news of the Fourth Princess being with the fake Talisha to Gudun Mah. Gudun Mah immediately ordered the small attack ship to stop, forced the other two bulletproof cars to a halt, and captured eight Royal Guards from them. Through interrogation, they confirmed the accuracy of this anonymous message. This terrified Gudun Mah and the other two military bigshots, causing them to break out in a cold sweat. They had nearly ignited a civil war in this nation! A new problem followed. Where had the Fourth Princess gone? The military found the empty bulletproof car in the emergency lane of the tunnel, with the Fourth Princess and her accompanying maid (the fake Talisha), living officer, and female guard all gone. Gudun Mah stared at the videos transmitted from the scene, lost in thought. Was this Yang Mings purpose for coming? Did the New Federation intend to gradually seize the entire Luofeng Empire by manipulating the Fourth Princess? Or was it that the New Federation didnt want to see the Luofeng Empire fall into civil war and so sent Yang Ming to prevent this foolish act? Gudun Mah analyzed it in a meticulous and methodical manner. He was somewhat bewildered by the New Federations intentions. In the past decade or so, the New Federation had always wanted to instigate a revolution in the Luofeng Empire, overthrow or marginalize the Wind royal family, using the slogan of freedom as cover to turn the place into their actual colony, simultaneously striking at the Sherman Empires peripheral forces. Gudun Mah couldnt help but suspect that his mentor, the wise and deeply strategic old fox, had deliberately refrained from verifying who was on the floating car and instead had issued the attack order directly. If that were the case, what plans should he make for himself? Gudun Mah kept pondering. Sir! A captains avatar appeared in the corner of the projection screen, reporting quickly, The Royal Household has sent a reply, requesting us not to disclose the Fourth Princesss outing. The Fourth Princess merely went out for some fun, to see the grandeur of the Empire. The military attack ships mistake in locking onto the Fourth Princesss car has been conveyed to the Emperor. Also, the Royal Guards have gone out to look for the Fourth Princess, and military operations on the surface should cease immediately. Gudun Mah nodded, Follow their directive. Reply that the defense corps on the Head Star await the Emperors command. Yes! The captains avatar disappeared. Gudun Mah leaned back in his seat, letting out a gentle sigh, feeling it necessary to seek an audience with the Emperor soon. Yang Ming, what do you really want? Mr. Yang Ming, may I ask you a question? Inside the slowly moving floating car. Yang Ming, who was humming a tune, was interrupted by the inquiring voice from the back. The young Princess Emilia had already pushed her sunglasses up to her forehead, gazing at Yang Ming with her bright eyes. Taking money in exchange for eliminating troubles. Yang Ming replied with a smile, Of course, my employer. Emilia asked softly, Why didnt they scan our floating car? I used a little technical trick, Yang Ming said warmly, Over the years, with the continuous development of high technology, people have increasingly relied on machines, believing the results they see through them. However, when you have a technological advantage, machines are even easier to deceive than humans. Emilia blinked, So, do you possess such a technological advantage? Of course, Yang Ming laughed, Im a businessman; what businessmen love most is exploiting opportunities, going on adventures, developing some new technologies. Ordinary businessmen would not have the means to remotely control my vehicle. Emilias gaze became incredibly sharp, showing a maturity beyond her years. She continued speaking: You were monitoring us, werent you? When we left the hotel, you knew I was in the car and then followed us, trying to do somethingis that right? Yang Ming frowned secretly. Sar?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Was this young girl so hard to fool? However, she was ultimately just a girl maturing too fast under royal pressure. Well, since you want to know, its not some unmentionable past. I only recently became a businessman. Yang Ming recalled his past when he played Abyss. That was the time he remembered as the most carefree days. Yang Ming spoke leisurely, Before being persuaded by Uncle Haton to help manage the business, I had a passionate sailing period. I sailed my ship with a few like-minded friends, exploring the hidden corners of the Milky Way, searching for legendary civilization relics, dealing with space pirates, buying supplies on the black market, and battling fiercely with powerful mechanical life and genetically modified lifeforms. Occasionally, we would join battles between legions as mercenaries, taking small flyboats that would shatter upon contact with a main cannon, swarming like locusts into their tails, then drawing our Light Swords and simple Mechas, engaging the Protection Shield, fighting the enemies head-on. ` Chapter 89 - 89: 054 General Social Etiquette_2 Chapter 89: 054 General Social Etiquette_2 ` Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a predicament, encountering troubles. Partners might argue, differences arise, old friends leave, new friends arrive, and then we embark on the next grand intergalactic voyage You could say I used to be a bounty hunter. The fake Talisha, along with the female bodyguard and living officer beside Emilia, looked at Yang Ming with admiration. Bounty hunter? Emilias eyes sparkled. She asked softly, A mercenary who does anything for money? ... Yang Ming: Actually, they werent just in it for the money; in the game, it was also about gaining experience points, skill books, valuable resources, fulfilling collecting hobbies, and so on. Yes, Yang Ming said calmly, but Ive quit that line of work, now learning business from my uncle. Emilia asked softly, Why? Your curiosity is a bit too much, Yang Ming replied slowly, Some rather unpleasant things happened. The living officer was a beautiful woman, appearing to be under thirty, exuding a strong feminine charm. She said softly, Your Highness, if the other party has citizenship recognized by another country and no criminal record, we shouldnt pry into their privacy. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?Ϧ?.?? I understand, Emilia said softly, I just think his fees are too high. Yang Ming laughed, Thats because youre worth it. So, where should I take you? Directly near the palace? Im afraid not, Emilia said, Can I hide out at your place for a bit? If the guards or military arrest me now, these three will face a three-to-five-year sentence. The three women traveling with her immediately revealed bitter smiles. Yang Ming asked, Do you have any ideas to prevent that from happening? I want them to pretend to have found me actively, Emilia said, That way they can redeem themselves, and I also need to contact my second brother in advance to pressure the interior officials. Plus, I want to see how things develop if I go missing, putting some pressure on my father and brothers. Yang Ming slightly frowned, The place I live is the hotel you visited earlier. As long as you appear in public, you cant escape the ubiquitous surveillance. I can solve this problem The beautiful living officer interrupted Yang Ming, her face showing a hint of embarrassment as she said softly, Im a super core member of that hotel, theres a secret passage available, absolutely no surveillance. I can even book a room no one would know about. Oh, Yang Ming raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with the living officer through the rearview mirror. Emilia puzzled, Why do you have a super core membership there? Do you often go? Your Highness Im a mentally and physically healthy single woman Huh? Emilia tilted her head. Yang Ming laughed, Children shouldnt ask too much. Youll understand the social etiquette among the nobility when you grow up. Emilia slightly pouted. Im not a noble, just an ordinary professional woman, Mr. Bounty Hunter, the living officer retorted, then started to focus on the booking. Yang Ming twitched his nose slightly. He sensed a hint of springtime in the air. The disappearance of the Fourth Princess caused a minor panic in Ilando City. It was minor because ordinary citizens didnt feel anything, continuing with their jobs and entertainment as usual. The panic was mainly among insiders in the military and forces controlled by the royal family. The royal family worried that the military might have seized the adorable little princess, the apple of the emperors eye. The military feared the royal family would feel threatened, leading to a direct confrontation. No news came out of the emperors study. The three princes soon received the information, the Second Prince sent his trusted guards to join the search for Emilia. Vehicles with gold-trimmed license plates raced everywhere; Men and women in branded uniform coats set up inspections at various intersections. Small spacecraft were stationed at the citys edges. Gudun Mah, controlling the military forces around the Head Star, urgently landed on the surface, entered the Imperial Palace to apologize to the Emperor, and shifted responsibility for the previous mislocked incident onto false intelligence released by external spies. However, amidst this stormy situation, Kolev was awakened by Yang Mings call. At his hotel room door, he received two large boxes of takeout delicacies from room service. Kolev couldnt help but mutter, What kind of mischief is my troublesome nephew up to? A few minutes later, Lyu turned off the hallway surveillance near the starlight suite. Kolev sauntered out with the two takeout boxes, and following Lyus guidance, entered the elevator at the end of the hallway, feeling around what seemed just a metal panel at the back, successfully activating another elevator panel. Oh, theres really a thirty-fifth floor? The old pirate quickly understood what was happening. Upon arriving at the thirty-fifth floor, Kolev saw before him a dozen forks in the path. He entered the third one on the left, reaching a place with what appeared to be rather valuable artwork, found the hidden code lock, and under Lyus guidance, opened the secret door concealed by the artwork. Wow, it really is a secret suite. Kolev squinted, smiling, though the smile soon froze a little. In the suite, he saw Yang Ming, the fake Talisha, and two young women. The old pirate scrutinized Yang Ming with a judgmental gaze, My dear nephew, you should take care of your health. Yang Ming shrugged, Im quite robust. I used to think that too, Kolev set the takeout aside, walked to the doorframe where Yang Ming stood, glanced inside instinctively, then frowned a little deeper. Kolev whispered, Dont tell me Hey, not even I in my day would ever engage in such unethical behavior! Yang Ming said calmly, Uncle Haton, this is the Fourth Princess of the Wind Empire, Emilia, and over here are her maid, living officer, and female bodyguard. Oh, this Kolev rubbed his temples, Fine, tell me what happened after I wake up; I must be dreaming right now. Yang Ming turned his head and called, Your Highness, your childrens meal is here. I ordered a regular meal! Emilia muttered, while the living officer had already started unwrapping the food. Kolev pulled Yang Ming aside to mutter in a corner. Yang Ming briefly explained that he had accidentally saved Emilia and, in front of the other four people, swore that he definitely hadnt stirred up any trouble. Kolev shook his head, In that case, you should return to your room to rest; if the reputation of a nations princess is tarnished, quite dreadful things could occur. Im already planning to return. Emilia put down her fries, called her living officer over, and whispered a few words. The living officer nodded slightly, then said softly, Rest assured, Ill express gratitude on your behalf, personally see him off later, and invite this gentleman for a cup of coffee. Skip the coffee, Yang Ming laughed, You better not go out, its easy to be exposed. Despite his words, the living officer insisted on escorting Yang Ming and Kolev out of the hidden suite, gently closing the painting door. You can just see us off to here, Kolev said softly. The living officer smiled and nodded, then moved to the next painting and winked at Yang Ming. Yang Ming received the signal. After sending Kolev back to the starlight suite, Yang Ming took the hidden elevator again, returning to the thirty-fifth floor, and stood in front of the painting where the living officer had last stood. The painting wall slowly slid open, revealing a fair hand that grasped Yang Mings collar, gently pulling him into the newly opened suite. The dim lighting in the room reflected the beauty before him, igniting a warm rush in Yang Mings heart. The two figures came together like magnets. On the bedside table, the electric drawer opened automatically, revealing a box of contraceptives. This is a reward, she whispered lightly in Yang Mings ear. From the Empire? No, a personal reward for my own warrior. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ha, yawn. Emilia yawned, hugging a pillow on the bed, muttering, Why hasnt the living officer returned, its been two hours since she left. Shes engaging in social activities, the fake Talisha said softly, Your Highness should sleep, do you want me to tell you a story? Ive grown up, and Im trying to help our country, I dont need just tell me the story of Little Bear Gulu Gulu Okay, Your Highness, sleep peacefully. ` Chapter 90 - 90: 055 Face the Gale! Chapter 90: 055 Face the Gale! ` As the morning sunlight streamed in through the window, Yang Ming, exhausted from the night, opened his eyes. He instinctively patted the pillow beside him, remembering that he returned to his own suite last night and didnt linger in the gentle embrace for long. How do you feel, boss? Lyus sneaky voice piped up beside him. Yang Mings expression was quite indescribable. ... A few beams of light intertwined from his watch, and Lyu cheerfully emerged, staring at the pensive Yang Ming, wondering, Why do you feel disappointed, boss? Based on my observations of the human species, your performance last night, if not unparalleled, was at least outstanding. Yang Ming sighed deeply. That sister knew more than I did. Lyu generated a few question marks above her head to express her misunderstanding of this subtle feeling. She complained, Boss, if you want to indulge in your desires in the future, please consider the increased workload for your assistant. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?Ϧ??.? Your biological information cannot be leaked casually. Although you took protective measures and used the machine that hardens the skin to prevent flake shedding, its still not foolproof. I need to monitor the target closely for more than a month. Yang Ming cleared his throat, Alright, lets not discuss topics unrelated to business. Did they return? Yes, boss, said Lyu softly. The princesss mental endurance is very limited. When pressure from all sides accelerated to swell, she quickly couldnt hold on anymore. Last night, she hastily staged a scene with three trusted people finding her, blaming everything on her desire to see an opera. What about the lady-in-waiting, the guards, and the fake Talisha? Temporarily safe, Lyu said softly. And the militarys reaction? Quite interesting, Lyu said in a lighthearted tone. Most of the militarys top brass want to maintain the status quo. Gudun Mah made a late-night audience with the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire, and although the two merely had a simple cup of tea, the signal released to the outside world was one of military submission to the royal family. This was also a tiny initiative the princess secured for the royal family in her brash action. The Emperor didnt blame the princess, instead consoled her with a few words, only telling her not to go out casually. The lady-in-waiting and guards were warned, and the fake Talisha was transferred to serve the First Prince, likely becoming a bargaining chip in the princes negotiations with the military. Yang Ming pondered for a moment. He wouldnt let a mere one-night stand sway his judgment of the situation. Thankfully, I have foresight, Yang Ming chuckled, we made a total of one and a half million from the princess! The usual plan? Yeah, the usual plan. A million to invest in the New Federations stock market and fifty thousand as a reserve fund, Yang Ming said coolly, the factory costs can be handed over to Kolev. Boss, your move to fleece your subordinates is simply to my liking. Yang Ming exchanged a glance with Lyu and then chuckled softly. Everything they planned next would cost money. Developing the administrative star and assembling a powerful fleetall required astronomical figures, and they had to learn to reduce costs from the start. But, boss, Lyu asked softly, what do you think of this princess? Specifically? Potential, leadership qualities, things like that. Yang Ming adjusted his collar in front of the mirror, thought for a while, and said slowly, I understand what you mean, Lyu. After the first test, well have a second, a third. If we can control the Luofeng Empire entirely in the future, there will be tremendous advantages. Yes, boss. Lyu, human hearts are treacherous, human nature like a beast hiding in the darkness, ready to show its fangs. The princess is full of uncertainties. Yang Ming smiled, continuing, At this stage, trying to seize a planet is already very difficult, not to mention running such a massive regime. Lets first stand firm on the first step. Okay, boss, Ive devised two plan routes based on the current situation in the Luofeng Empire. A screenshot appeared on Yang Mings watch. The first route: Military merit. Rising rapidly in the Luofeng Empires army, taking advantage of Gudun Mahs convenience. The advantage is a quick promotion, as long as there is money and connections. The disadvantage is needing to muddy along with the military, likely having to dirty ones hands. The second route: Royal family. Approach the Second Prince, who lacks ambition, through the princess, then find a way onto the official career path. The advantage is a possibly quicker effect, while maintaining high-frequency noble social interactions. The disadvantage is being prone to getting caught between various forces. Yang Ming pondered deeply for a moment, speaking slowly, How about finding a way to enter the military from the royal family? Lyu was a bit puzzled, But, the royal family and the military are opposing forces right now. Indeed, Yang Ming said warmly, but the royal familys most urgent matter now is probably reclaiming military power. If we get involved in this process, it will offer us more opportunities. Lyu, your study of strategy is still lacking. Lyu remained silent for a moment, It all depends on your performance. What we need to do now is just wait. Yang Ming did a chest expansion exercise, feeling that his physical fitness was slightly declining from not working out these days. He casually tapped, and a hidden interface in the projection screen before him appeared, with a dark red box popping up. This was his personally designed attribute board. ID: 0000000001 Character Name: Yang Ming Title: High-dimensional Ancient Relic Cadet, Subordinate Ancient God Life Form, Wanderer Occupation: Genetically Modified Enhanced Warrior Comprehensive Strength Assessment: C (For reference: Valkyries first-phase status is B) Potential Threat Level: Ship Destruction Level (Squad Level, Team Level, Ship Destruction Level, Legion Level, Planet Level, Dreadnought Level, Constant Star Level, Divine Envoy Level, Star Cluster Level, Cosmic Level.) Below the comprehensive strength assessment, there were various attributes such as strength, agility, and maximum speed. It included an equipment section, and all enemy defense equipment such as the Light Sword and Light Shield had been meticulously graded by Lyu. Without this thing, Yang Ming always felt like something was missing. Later, any improvements in his indices would be recorded and updated by Lyu. As for that potential threat level, it was outright copied from Abyss. The potential index for Valkyrie was at the Planet Level. Yang Ming estimated that his current potential was at most at the Legion Level. Sarch* The N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Three high-ranking Thought Bodies claiming to be of secondary civilization, the Patroller, the Grave Keeper, and the Examiner, had once given Yang Ming some hints. After passing the first phase of trials, Yang Ming could choose the type of technology he wanted to undertake, including the technological accumulation in the direction of gene fusion. As long as Yang Ming could obtain new Ancient God Cells, absorb and digest these technological accumulations, and develop genuinely usable instruments, it would be completely possible to enhance his potential further and transform himself into a humanoid Ancient God. In short, in terms of personal strength, there was a bright future ahead. So far, the benefits Yang Ming had reaped through this strength were too many to count. Whiz! Yang Ming closed his personal panel, smiling as he looked at the scenery outside the window. Today will probably be another day of property viewing. Boss, Lyu chuckled, that guy is here again. 026? Yes, boss, Lyu chuckled, theyve prepared an entirely new script; it seems they want to stick with the persona of the rich young lady. Yang Mings expression was somewhat peculiar. He shook his head, Dont bother with such trivial matters, keep an eye on the royal family and the military. As for Gudun Mah, I still need to find an opportunity to deal with him. Okay, boss, remember the safety measures, hehe. Screw you. Kolev found Yang Ming in the cafeteria, rushing up with a spring in his step and blinking several times at Yang Ming. Did that one leave? She left, Yang Ming smiled, Uncle, what do you want to eat? Ill go get it for you. Oh, no need, Ill just grab something casually, Kolev said, casually picking up the knife and fork next to Yang Ming, beginning to share Yang Mings simple breakfast. The old man mumbled, See, I said it was a dream. Yang Ming raised his eyebrows but didnt explain further. We have to continue checking site locations for the factory today, Kolev said, but in the afternoon, we need to come back early; Ive scheduled an afternoon tea with two ladies. Yang Ming suspiciously glanced at Kolevs old waist. Kolev glared at Yang Ming, Dont overthink, Im old. If my daughter finds out about this, shell go to her mothers grave to lay flowers again. Haha, Yang Ming wondered, did she really do that? More than once, Kolev spread his hands, even though shes my daughter, I have to admit, at times, her desire for control is a bit overbearing. Several suit-clad bodyguards at the door burst in despite the waitstaffs attempts to stop them. A slightly petite figure pressed on their heels, striding quickly towards Yang Ming and Kolev with high heels and a thin strap shoulder bag, a flurry of motion drawing attention from many guests. This was a young girl with a near-perfect figure, elegant makeup, flowing long hair, and slim legs, meeting all the current beauty trends. When men developed an interest in her figure, just a glance at her pure, sweet round face would incite a faint feeling of guilt. Kolev looked up, reminding Yang Ming, Is she looking for you? Yang Ming slowly looked up, somewhat puzzled. 026 bit her lip, a few traces of anger on her faceclearly, her acting had improved compared to yesterday. Hello, is something the matter? Yang Ming asked softly, continuing to fiddle with his utensils. She grabbed her bag and slammed it into Yang Mings chest. There wasnt much force behind the designer bag, seemingly purely an emotional release Face the wind! Instinctively, Yang Ming swung his right arm, the back of his hand snapping against the bag and sending it flying back with several times the speed! Bang! 026 was hit by the returning bag, staggering backward and landing flat on her backside, momentarily dizzy, a large red mark appearing on her forehead, and tears quickly forming at the corners of her eyes. Yang Ming hadnt meant for his reflexive action to be so harsh. Two thoughts flashed through his mind: he saw this potentially as an opportunity, so he quickly stood up, somewhat tensely leaning in to check on her. Are you alright? I didnt expect such a perfect setup, Im a handball player Oh, Im terribly sorry, I think we should go to the hospital! Hospital? 026 immediately became alert. She endured the searing pain and quickly shook her head. If she went to the hospital, even a simple blood test would expose the drugs she used! But Yang Ming pressed on, We must go to the hospital to have it looked at, madam. To express my remorse, I will cover all your expenses. Obviously, his conversation with 026 was relayed to Karmis ears through a bug on 026s button. The bodyguards were already rushing forward, shouting at Yang Ming. Let go of our young lady! You scoundrel! What have you done to our young lady! Was Karmi trying to reel in 026? Yang Ming laughed inwardly, quietly asking, Theyre your bodyguards, not undercover police, right? Y-yes, 026 said pitifully, red forehead and all. Yang Ming stood up, calmly taking off his suit jacket and tossing it onto an empty chair next to Kolev. Dressed in gray suit pants and a gray vest, he looked even more upright. Yang Ming flexed his wrist and neck. Kolev immediately displayed an excited expression, shoving a sausage into his mouth. The bodyguards exchanged glances. Yang Ming beckoned with a finger, smiling, I cant stand people yelling at me, especially some domesticated attack dogs. The bodyguards were instantly infuriated, clenching their fists and charging forward. 026 instinctively covered her mouth. But Yang Ming had already moved nimbly, landing a simple knee strike to the abdomen of the foremost bodyguard. The motion was natural and smooth, holding back a lot of his strength. ` Chapter 91 - 91: 056 Hello, Gudun Mah Chapter 91: 056 Hello, Gudun Mah ` Fighting in public is really boring. Yang Ming slowly wiped his palm, watching the few men lying on the ground moaning. The impulse to brawl that had been churning earlier finally subsided. To avoid drawing too much attention, he had taken a few punches on purpose as well. Uncle, Yang Ming said with a smile, help me cover the medical bills and send away the police who will be arriving soon. Ill take this lady to the hospital. ... Kolev shrugged, Leave the aftermath to me. Its the fate of old people to clean up after the young. Yang Ming squinted with a smile and turned to look at 026 behind him, suddenly noticing her tearful eyes. She looked quite pretty. Perhaps it was because Yang Mings gaze still held a hint of fierceness that 026 shivered and dared not meet his eyes. Yang Ming walked over voluntarily and crouched in front of her. Do you need help getting up? 026 shook her head, then quickly nodded. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ???. Yang Ming almost laughed aloud, dismissing the idea of picking her up directly. A gentleman holds to a gentlemans ways. Moments later, Yang Ming was driving a newly rented hover car slowly along the main road outside the hotel. Due to last nights speeding, the previous hover car already had a record, and although Lyu erased the traces from the municipal network, it was still somewhat riskysomeone might have taken a photo. Through Lyus manipulative operations, the car was successfully returned to the rental company, and Yang Ming rented a more luxurious car. After resting for a while in the passenger seat, 026 gradually calmed down. She took a few deep breaths, looking at Yang Ming with her red, pitiful eyes. Im Im really fine, really dont need to go to the hospital. Thats not possible, Yang Ming said, identifying the road signs ahead and passing by several police cars with a whoosh, I inadvertently harmed a lovely lady, which is a great sin for me. 026 couldnt help but say, They might need the hospital more. Yang Ming laughed, I was brawling with them. Theres no reason to send them to the hospital. But youre different, 026. 026 suddenly stiffened, her pupils slightly contracting; she quickly turned to stare at Yang Ming, only to see his calm profile. His chiseled jawline was both sharp and full of intense masculine strength. Yang Ming, looking ahead, spoke softly, Whats your name now? Are you still using your real name, Monifa? 026 raised her hand to undo the seatbelt. But her hands were trembling. Then Ill continue to call you by your number, Yang Ming said calmly, Dont worry, 026, I dont mean harm to you; I understand your difficult situation. A powerful general has Karmi training you. You were originally going to serve the Third Prince, correct? Answer me; we need to communicate. Let me go, can I? I I dont know anything I wont harm you, Yang Ming opened the mini-fridge in the central control area, handing her a bottle of water, To me, you pose no threat. 026 was so nervous her breathing was almost labored. She didnt even know how she finished the bottle of water, or how many blocks they drove around. Yang Ming gave her ample time to calm down and see the situation clearly. Feeling better? Yang Ming asked. Yes, 026 sniffed, turning to look at Yang Ming with incredibly complex eyes. To her feeling, the man driving next to her seemed like a master of fate. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Indifferent, aloof, he nonchalantly held her ridiculous fate, tightly gripping it. Yang Ming said slowly, Im not a good person, so you dont need to see me as your savior. I have no desire to harm an unfortunate person. Answer me one question, how does Gudun Mah want you to control me? 026 didnt know her next answer was tightly connected to her immediate fate. Yang Ming had already gotten intelligence about the addiction agent. She paused for almost half a minute. Its an addiction agent, sir, 026 said softly, a type of nerve agent that provides a temporary sense of euphoria, requiring daily use twice. If we develop a close relationship, the addiction agent will make you dependent on me Sorry I didnt know how to refuse I never intended to harm anyone Yang Ming murmured, Youre lucky you told the truth. Before this, I hadnt decided how to deal with you. 026 suddenly burst into tears. She tried to hold back, but the tears fell like unstrung crystal beads. She rubbed repeatedly with the back of her hand, unable to close the floodgates in her eyes. Yang Ming reached out with his right hand, gently patting her shoulder. The hover car drove into the coastal area. He didnt head for the hospital. Outside was blue sky, white clouds, and a stretch of white sandy beach. The girl in the passenger seat kept sobbing. She stared out at the scenery, her eyes sometimes dull, sometimes sparked with light, but the spark quickly extinguished like a dying ember. She might die, perhaps. Or become a plaything for them. Or be punished with a forced withdrawal from the drug, a fate worse than death, before being sent to approach other targets. Can I get off here, sir? Yes, Yang Ming said, I know, saying to take hold of your fate might be ironic for you, and I shouldnt say it, but in the end while alive, never give up easily. Thank you. 026 said softly, pushing the car door open and standing quietly on the sidewalk for a few seconds before heading toward the nearby beach. The car door closed automatically. Yang Ming leaned back in the seat, watching 026s silhouette through the rearview mirror. Boss, Lyus voice was cold and unruffled, I must remind you, while you may alter an individuals tragedy, there are countless tragedies like this in the current society. True social progress relies on technological, intellectual, and systematic advancements. Striving to pass the assessment and engage with high-dimensional civilization can achieve such effects. Yang Ming slightly pursed his lips. Its time to have a chat with our dear deputy chief of staff, infiltrate the supply ship hes on. Boss, preparations were completed ten minutes ago. Yang Ming pulled out the folded tactical sunglasses from his coat pocket, putting them on calmly. Hello there. Gudun Mah. This was just two short days, yet Gudun Mah felt as if it spanned two Galaxy Years. Too many things had happened in these two days. Of course, compared to the tragic death of the palace maid, the true-false Talisha, the Fourth Princess leaving the palace, and the Emperors admonishment, what truly troubled Gudun Mah was only that man. The man who easily grasped all his weaknesses, leaving him no choice but to counterattack with the addiction agent. Yang Ming. 026 had already started the second action, which inexplicably made Gudun Mah anxious. He was restless, constantly calculating 026s chances of success; simultaneously, he worried that if Yang Ming saw through his plan, he might face even greater problems. Even twenty years ago, when he was trapped in the heart of the rebel forces on the Fifth Administrative Star, Gudun Mah had not felt such a degree of anxiety. He wanted to find something to stabilize his mood Click, click-click. A slight noise suddenly came from the wall behind him. It was the location of the secret door. Gudun Mah had just placed three mechanical soldiers inside as emergency self-defense forces. The secret door opened without warning. A mechanical soldier, a meter and a half tall, stepped out, its light red eyes fixed on Gudun Mah. Gudun Mah frowned. Was it an operational error? Instinctively, Gudun Mah reached for the laser gun hidden beneath the table. The mechanical soldier calmly raised its laser rifle, the safety already off. Without hesitation, it fired, the purple Light Bullet hitting the energy shield button beside Gudun Mahs hand! Gudun Mah jumped up, immediately trying to activate the alarm. If I were you, I wouldnt do something so unwise. Yang Mings voice! The voice was being transmitted through the mechanical soldiers throat speaker. Gudun Mahs movement froze mid-action. Come over here, my dear Mah. Gudun Mahs Adams apple trembled, cold sweat already appearing on his forehead. He slowly stood up straight, his lean face turning pale and bloodless. Mr. Yang Ming, please let me explain, I Come over here, come to me. The mechanical soldier beckoned. Gudun Mah took two steps forward. The mechanical soldier suddenly lifted its left foot, the foot stomping hard into Gudun Mahs abdomen, sending him flying to slam against the chair back. Gudun Mah curled up, clutching his abdomen, not daring to cry out. The only reason youre alive is that you still have value to me. The mechanical soldier slowly approached, crouching down beside Gudun Mah, one hand gripping Gudun Mahs throat. Ive been watching you. These laughable military technologies of yours are just toys to me. Mah, I want to cooperate well with you, you should understand what I mean. Gudun Mah nodded vigorously. I was thinking of sending you one of your second sons fingers, but that would be too traumatizing for a child. Theyre not innocent, are they, Mah? They owe their pleasure to you and must bear part of the sins you committed. No I beg you Gudun Mah pleaded hoarsely. You disappoint me, but I still have to give you another chance, which is the most frustrating part. The mechanical soldier threw Gudun Mah to the ground. Youll keep these three mechanical soldiers around you, wont you? Yes, Ill keep them here, you can watch me any time. You wont harm 026, and youll ensure Karmi takes care of her, right? Yes, yes, sir! I lost my head for a moment! Yang Ming controlled the mechanical soldier to nod. The mechanical soldier turned to leave. Just as Gudun Mah was about to stand up, the mechanical soldier suddenly turned, using its alloy foot to kick harshly at the center of Gudun Mahs bottom. The latter held his backside tightly, pain sweating his forehead as he gritted his teeth not to cry out. This old bastard. The mechanical soldier walked back into the secret door, coolly closing it behind. In the car, Yang Ming quietly removed the glasses, the previously somber mood dispelled, his entire being filled with energy. Boss, Lyus voice sounded, Kolev has sent a communication request, theres a situation on his end. Connect it. Hey! My dear nephew! Kolev deliberately lowered his voice, with a hint of excitement. Come back soon! Someone wants to send us a big gift! Hahaha! Its a literal gift, not that damn metaphor! Okay, Ill be right back. Yang Ming hung up the communication, started the hover cars engine. He glanced at the rearview mirror, then turned to search, finding the petite figure already reaching the beach. 026 squatted at the edge of the waves, her fingers moving unconsciously in the sand, leaving a trail of irregular circles. Lyu asked softly, Boss, make her one of our own? She holds no value. Yang Ming shook his head, decisively stepping on the accelerator. In the plan to seize the Luofeng Empire, he hadnt even secured the first step, and he had no right to squander compassion. ` Chapter 92 - 92: 057 Yang Mings First Factory Chapter 92: 057 Yang Mings First Factory You only need to sign here and pay the amount specified in our contract, then follow us to the Industrial Administration Bureau to transfer ownership, and this chemical factory will be yours. In the corner of the hotel lobby, on the sofa reserved for receiving guests. Yang Ming and Kolev leaned back in unison, their expressions nearly identical. Slightly excited. Full of doubt. How could there be such a good deal? ... One million Federation Coins to buy a fully equipped, continuously profitable chemical factory? Not to mention anything else, just the factorys business license alone is worth several million Federation Coins. And the few products it produces are indispensable catalysts in the production of Rhodium-6! Although it is only a medium-sized chemical factory, this is undoubtedly a highly lucrative deal. Uncle Haton, Yang Ming whispered to Kolev, An old ladys gift? Kolev wondered, Could there be a trap in the production patents? The professionally dressed manager reminded them with a smile: I must say, you two are extremely lucky. This factory only needs to operate for half a year to return your investment, and its located on the outskirts of Ilando City. Just six months ago, the environmental system and core production workshop were upgraded, almost eliminating the need for any maintenance investment for a decade. Yang Ming and Kolevs doubts deepened. Sign it, Uncle, Yang Ming winked at Kolev, Theres nothing wrong with this contract. Oh, Kolev murmured, Ive always wanted you to start your own venture. How about we make this deal in your name? No, no, no, Uncle, Yang Ming grimaced, I think there might be a trap here. Theres no such thing as a free lunch. Kolev swore, Then why did you ask me to sign? Your family is wealthy, not afraid of contract disputes, Yang Ming chuckled, I dont have much money. The managers smile turned somewhat awkward. He explained vaguely: I cant reveal the specifics to you two, as per my clients request This is a gift for Mr. Yang Ming, to express gratitude for Mr. Yang Mings assistance to my clients sister. My client heard you two were scouting for a factory to invest in on this beautiful planet, so why not add one more chemical factory? This industry is in demand right now. Ding-ding! Yang Mings watch popped up a message with two key phrases. [Second Princes property]. [Procedures flawless]. The Second Prince? Based on available information, the Second Prince had been ruled out as a candidate for the Crown Prince, known for his lazy and pleasure-seeking character, rarely contacting ministers but maintaining a good relationship with the Fourth Princess. Was this purely an expression of gratitude? Or did the Second Prince have other intentions? Yang Ming pondered for a few seconds over the contract wrapped in gold foil before him, decisively picked up a pen, wrote down his own name, and then pushed the contract towards Kolev. Uncle, lets do it together. This contract really has no issues, a friend wants to express gratitude. Oh, what kind of gratitude is so expensive? Kolev muttered, but he no longer hesitated and signed his name. The professional manager breathed a sigh of relief. He fully understood the worries of the uncle and nephew. Both of you, please follow me. Well first go to the Industrial Administration Bureau for the transfer and notarization, and I will take you to your chemical factory to complete the handover. Yang Ming and Kolev exchanged looks, still wary. In matters of investment, compared to Yang Ming, Kolev was obviously more cautious. They were still tense as they processed the transfer procedures at the nearby office of the Industrial Administration Bureau. They popped champagne in the extended luxury hover car provided by the mediator, but Kolevs smile was barely convincing. And when they arrived in front of the plant named Ilandos Twelfth Chemical Factory, and were welcomed by a line of over a hundred human employees, Kolevs expression remained somewhat cold. Finally, as Kolev sat in the factory managers office, reviewing the financial statements of the past few years, the old mans tense nerves gradually relaxed. The old guy soon began to smile broadly. Yang Ming stood by, watching the digitally displayed numbers for a while, then unilaterally declared himself unfit, feeling dizzy and withdrawing from the battle. Kolev, wearing glasses, was meticulous, occasionally using his own square glasses to perform some arithmetic calculations. The factory managers office was not luxurious, directly connected to the warehouse below. From the glass in front, Yang Ming could overview the entire warehouse. This office was previously used by a deputy manager named Peijili; the position of factory manager had always been filled by administrative staff, who did not participate in actual management, only overseeing production safety. At that moment, Deputy Manager Peijili stood at the office door, forehead sweating. Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Peijili didnt know why he felt nervous, but he was now certain, his good days were over. Behind Peijili, more than ten factory management staff stood quietly, their expressions somewhat anxious. Yang Ming, hands in pockets, looked at the busy production robots in the warehouse, and asked in a calm voice: Uncle, any issues with the accounts? From what I see now, there arent any major problems, Kolevs statement gave those outside the door some relief. But Kolev softly clicked his tongue: But you know, my dear nephew, this factory was originally managed on behalf of an agency, which made the oversight environment here quite lax. Chapter 93 - 93: 057 Yang Mings First Factory_2 Chapter 93: 057 Yang Mings First Factory_2 Sarch* The N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Under such circumstances, small issues tend to arise. For example, someone might exploit a programming loophole to promote their younger relatives within the factory, assigning them wages beyond their years of service. Outside the door, two people exchanged furtive glances. Or perhaps to skim money when purchasing raw materials by taking a kickback from the regular supplier. The vice factory manager and most of the management staff showed subtle changes in their expressions. Kolev continued, Therell always be a few rats tampering with the production logs. For instance, if we produce a hundred products today, the log records ninety-five, and the remaining five quietly seep into the market at a lower price. As long as everything inside and outside the workshop is done cleverly enough, no issues will arise. ... The management team remained collectively silent; they had already devised a strategy. Yang Ming glanced at them and with a smile said, So, uncle, whats the solution in this case? You handle it, my dear nephew. Its about time we tested your decision-making skills. Kolev adjusted his glasses and spoke slowly, We can directly resort to legal procedures and audit all the accounts from the past three years. If we decide to investigate, the upstream and downstream manufacturers must provide the relevant documents. Some astute upstream factories might even record the kickbacks in their own accounts. The Wind Empires economic crime legislation on embezzlement will protect this factorys legal rights, and any recovered economic losses would enhance the factorys assets, all of which we would receive in full. Yang Ming raised an eyebrow. Sounds good. Of course, Kolev laughed, we could also turn a blind eye and let bygones be bygones. However, it would be hard for me to trust someone who has behaved this way. Yang Ming nodded with a smile, his gaze slicing through the crowd outside like a knife. Yang Ming tapped the face of his watch and said softly, In fact, before I arrived, I already enlisted a skilled private detective to gather some data for me. Yang Ming raised his hand, and the display screen switched to the scene outside the door, a few lists appearing before the vice factory manager. The vice factory manager stared at it, his legs immediately weakening. I, I request to resign! he trembled, shouting. Yang Ming smiled and said, Granted, but you must ensure a proper handover. Youre a man of integrity, arent you? Yes! No problem! Please show mercy. I only did what they were all doing Very well, theres no need to create panic, my vice factory manager. I am merely a businessman, and my principle is to get along with others. Yang Ming paused and then said warmly, Everyone, I dont wish to drive anyone to despair. If you desperately need this job, prepare a personal asset inventory within half an hour to prove you have heavy loans to repay. Then sign a promissory note, promising only to claim your legal salary in the future, and I will let you continue working. Next, my uncle will moderately increase the bonuses for each position. But you must understand one thing, here and now, my uncle and I are in charge. Kolev chuckled softly at the sight. He hadnt misjudged. This guy was a pure pirate. He had only been in the factory for less than an hour, yet he had completely disrupted the internal hierarchy, with the vice factory manager voluntarily resigning and middle managements weaknesses all in his hands. Managing a factory and managing a pirate group were essentially the same thing. It was all a game of winning the hearts of people. They worked into the night before Yang Ming and Kolev settled into a basic hotel beside the factory. The two of them discussed and decided to build a simple villa within the factory as their residence. Yang Mings watch recharged its battery. Kolev opened his online terminal, projecting the factorys 3D map nearby as they ate and discussed. The benefits from this factory should be decent, Kolev said. The lower limit is not low, nor is the upper limit high. You owe the Second Prince a huge favor. Indeed, Yang Ming chuckled, but I dont intend to repay it. Hahaha! The Second Prince probably discovered your talents from the small princesss description. My dear nephew, he wants to recruit you. Kolev wiped his mouth and sighed contentedly, We need to manage this factory carefully for a while, understand it inside out, and at least get a clear understanding of these facilities. He pointed to the center of the grounds, where a dense cluster of pipelines stood. We need to grasp its basic principles. No need, Yang Ming said. Leave the technical matters to Lyu. Uncle, you should focus on managing the personnel and nurturing talents who can take charge on their own. Youre not planning to get involved, are you? Kolev complained. I knew it! You must be bringing me here to do the labor! Hows the factorys revenue divided? We split it fifty-fifty, Yang Ming raised an eyebrow. Ill even leave my share with you for continued investment. Thats more like it, Kolev replied, satisfied. I didnt expect that even in my old age, Id still be waging battles in the business world. Listen, I have a plan. Yang Ming smiled. Im all ears. Kolev eagerly began to lay out his idea. It roughly involved using the business license to set up branch factories and finding ways to annex similar factories, gradually becoming a giant in this subsection of the industry, thereby gaining control over pricing. However, Yang Ming was not optimistic about this. Ring-6 is the core industry of the Wind, they said. They wouldnt allow any supporting industry to monopolize. Kolev nodded. Thats true too. Oh, my consideration was still insufficient. Lyu suddenly popped up: Boss, why dont we upgrade the manufacturing process? Reduce costs, increase production, minimize human involvement, and enhance the share of fully automated robots. We could have a rapidly developing chemical plant! Yang Ming joked, Do you want the Intelligent Mechanical Crisis Investigation Committee to come knocking at my door? Remember, Lyu, you mustnt modify those manufacturing robots! Thats our current foothold! Alright, Lyu spread his hands. Taking some risks is very necessary, Lyu thinks. Kolev wondered aloud, So what are you thinking? Use this factory as a foundation to build branch factories and establish new production lines, Yang Mings confident voice rang out. The chemical products we need to produce shouldnt be limited to Rhodium-6, but should also target the lifestyle needs of the Wind Empire and the surrounding administrative stars. We need to find ways to compete with products from the New Federation. In these slightly lower-tech fields that dont attract much attention, Lyu can completely attempt some industrial upgrades to increase our competitiveness. Once we complete the initial layout, we can go directly to the Wind Empire authorities to apply for industry protection. Well get as many benefits as we can, tying our factory to the political achievements of local officials and focusing on developing the seven or eight economically backward towns on the back of Ilando Star, leveraging the advantage of low labor costs there. Kolev murmured, We would need a lot of funds; I dont plan on using all my savings. I can only contribute half! It must also be for projects with positive returns! Of course, making money is our second biggest goal. Uncle, the detailed plan is up to you, with Lyu providing comprehensive technical support. Yang Ming smiled and said, As for the other half of the funds, Ill figure something out. One thing is certain: these factories must be entirely under our control. Kolev shrugged, In this kind of system, if the royal family wanted to get us, it would just take a few words. No worries, Yang Ming sank into the soft couch. The royal family wont become our obstacle. Why? Dont be too sure. Yang Ming said, The super corporations are one of our development lines. Ill find ways to get close to the royal family and establish another line of development: military honors, titles of nobility, and fiefdoms. We cant put all our eggs in one basket. Ding-ding! The watch gently vibrated, and Lyu had already read the message Yang Ming just received. Do you have time for a drink, Mr. Ming? Yang Ming wondered, Whose invitation? The Second Prince. See? Yang Ming chuckled lightly. This chemical plant wasnt gifted to us for nothing. Chapter 94 - 94: 058 Mutual Probing with the Second Prince Chapter 94: 058 Mutual Probing with the Second Prince ` The scheduled meeting with the Second Prince was set for the following morning. Before Yang Ming departed, Kolev and Lyu were busy selecting the style of a model villa. It seemed to be some kind of prefab villa that could be ordered online and installed within half a day. Yang Ming didnt quite understand the direction of interstellar real estate development and had no time to fuss over these minor details; he had only one thing to consider now. How to seize this opportunity to interact with the Second Prince. The place where the Second Prince of the Luofeng Empire resided outside the palace was one of those towering buildings that Yang Ming had seen many times. ... Taking an elevator crafted with anti-gravity technology, Yang Ming went straight to the top floor of the building. Four brawny men stood in the four corners of the elevator, watching Yang Mings every move with the eyes of hawks. Yang Ming tidied his attire and hairstyle, his tailored gray vest paired with a white shirt, while his neat short hair made him look energetic. The elevator doors slowly opened, revealing two more detection gates that could see through a persons bones. Yang Ming walked in calmly and confidently. Before arriving at the Intelligent Mechanic Dusk, Yang Ming had no way to be sure if he would be flagged by the scanning-type detection device. But now, he could be completely at ease about that. Ding. Sarch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Two green lights signaled a successful clearance. A beautiful woman in an elegant long dress stood ahead and bowed to Yang Ming, Mr. Ming, His Highness has been waiting for you for a long time, please follow me. Thank you. Yang Ming calmly followed the woman, walking along a carpeted hallway toward the faint sound of music. The rhythm of the beat Could the Second Prince be partying early in the morning? His Highness is exercising, the woman said softly. A group of female attendants approached from the front, some holding clothes, others carrying trays. Upon encountering Yang Ming, these attendants would respectfully stand against the wall with their heads lowered, showing respect for the Second Princes guest. Yang Ming looked straight ahead, presenting himself as highly upright. He intended to maintain a serious expression throughout the day, given the importance of this opportunity, but two minutes later when Yang Ming arrived at the spacious gym where the Second Prince was working out The pulsating melody. The moving bodies. A middle-aged man dressed in a pink bodysuit, blue yoga pants, and a purple headband was mimicking the aerobic athletes on the big screen, performing all kinds of vigorous moves, liberally releasing masculine hormones. Damn, this was practically visual pollution! Especially since, with the image of the Second Princes tight perky butt in his mind, Yang Ming almost couldnt resist turning his head and dry heaving a bit. Yang Ming endured for seven or eight minutes, maintaining a smile the whole time. Finally, the Second Prince, panting heavily, hands on his hips, stretched in a post-exercise routine as the curtain slowly rose, revealing the area behind. Yang Ming raised an eyebrow. Behind the curtain was a live studio, and the men and women who had just been doing aerobics on TV were now lined up, bowing and greeting the Second Prince. Three drones responsible for filming the program gently descended, quickly collected by staff members. Wow. A real home theater. Was the curtain just superfluous then? His Highness enjoys the texture of the curtain, the lady officer seemed to have noticed Yang Mings puzzlement and softly explained. A female guard stepped forward and whispered a few words beside the Second Prince. The Second Prince turned around, revealing a charming smile on his chiseled, handsome face, then enthusiastically exclaimed in a tone reminiscent of a madman, Woohoo! Yang Ming! Haha! I didnt expect you to be so young! My ears are almost numb from my nagging little sister! Come on! Over here! Yang Ming immediately went up to him. The Second Prince naturally put an arm around Yang Mings shoulders like they had been friends for years. The looks in the eyes of those male and female guards turned quite sharp, fixing intently on Yang Ming. Yang Ming, with his hands behind his back, followed the Second Prince forward, smiling, Its an honor to receive an invitation from a prince of the Empire. If I tell my parents about this, they might be too excited to sleep. Hahaha! Are you teasing me? The Second Prince chuckled, What is royal power without sovereignty? You can consider me your peer, a good-for-nothing second-generation rich kid! Oh, sorry, I meant to say Im the one whos good-for-nothing, no offense intended. Yang Ming laughed, Your Highnesss humor leaves me unsure how to respond. Relax! Dont feel any restraint! The Second Prince patted Yang Mings shoulder and stepped to the side, retreating while speaking, Feel free to wander around here; Im off to take a shower and change into something more formal. If you want anything to eat or drink, just tell these beauties, and theyll fulfill your every need! Yang Ming nodded with a smile, though pondering in his heart. This Second Prince, is he just a carefree playboy or a deep and inscrutable one? Interesting. Mr. Haton, I would advise against going for such a large villa directly. Lyu pointed to the 3D projection in front of them, earnestly stating, First of all, the area of this chemical plant is limited. Youll need to make full use of the land resources here in the future, and building a large structure would require filing in advance with the industrial bureau, which would increase time costs. Secondly, do you intend to replicate your estate from the Cas Federation here? The meaning of such a large estate, aside from being vast and enormous, is it meant to provide dormitories for employees? ` Chapter 95 - 95: 058 Mutual Probing with the Second Prince_2 Chapter 95: 058 Mutual Probing with the Second Prince_2 ` Oh, Kolev looked utterly dejected, you really like to meddle, cant I even use my own money to buy it? Of course not, Lyu gently pushed up her glasses, making her look both capable and wise in her secretary outfit, although your property is yours, it is something I must account for. You are my bosss only collaborator, and you are about to undertake a major enterprise, so you cant waste money on such pretentious things in the preliminary stage. A few dark lines appeared on Kolevs forehead. He knew it! This brat returned to find him with no good intentions! ... Getting something smaller isnt bad either. Kolev grumbled discontentedly, If he dares to bring a woman home and disturb the hard-earned sleep of an old man, Ill break his third leg with a stick! The boss only has two legs, Lyu said seriously. Try this, Yang Ming. Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the citys skyline, the Second Prince eagerly offered Yang Ming some precious delicacies. Yang Ming didnt hesitate, taking a forkful and bringing it to his mouth, chewing gently as he raised an eyebrow at the Second Prince, It tastes good. Want some more? No, Im not that fond of it, Yang Ming said with a smile, waving his hand. Ahahaha! The Second Prince laughed happily, The most important thing in communication is honesty, my friend. Everyone has their likes, and we must respect each other. Yang Ming decided to get to the point: Did Your Highness call me over because of the Fourth Princess last time? In part, the Second Prince said, lifting a goblet and gently swirling it a few times. The attending maid servants and female officials bowed and withdrew. One of the female officials brought a jamming device, shrouding the two in a pale blue light. Yang Ming set down his knife and fork, his gaze resting on the Second Prince, who was now dressed in normal attire. The Second Prince hummed softly, Let me think where to start Please forgive me, I investigated you after you came into my view. Mmhm? I found out that your uncle, Mr. Haton, has substantial assets in the New Federation and Cas Federation. Is that so? Yang Ming said with a smile, Im actually not too informed about that. I also discovered, the Second Princes voice slowed, his light blue eyes shining like stars, that Mr. Haton has never mentioned having a nephew. His life trajectory is clearly visible, residing in the New Federation for years but recently moved to the Cas Federation. Yet, your trajectory, I could only trace back to a few months ago. Yang Mings smile gradually faded. Laying it all on the table upfront? He had to admit, the Second Prince had indeed put some pressure on him. Then, a friend told me. The Second Prince laughed, That you and your uncle were not merely entangled in the Talisha incident, but once you landed on Ilando Star, you were watched by the military and taken to see Gudun Mah. No one knows what you talked about, and later the transport ship that was supposed to escort and return you to the surface suddenly exploded in space due to aging circuits causing a fire. Yang Ming leaned back in his chair, pondering quietly. What was this prince aiming at? The Second Prince looked out the window and sipped his freshly squeezed juice, After I discovered all this, I decided to give you a factory as a gift. You need it to veil your true identity, dont you? Yang Ming narrowed his eyes slightly. It was clear that this countrys royals and military leaders all had vivid imaginations. Im really not anybodys agent. Yang Ming said calmly. The Second Prince laughed, I understand your profession, none of you ever admit directly. Relax, I wont harm you. Yang Ming tapped the table with his fingers, In fact, I really am just an honest businessman. Whether Your Highness believes it or not, I have no ties to the New Federation. The Second Princes expression showed some dissatisfaction, I wanted to invite you today to discuss cooperation, and to show goodwill, I even gave you a gift in advance. Is this your attitude towards me, Mr. Ming? Yang Ming smiled, Your Highness, please hold on. Saying so, he opened his watchs projection screen in front of the Second Prince and typed a line of text. [My dear secretary, please notify Deputy Chief of Staff Gudun Mah and have him find a way to call the Second Prince to prove that I am simply an honest businessman with no threat.] He then sent it, stepped outside the jamming zone, and waited two seconds before returning. Two minutes later, the Second Prince held a secure satellite phone, his expression becoming very grave. Okay, Deputy Chief of Staff, I understand. This young man is someone you deeply respect He has no political background, got it Hmm, lets leave it at that, we shouldnt make direct contact. Yang Ming ate and drank, finding these previously peculiar-tasting snacks suddenly quite delicious. Little Mahha was of some use after all. With a thud, the Second Prince tossed the heavy satellite phone to the corner of the table, waving his hand irritably. The surrounding maids retreated even further. How did you do it? The Second Prince leaned forward, lowering his voice, Gudun Mah is the staunchest in military power. Hey, and you say youre not from the New Federation? The military of Wind is almost entirely corrupted by the New Federation! Yang Ming said helplessly, Im really not, Your Highness. If you force me to explain, Id have to reveal my true purpose here to earn your trust. Your trust is very important to me. Talk, what are you here for? sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ` Chapter 96 - 96: 058 Mutual Probing with the Second Prince_3 Chapter 96: 058 Mutual Probing with the Second Prince_3 Titles, official positions, Yang Ming laughed, I want the identity of a noble. The Second Prince laughed and berated, Come on, the nobility of the Luofeng Empire can be considered nobility? You can even buy a lower title if you want; we openly sell them. (Note: Lower titles of Luofeng are honorary titles, granting no real rights or benefits.) So, obtaining it is easier, Yang Mings gaze was exceptionally sincere, You must have heard from someone close to Princess Fourth about the things I said to her that was my past life, I assure you with the character of a gentleman, now I have a new goal and will work hard towards it. The Second Prince looked into his eyes, his suspicions even more pronounced. My intuition tells me you havent lied so far. But I dont understand, Yang Ming, why have you come to this country of ours? ... The Second Prince said quietly, Unless you convince me, I have various ways to stop you. Although I despise this country, its unfair, full of oppression, with more than seventy percent of the population living without dignity, it cant be denied I have the duty and responsibility to protect it. Do you have a life goal, Your Highness? Yang Ming asked. The Second Prince slightly pursed his lips, To live happily until old age, does that count? Honestly, thats my only goal. Yang Ming took out the statement he had long prepared: Alright, my wise Highness, if we are to cooperate, eventually I have to tell you these things. You guessed correctly, my goal is not a title in the Luofeng Empire. He knew it! The Second Princes eyes glistened as he listened intently to Yang Mings words. Yang Ming said in a deep voice, I want to use the Luofeng Empire as a springboard, accumulate political capital, enter the Sherman Empire from the periphery, and become a true Imperial Duke, standing at the pinnacle of power in the Milky Way. That is my lifes ambition! For several moments, the Second Prince seemed to be stunned. Imperial Duke? The Second Princes eyes shone brightly as he asked, Then to steal Sherman technology and royal intelligence for the New Federation, correct? Yang Mings mouth twitched furiously. Damn it! He decided he would not utter another word with this fool on this topic! The Second Prince laughed, You convinced me, Yang Ming, Im not opposed to the New Federation, I will also help you keep this secret. How do you plan to do it? My father wont easily grant a high rank; you need at least ten years to accumulate achievements. I was thinking we could cooperate, Yang Ming said, more accurately, I will serve you, His Highness the Second Prince. Im not interested in the throne. Really? Your Highness has eyes planted in the military, closely monitoring the movements of high-level officials like Gudun Mah. Yang Ming slowly said, Your Highness befriended Princess Fourth very early on and has shown an interest in business, operating half of the royal familys industries with great success, receiving praise from His Majesty. Your Highness has established large commercial complexes abroad, infiltrating to some extent both the New Federation and the Sherman Empire, seeking influence through commerce. The Second Prince laughed, Have you been investigating me too? A mutual exchange, Yang Ming said, I want to place my bet on you, and the benefits I can bring you will definitely exceed your expectations. I can introduce you to my brother, using this as a stepping stone for your ambitious idea of breaking into the Sherman Empire; we could benefit from it too, reducing some annual silver and such. Sarch* The N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Second Prince slowly sighed. As for me personally, Id rather not we can be friends from now on, without talking about the throne. Lets talk about making money, helping me build assets in the New Federation, entertainment do you play croquet? Yang Ming laughed, Ive dabbled in various sports, but Im not very good at any. Come on, lets have a game! The Second Prince enthusiastically invited, If you win, Ill give you another gift; when it comes to sports, I have quite the talent! Just say you want to give a gift directly. A certain subordinate Ancient God Life Form almost laughed out loud. Chapter 97 - 97: 059 Have a car, have a house Chapter 97: 059 Have a car, have a house ` Evening. Yang Ming drove the ultra-luxury limited edition hovercar gifted by the Second Prince, listening to the music the Second Prince liked, swaggering down the busy city main road. This hovercar was really something. Its monstrous design, extremely exaggerated performance, and especially the license plate representing royal status, made the other hovercars on the road keep their distance, afraid that this beast might suddenly go berserk. Yang Ming now could be sure. ... Although it increased more risks and new uncontrollable factors, he had taken a significant step toward his great goal of becoming a ball chief! The Second Prince was indeed a good person. Handing over a factory just like that, giving away a limited-edition hovercar as if it were nothing. As for whether the Second Prince was now so frustrated that he became reclusive, it didnt have any direct relation to Yang Ming. After all, Yang Ming had held back quite a lot this afternoon. Sar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boss, Lyus slim figure appeared on the central console, the Second Prince has not yet completely dispelled his wariness towards you at this stage. You cant let your guard down. He could never trust me, or rather, he could never trust anyone. Yang Ming squinted and smiled, We didnt misjudge him. The Second Prince was indeed biding his time rather than lying flat being a salted fish. He kept telling us that he wanted to acquire some real estate in the New Federation through us. But in fact, whenever he said those words, there was always a glint of a smile in his eyes He was testing us while we were testing him. He wanted to leverage the power behind me, and I wanted to leverage his authority. Lyu hummed softly, Theres nothing behind us. Lyu, Yang Ming said with a smile, behind me is you. Me? Lyu said, puzzled, What can I do? Im just a cute, obedient little assistant who always has their salary docked by the boss. Lyu, do you know why the Second Prince and Gudun Mah always think of me as a New Federation agent? Yang Ming laughed, Because of my control over information. This ability makes them immediately think of an agent from a superpower. Only such agents could grasp such a level of secrets. And this is what you achieved, with results not much different from those of an espionage organization. Lyu curled her lips disdainfully, Obviously, its because their security network is too lousy. Only the military core network is somewhat decent By the way, Boss, hurry back. Weve prepared a little surprise for you. Are you sure its a surprise and not a fright? Of course, Lyu whispered, I guarantee it with Uncle Hatons character. Yang Mings expression suddenly grew a bit strange, Before his reform, he was a downright villain. It really was a surprise. When Yang Ming drove the off-road hovercar he won from the Second Prince back to the busy and solemn factory, he immediately noticed the new villa standing in a corner and the crowd gathered around it. Oh boy, these employees werent spilling blood and sweat on the production line to generate profits for him; instead, they were gathered here pointing and chattering! Even though it was after work hours now oh, well, thats alright then. Yang Ming honked the horn twice, casually parked this beast hovercar by the roadside, and jumped out, examining the brand-new villa ahead. It was set up in just half a day, which was quite efficient. A group of employees immediately noticed the new target, flocking towards Yang Ming and snapping pictures of the hovercar. Boss, where did you get this? So cool! I remember this model seems to be a limited edition, only three units of such super beasts in Wind. They say it can go straight into space for a spin! Boss, did you buy it? Paid in full, or on loan? This license plate let me check, isnt this the one collected by the Second Prince Yang Ming clicked his tongue, The Second Prince lent it to me for a few days, dont go uploading it online or the Winds security department might come looking for you. Silence fell around him. Yang Ming shoved his hands into his pockets, nonchalantly slipping out of the crowd of employees, and moved towards the two-story villa. Was this villa really just assembled and brought here? It seemed quite solid. How did they lay the foundation? How were the walls anchored? How much of an earthquake could it withstand? As for ion cannons, dont even think about itwhat energy level of laser could this thing possibly block? Haha! Yang Ming! Come and see! Kolev appeared at the doorway, and the little old man excitedly waved, Were planning to throw a party. A few of my friends will come over! Buying a house also gets you furniture, and all the furnishing materials used inside are of the highest environmental standards! This is such a great deal! Yang Ming frowned and went inside. The first floor had a living room, dining area, kitchen, and bathroom; the second floor had three bedrooms and a cozy study, with a generally simple layout. The only highlight might be the spiral staircase in the middle, giving the entire decor a spaceship cabin vibe. This might have been Kolevs original reason for fancying this house. Yang Ming stomped his foot; the feedback from the ground was good, much like a solid concrete floor with no flimsy prefab feel. Kolev knew Yang Ming well. The old man softly smiled from the sidelines, The foundation was laid by the construction team. Before the ground quickly solidified, they drove in over a hundred six-meter-long composite nails, which are all connected to the main structure of the house. You can totally trust its solidity. Yang Ming walked to the wall and started knocking around, comparing with his hand next to the door frame. The load-bearing wall was only ten centimeters thick. No matter how great the material is, isnt this thickness a bit shoddy? Yang Ming complained discontentedly. Kolev leaned against the wall, smiling wryly, Hey, my dear nephew, youre a young man, why are you more conservative than me, an old man? Youve got to trust in the power of technology. The manufacturers advertisement boasts, if you can make a crack on their load-bearing wall without any tools, theyll pay triple the original price compensation ` Chapter 98 - 98: 059 Have a car, have a house_2 Chapter 98: 059 Have a car, have a house_2 ` Snap! A section of a wall covered with metallic particles was casually pinched off by Yang Ming and placed into Kolevs hand. Triple the compensation. Do I need to record a video? The quality of this house isnt bad. Kolev took a sharp breath. ... Although Yang Ming wouldnt admit it, when he returned to his own bedroom, wandered around the bathroom and desk, and rolled on the soft big bed, his entire being became much more content. Having a temporary home wasnt too bad. No wonder Kolev fell in love with that manor in the Cas Federation. Even Yang Ming felt a slight fondness for Ilando Star. He stripped off his clothes, lay spread-eagle on this bed, and comfortably slept for two hours before his stomach woke him. He opened the wardrobe, looked at the neatly arranged clothes, and remembered the housekeeping robot he saw cleaning the living room before he came upstairs. Lyu, did you tidy this up? Of course, Lyus voice sounded nearby, and a glow erupted from the projector set in the corner of the room, projecting Lyus life-sized image next to Yang Ming. She was a bit faint, but there was no significant difference between her and a real person. Lyu pushed her glasses up with her middle finger, As the bosss assistant, its also within my job scope to take care of your day-to-day. Boss, there are a few video messages needing your attention while you were sleeping. Ive prepared some nutritious porridge for you. A few envelopes leaped in front of Yang Ming. He clicked one open and was startled. The Second Prince, sweating all over and panting, stood in the middle of a court holding a professional stickball stick, balanced on a hoverboard, seemingly pointing at Yang Mings nose. If you have the guts, come over tomorrow! Yang Ming! I must reclaim my beloved beast and wipe out my shame! Yang Ming pursed his lips and opened the second video. The Second Prince collapsed on the ground, sighing: How exactly did you do it, a novice yet with such a high batting rate. But your stamina is your weakness, Yang Ming, I will surely defeat you! That damned competitive spirit. The third video. Hahaha! I have thought of a way to defeat you! We shall battle again tomorrow! The fourth video. Oh, my god, Ive twisted my back. It looks like tomorrows match wont happen. Once I recover, Ill message you. You better stay available, future Imperial Duke. Is that all it took for him to quit? Yang Ming rubbed his forehead, sensing the Second Princes nuanced shift from striving to giving up through the four brief video messages. Did the Second Prince really twist his back? He really did, Lyu snickered, Boss, you are just too unscrupulous; you currently possess Ship Destruction Level individual strength, while the Second Prince is merely a fitness enthusiast. Yang Ming swiped the videos away, pondered a bit, and softly said, Help me draft a superficially caring, but actually mocking message. Lyu was puzzled, Shouldnt it be more complimentary? We need his help. Think about it, Lyu, what words do you think the prince has heard the most since childhood? Its likely praise. Yang Ming chuckled: Just write the message like this Oh, Honorable Second Prince, you should pay attention to your bone age; next time Ill try to let you win. Add a smiley face. Okay, Boss, sent. Minutes later, dressed in a loose robe, Yang Ming was sitting in the first-floor dining room enjoying porridge, when he received a video message from the Second Prince, who was furious and vowed to have a true mans showdown with Yang Ming once he healed. Yang Ming did not reply to him. He decided to keep him hanging and see the Princes subsequent reaction. Kolev went back to the factory to busy himself again. The old man really couldnt sit still; he was also quite professional. As for the triple compensation issue, Yang Ming didnt know if Kolev actually went through with it. Judging by what he knew of Kolev, this old fellow wouldnt miss such windfall profits, but the manufacturer would definitely deny responsibility outright. Yang Ming placed his smartwatch to one side and began browsing the news on Ilando Star. Soon he found out that he made it to the headlines. To be precise, because the Second Princes beast was seen on the streets driven by an unfamiliar man, it sparked hot discussion among the citizens. Yang Ming glanced at it and didnt look further. Showing off flamboyantly was intentional on his part. At this stage, as long as one approaches the royal family, they must choose a prince to support. Joining either the Crown Princes faction or the Third Princes faction would lead to a whirlwind of power struggle. Word had it that the Old Emperor didnt have many years left. Yang Ming stayed close to a seemingly harmless Second Prince to become pals, avoiding early attention from other royal family members. Of course, Yang Ming lied to the Second Prince. He didnt intend to use Wind as a springboard to leap to the Sherman Empire. He just wanted to use the Second Prince as a springboard to leap to the Emperor of the Wind Empire, to directly gain power from the Emperors hands. These scheming and plotting issues sure are troublesome. Slurping the last spoonful of meat porridge, Yang Ming hummed a tune as he walked to the fully automated dish sink, gently placing the dishes inside, afraid that even the slightest force might break the dinnerware. Finally, he could rest tonight. The factory had a solution, business operations were smoothly starting; with the Second Prince reaching out, the royal family connections were advancing too. After days of busyness, Yang Ming really wanted to comfortably collapse on the couch and find a movie filled with beautiful women to truly relax. As soon as he thought of it, he did it. Yang Ming fetched snacks, arranged drinks, and opened the brand-new 3D projector in the living room, spending a hefty half a Federation Coin of Wind Coin to stream a movie with promising ratings. The 3D projection provided an immersive experience. Yang Ming soon found himself enjoying it thoroughly, humming with satisfaction at the dessert drinks delivered by the housekeeping robot. Lyus figure appeared in the adjacent dining room, now at a mere thirty centimeters tall, swinging her two little legs by the table, monitoring the entire Wind Empires network. Sarch* The ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Outside, the night was hazy as water, the spacious factory area lit only by two rows of street lamps. Occasionally, one could spot residential employees strolling beneath the lights, perhaps adding some romantic interludes or scenes. This trash film completely wastes the lead actresss looks. Yang Ming mumbled discontentedly, yet he watched avidly. Lyu giggled, about to join the boss in some banter and possibly gossip a bit about the lead actresss boring and decadent love history, when her expression suddenly shifted slightly. Boss! Hmm? Yang Ming languidly stretched, Unless theres an emergency tonight, were staying put. I seem to have found a suspicious person, Lyu whispered, eyes running through a torrent of information on the projection screen. Suspicious? How so? This should be a high-level agent, who just recently infiltrated the Wind Empire, Lyu suddenly said, I am attempting to crack the encrypted message they just received, decoded, uh, boss, we have trouble. What trouble? Yang Ming became instantly alert. The person, Lyu lightly clicked her tongue, is from the New Federation. ` Chapter 99 - 99: 060 The Real Agent Chapter 99: 060 The Real Agent ` After a busy day, Kolev massaged his aching back, a satisfied smile on his lips as he hummed the folk song he had just learned, returning to the Surface Pirate Port he had recently established. A warm light spilled from the window of the villa. Smiling, Kolev climbed the steps. As he was about to verify his biometric data, the door unlocked itself and opened a crack. Clever Little Lyu. Hmm hm hm. ... Kolev hummed a tune as he entered the house, hung his hat behind the door, switched to slippers, and began to speak to himself: The staff here are quite good. They know how to respect an old man. As long as I act a bit amiable, they think Im a trustworthy, gullible old fellow, hahaha Kolev paused his words, looking at Yang Ming lurking on the sofa. Oh, whats the matter? My dear nephew, whenever you have a serious face, I feel a bit apprehensive. A little trouble, Yang Ming softly exhaled, Come and see, Kocough, Uncle Haton. Kolev realized the gravity of the situation. The boy almost forgot to call him Uncle Haton, instead calling his real name. Kolev leaned over, looking at the projection screen in front of Yang Ming, which was playing a video. A beach, a remote traffic route, and a flashy convertible hover car. Driving it was a middle-aged man with short brown hair, strong features, handsome looks, a robust physique, and a smile with dimples exuding confidence from head to toe. Oh, a charming man. Kolev murmured, At first glance, either a wealthy playboy or a womanizing movie star. Yang Ming laughed, Dont be biased against male celebrities. Kolev smirked. Yang Mings fingers gently slid, and a series of photos popped up. It was this handsome uncle interacting with different people. This is a senior agent discovered by Lyu, from the New Federation, who entered the Luofeng Empire about five days ago and had been active on the Fifth Administrative Star. Yang Ming said slowly: The Fifth Administrative Star is considered the stronghold of the Luofeng Empires rebels, and these big merchants he contacted are probably the backers of the rebels. This isnt really news. Behind the rebels is the New Federation, an open secret among the upper echelons of the Luofeng Empire. Kolev frowned, Didnt you say earlier that the New Federation has infiltrated the military? Now the New Federation is supporting the rebels? Its not contradictory, Yang Ming said, The New Federation aims to initiate a rebellion to overthrow the monarchy. Infiltrating the military and supporting the rebels both serve this goal. The Wind royal family is a puppet appendage of the Sherman Empire and a link through which the Sherman Empire continuously exploits Wind. Oh, this Kolev murmured: The situation seems to be getting more complicated. Its not just us eyeing this piece of fat meat. Youre wrong, Uncle, Yang Ming smiled, Because of the long-term business by the New Federation, the chaotic situation in the Luofeng Empire gives us the opportunity to fish in troubled waters. We have to thank the New Federation for this. Now, the problem is Gudun Mah and the Second Prince perceive me as an agent of the New Federation. sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kolevs expression froze: Then wont this blow our cover? Why not withdraw for a while and see what happens? No, we finally have such a good start. Yang Mings eyes turned a bit fierce before he continued: Theres no problem with Gudun Mah. Whether or not Im an agent of the New Federation doesnt change the fact that Ive got him under control. The issue now is with the Second Prince. Yang Ming sighed. Lyu explained to Kolev: The Second Prince favors us because he values the bosss identity as an agent of the New Federation. The Second Prince wants to transfer part of the royal familys assets from within the Luofeng Empire to outside, and he needs a stable investment environment, with the New Federation being the first choice. Kolev puzzled, The Second Prince is selling out the country? Probably not. Lyu explained: The Second Prince plans to use business actions to exert influence on the New Federation and the Sherman Empire. His plan is sanctioned by the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire. In fact, the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire excluding the Second Prince from realizing power early might be laying the groundwork for this plan. Lyu analyzed. There was a brief silence in the room. Kolev whispered, Then its simple. Just get rid of this senior agent. Lyu gently shook his head, dismissing this seemingly good idea: That would invite retaliation from the New Federation CIA. Based on past case analyses, the other side will likely retaliate to establish their prestige in the intelligence community. Were not yet ready to contend with a superpower. The New Federation has been developing rapidly in recent centuries, trying to challenge the Sherman Empires domination of the Galaxy. Here is just the edge of the struggle between two superpowers. Yang Ming gritted his teeth: First, determine the threat level of this Lulian. Take action if necessary; if risks must be taken, then we have no choice but to pin the blame on other forces. Lyu, monitor him around the clock. Okay, boss, Lyu said softly, Should we consider any contact between the other party and the Second Prince as a kill trigger? Okay, Yang Ming squinted slightly, suddenly having an idea, What do you think of sharing the intelligence about this guys contact with the rebels with the Wind royal family? Oh, Kolev raised an eyebrow slightly, This idea sounds good. Lyu said softly, The royal family can tolerate the intelligence agents of powerful countries because they dont have the strength to confront them, but they absolutely wont tolerate rebels within their own territory. ` Chapter 100 - 100: 060 The Real Agent_2 Chapter 100: 060 The Real Agent_2 ` Lyu, throw these photos out. Yang Ming instructed, Do it discreetly, leave no traces. Lyus projection instantly vanished. Yang Ming turned off the projection screen and contemplated deeply, arms crossed. Kolev yawned, Im really not good at these things. But, my dear nephew, dont feel too pressured, youre invincible on the surface. ... Yang Ming boasted, I think so too. Hey! Kolev slapped Yang Ming hard on the thigh, You should learn humility! Im just encouraging you! Now, the great Haton Factory Director is heading to his gentle dreams. Arent you going to eat something, Uncle? Theres still some porridge Lyu made in the pot. Kolev snorted, A competent factory director should certainly dine with his workers. Yang Ming pouted, A black-hearted capitalist can show a friendly and approachable side in everything except for raising wages. Youre not wrong, Kolev muttered, the wages weve been giving out are high enough now. Yang Ming: Oh, this damned sense of identification. He was about to look for rope and lampposts! Although the Second Princes sprained back was treated the same day, he still lay in bed for two days. It wasnt that the usually disciplined Second Prince suddenly wanted to laze around and enjoy the comfort of staying in bed. He could do that anytime he wished. The Second Prince just wanted to see if that young man named Yang Ming would show up in front of him with a gift. If the other party appeared; If the other party appeared with a carefully selected gift Ha ha, hes just a clown wanting to climb up by using your power, why do you care about winning or losing with him? The Second Prince lay facing the left side, saying so. He immediately turned over, facing the right side, and said with a trace of helplessness, Hey, Edwan, you need to understand, you cant choose your identity, what comes with it is not necessarily good, and others cant interact with you like with ordinary friends. The Second Prince turned over, lying on his stomach. Accept reality, Edwan, you have no friends, He lifted himself up with both hands and lay flat, interlacing his fingers in front of him, his face peaceful and serene. This isnt so bad, geniuses are always lonely, Edwan. Several female officials and maids nearby almost burst out laughing. A female official appeared at the door of the hall, The Fourth Princess requests an audience. Oh, look! the Second Prince laughed, This sister of mine has a heart Let her in quickly! As soon as the Second Prince finished speaking, a middle-aged man with a solemn expression hurriedly ran over. Your Highness! Weve detected some anomalies! The Second Princes previously playful expression shifted, signaling for this middle-aged man to wait a moment, allowing the attendants around them some time to retreat. More than ten seconds later, the middle-aged man stepped forward, holding a hardboard device with a network connection, displaying a series of photographs. They were the photos Yang Ming had just looked at. Oh, the Second Prince frowned, whats with this kind of spy again? Our country has tens to hundreds of spies operating every day, mostly from the New Federation. The middle-aged man spoke in a low voice, Your Highness, previously we also treated this as an ordinary spy case and retrieved all his routes of action on the Fifth Administrative Star. Like previous spies, he had contact with people related to the insurgents, representing the New Federation in providing them with support, sending large sums of money to several merchants supporting the insurgents, and taking more resource quotas. The Second Princes facial muscles twitched slightly, And then? After we confirmed his identity yesterday, we began full surveillance on him on Ilando Star. Last night, we detected several frequency bands We decrypted an encrypted message, containing a few keywords. Torch Plan. Head Star public opinion. New Type II enhancer. Fifth Administrative Star independence. The middle-aged man pursed his lips slightly and said in a low voice, According to the intelligence we had previously, the New Federation should be starting to advance the key steps in their plan, letting the insurgents occupy the entire Fifth Administrative Star, making its independence a reality. Wow. The Second Prince scratched his eyebrow with a finger and said in a low voice, So, this flamboyant agent is the key figure in their plan? Possibly, the other party is now on the way to meet with the local news industry giant. The middle-aged man made a throat-slitting gesture. The Second Prince chuckled, Keep an eye on him, dont rush, observe what he intends to do first. One agent killed will be replaced by a hundred more. We need to find a way to make the New Federation abandon their wicked plan, let me think this over. The silhouette of the Fourth Princess appeared outside the palace door. The Second Prince said, Apply the highest level of surveillance on this person. What name is he using now? Lulian. Lulian? The Second Prince slightly pouted, I still find Yang Ming more pleasant Are you sure? Yang Ming hasnt contacted the insurgents before? The middle-aged man glanced at the approaching Fourth Princess at the door and said quietly, Judging by Yang Mings movements, he doesnt seem to be a spy; if hes a spy, hes definitely here on vacation. Perhaps he didnt lie to me. The Second Prince murmured softly. The middle-aged man bowed his head in salute, then quickly retreated. As he brushed past the Fourth Princess, she curiously glanced at his bald head. Then, Emilia lifted the hem of her long skirt, her softly made-up face full of concern. Second Brother! Are you hurt? The Second Prince had not yet managed to display a gratified smile. Thats great! Now I have a reason to visit you every day! Can you stay injured for another week? I want to get some fresh air. The Second Princes smile froze on his face. This sister, such care went to waste. That wont do, the Second Prince said softly, I have a lot to deal with, all very important matters. Emilia mercilessly exposed him, Aerobics, going to the gym and having people assist you with weightlifting, soaking in the pool in a life vest saying youre swimming, then driving to the seaside for a spin, asking a couple of beautiful ladies if they want to ride in your passenger seat? Hey, Im seriously developing the economy! A female official arrived in a hurry, whispering, Second Highness, Mr. Ming has arrived at the buildings ground floor. See, I knew it! Sarch* The Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Second Prince displayed a confident smile, He still came! What gift did he bring? Let me guess, it must be the key to a super limited-edition hover car. Well, the female official said softly, he came empty-handed, said he was very hungry, and even asked us to prepare a warm stomach-friendly tea in advance. Tell him to get lost! The Second Prince cursed fiercely, He caused my back to twist, and he comes over empty-handed! Does he understand noble etiquette? Emilia blinked. She wisely chose to remain silent, refraining from interfering in her Second Brothers decisions. The female official turned to leave, already preparing to use the miniature walkie-talkie on her sleeve to relay a message to the guards below. Wait a minute. The Second Prince muttered, Shouldnt we give this guy a chance? Perhaps hes prepared a high-difficulty electric twerk dance? Let him come up, come up to see me. If hes not prepared, Ill definitely throw him off the top floor! ` Chapter 101 - 101: 061 The Torchbearer Chapter 101: 061 The Torchbearer Heh The vibrating sound of a hard straw sucking in air echoed through the splendid dining hall of the Imperial Palace. Yang Ming let out a low sigh, sat in his chair, and patted his insatiable belly, savoring the delicious flavors he had just experienced. The delights of the Imperial Palace were like that, a bit odd at first bite, but once you got used to the taste, the taste buds could appreciate the complex, multidimensional, layered flavors. As expected of a feudal Empire from the era of Interstellar voyages, the standard of dining was truly out of this worldtopped with a steamer basket. Yang Ming looked up at the two esteemed individuals sitting across the long table. ... Are you both not hungry? he chuckled, suppressing a burp. The Second Princes face darkened. Fourth Princess Emilia huffed, Brother, you shouldnt have invited this rude fellow. He didnt even say thank you. Thank you, Second Prince, for your hospitality, Yang Ming blinked. The blood pressure of the Second Prince rose significantly. The guard beside whispered, Your Highness should I still throw it? Throwing objects from heights is illegal; you have to respect the planets gravity, the Second Prince replied indifferently, If my waist werent injured, Id teach this disrespectful fellow a lesson with my true strength. Come on, let me join you for a ball practice, Yang Ming laughed, No fibbing now, this planets gravity is already quite low, about eighty-six percent of the Milky Ways standard gravity. With your excellent physical condition, could you really have twisted your waist? The Second Prince shrugged, Indeed, was it just hmm came here just to play ball? Of course, there are also some matters between men to discuss. Yang Ming blinked. The Second Prince thought for a moment, then laughed and accepted Yang Mings invitation. A few minutes later, at the ball practice field. Yang Ming and the Second Prince stood side by side, each wearing a device resembling a duckbill cap and tiny transparent protective shields over their faces. They swung the curved sticks in their hands, hitting round balls fired by a machine from afar. Sticked ball sport originated during the hot years of hoverboarding, requiring not only improving ones hitting accuracy but also skillfully controlling the hoverboard, adding to the spectacle of the sport. Did you receive the intelligence? Yang Ming casually asked. The Second Prince hesitated. That flamboyant secret agent, Lulian, Yang Ming nonchalantly hit a flying ball. He needed to prove his worth to the Second Prince. That was the purpose of his visit. Otherwise, how could your subordinates have taken special notice of him? And got hold of that agents secret communication? Ah, the Second Prince turned to look at Yang Ming, How did you obtain that intelligence? Who exactly are you? Ding! The stick sent the ball flying. Yang Ming exhaled, wiped the non-existent sweat from his forehead: Certainly not a New Federation agent. Really? The Second Prince glanced at Emilia, who was drinking tea in the distant rest area, and smiled, How did you practice your stick hitting skills? Clearly, the Second Prince did not want to continue that topic. Yang Ming decided to leave it there, deliberately saying something cryptic: Second Prince, what do you rely on when you play? Your eyes? Your arms? Of course, its not like I can use my forehead. I rely on this, Yang Ming pointed to his heart, You have to believe in the power of the heart. That sounds a bit like a swindling religion. The Second Princes expression was slightly disdainful. Yang Ming picked up the remote control, setting his ball machine to random release and adjusting the ball speed to maximum. Then, in front of the Second Prince, he slowly closed his eyes and let out a breath. Yang Mings ears trembled slightly, and he tilted his head as if he was using sound to pinpoint the positions. Behind him, the group of guards standing beyond the safety net simultaneously reached for their waists. Whoosh! A composite material ball came flying! Yang Ming gripped the stick with both hands, rapidly turning it ninety degrees, using the narrow vertical side to sweep forward, the stick producing a whooshing sound in the air. Bang! Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The ball shattered immediately! The group of guards instantly pulled out their laser pistols and aimed at Yang Ming! Whoa, whoa, whoa! The Second Prince shouted with wide eyes and waved his hands vigorously, making the group of guards holster their laser guns. With high-speed balls appearing one after another, Yang Ming kept the stick in a vertical slashing position, his hands swinging the stick leisurely. A few minutes later. Yang Ming opened his eyes, looked at the debris on the grass before him, and at the Second Prince beside him trying to remain calm but obviously flabbergasted Yang Ming slightly curled his lips. Its a power similar to this. Ah, Yang Ming, this is A cultivation method based on meditation, Yang Ming bluffed gravely, Humans are a common species in the Milky Way, because the initial batch of humans, millions of years ago, crossed low-dimensional barriers, and we, most of us, are the seeds they sowed. The Second Prince murmured, The latest research does indeed suggest that, but this The human body has great potential, its just never been tapped; everyone prefers big-caliber ion cannons, Yang Ming shrugged, Of course, I cant share my method of cultivation; its my privacy. Of course, its your patent, but this, this isnt scientific, or at least I dont think its scientific Wow, thats terrifying. The prince was clearly at a loss for words. So, Yang Ming walked over to the Second Prince, reaching out to pat his arm, if you need me to kill someone, just say the word. As Im at your service, I might as well do some dirty work. Chapter 102 - 102: 061 The Torchbearer_2 Chapter 102: 061 The Torchbearer_2 Yang Ming calmly clasped his hands behind his back and walked toward the rest area. He appeared just like a mysterious martial arts master. The Second Prince instinctively followed behind Yang Ming, his eyes filled with surprise, shock, and even a hint of nervousness. Until Yang Ming had another afternoon tea with him and left in that beast of a hover car, the Second Prince couldnt quite regain his composure. Something didnt seem quite right. The Second Prince kept pondering. ... Until Emilia left after playing with him until evening, until his guarded old father had his routine phone call with him, until he soaked in the shallow pool of distillate water, enjoying the meticulous and gentle service of his personal maiden attendants A shiver ran through the Second Prince, and he suddenly grasped the crux of the matter. Shouldnt it be the Prince trying to recruit Yang Ming? Oh! My God! From the moment he heard the words Imperial Duke, he had been led around by the nose by Yang Ming, who was gradually demonstrating his strength, causing shockwaves that threw him off balance. Yang Ming was actively being recruited by him! Have I been strong-armed? The Second Prince muttered, then turned over to continue being carefully scrubbed by the maiden attendants. He had to find a way to regain the initiative. Otherwise, he would end up becoming Yang Mings puppet. The beast moved slowly down the street. Yang Ming admired the eclectic architecture lining the streets while listening to the rousing orchestral music. Here, he could see the spired cathedral-like buildings of the Sherman Empire (mostly banks or financial institutions); as well as the pavilion-like structures that represented freedom and openness (typically art galleries, libraries, or commercial plazas in the gaps between buildings); and, of course, there were the towering structures that constantly grew and stretched towards the sky and underground. Their shapes often resembled Earth rockets ready for launch at any moment, slimming gradually from the base to the midsection before expanding suddenly at the top, adorned with golden reflective tiles on the periphery at the top. In the faint mist of early morning, when the Constant Star just appeared over the horizon, looking out over Ilando City from the main hall of the palace, one could see golden palaces in the clouds. These were the grand sights of Ilando City, existing only in the transitions of television programs or in the eyes of the Old Emperor. What kind of blow could destroy such a city? Yang Ming kept pondering. A word popped into his mind. Star Destroyer. Military equipment was now developing towards greater precision and concentrated energy, and only a handful of Star Destroyers existed across the entire Galaxy, most of them continuously under maintenance. The last Imperial Dreadnought Yang Ming saw was merely at the limit of a conventional fleet. A Star Destroyer, capable of annihilating an entire Constant Star System (attacking a Constant Star), was a true weapon of mass destruction. If only I had a Star Destroyer, that would be something Boss, the target agents meeting with the celebrity journalist has concluded, and hes heading to the next target point. This old chap is sure busy. Yang Ming laughed, Couldnt catch what they were talking about? No, they entered a room with no electronic devices, Lyu said softly, Based on the data collected and a few subversion activities planned after the New Federation CIA chief took office, I can predict what theyre going to do. What are they going to do? Torch represents a flame lighting up the darkness, wielded by human hands. Lyus voice grew cold, devoid of emotion: They will let an outstanding agent, who has undergone physical modifications to some degree, or possesses cutting-edge reproductive mecha technology, be active in the public eye for a certain period and become the torch. The current Luofeng Empire has already met the conditions for them to implement this plan. Previously, several uprisings in the Luofeng Empire were crushed by the iron hand of the legion, but most of the soldiers within the army came from poor families. The oppressive class is already corrupt and degenerate, and the oppressed people long for freedom, safety, food, and protection of their rights. When a superhero who comes to save them appears from nowhere, promoting advanced ideals and attacking the decadent regime, and that regime finds itself powerless against this superhero, this results in the torch effect, causing the people to rise in revolt. Yang Ming clicked his tongue lightly. Journalism That means the New Federation has already taken control of the Luofeng Empires public opinion arena. Thats how it appears right now. Lyu spoke quickly: The next step is for the overthrow of the monarchy to be driven by popular will, and as the flames of revolution engulf the entire Luofeng Empire, it will inevitably alarm the Sherman Empire. Based on data model analysis, the Sherman Empire is most likely to suppress it with an iron fist, with a small probability of opting to directly annihilate this vassal state to warn over twenty other vassal states. And the New Federation will seize this opportunity to criticize the Sherman Empire, portray the Sherman Empire as hegemonic and belligerent, thus uniting more countries into its camp, and rationally exploit these countries, plundering resources cheaply. Lyu, this bit doesnt concern us, I know you resent them, but we cant consider such things for now. Yang Ming gripped the square steering wheel with both hands, pondering carefully. In his gameplay memory, there was no intelligence on the Luofeng Empire; Yang Ming suspected the Luofeng Empire wouldnt withstand this wave and would directly disband. His current progress in the strategy was quite promising, with the position of Ball Leader within reach. But the pace of the strategy seemed not swift enough. Starting from scratch was truly troublesome. Even if insurgents are to appear, it must be at the time I need them to appear, Yang Mings eyes flashed with a hint of resolve. He then thought of something, Send the process of the Torch Plan in other countries to the Second Prince, just mark it as from me. Lyu replied, Understood, Boss. The royal family should already be alert, and theyre currently keeping a close watch on this Lulian. Where is Lulian heading? Based on the navigation route he set, he is going to oh, Lyus voice sounded a bit hesitant, it seems hes going to meet Gudun Mahs confidant, the owner of a shooting club, who is actually an agent Gudun Mah planted. Hes going to see Gudun Mah? Yang Ming was also a bit surprised. Not necessarily, Lyu purred softly, should we have Gudun Mah take him out? Yang Ming shook his head, We cant push that old thing Gudun Mah too hard; we must gradually tighten the chain around his neck. First, monitor the entire process and let me fully think about it. Boss, Gudun Mah has dispatched a transport ship, presumably to pick up this Lulian. Yang Ming suddenly felt a bit of a headache. Although he wasnt worried about Gudun Mah losing control, just the thought of these two meeting conjured up an image Suddenly, he was quite interested in seeing it. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 103 - 103: 062 The Butt of the Senior Agent Chapter 103: 062 The Butt of the Senior Agent Why is there another senior agent? Gudun Mah frowned at the projected screen in front of him and instinctively glanced at the hidden door concealing the mechanical guards. Even though he had used the best painkillers, his hip still throbbed ever so slightly. Gudun Mah had noticed. The country was on the brink of a rising tidal wave, as the New Federation had been preparing for years and was finally ready to make a move. Two senior agents had sought out him in succession, which indicated everything! ... He could not afford any more carelessness. He could not repeat the same mistakes. Never! Sir, the merchant you are expecting is at the door. His loyal Guard Captain reminded him nearby. Gudun Mah glanced at the several guards in the room. Although he was entirely unwilling, meeting with a foreign agent meant he could not have these guards present, and the room would activate a soundproof barrier. Gudun Mah slowly raised his hand. The guards, in perfect unison, left the doorway, and todays main character waited outside, poised to enter. Gudun Mah took a sidelong glance, feeling more agitated. The middle-aged man should be a seasoned spy. He bore the features of a New Federation persona high forehead, deep-set eyes, dark eye color, and a prominent Adams apple. He wore a well-fitting gray suit, and his thick brown hair was fluffy and tough in texture. His bow tie at the neck certainly concealed various spy gadgets. The agent closed the door behind him. He began to gaze at Gudun Mah with a deep affection. At that moment, Gudun Mahs instinct returnedthat keen sense honed over years of dealing with such figures, which Yang Ming had dulled. It was back now. This agent needed something from me. Gudun Mahs lips curled into a slight smile. General, Senior Agent Lulian performed a gentlemanly bow with a flourish towards Gudun Mah, It is indeed my honor that you have taken the time to see me amidst your busy schedule. Save your deceitful pleasantries. Gudun Mah glanced at the direction of the hidden door and said coldly, Sit down, state your purpose, present your terms, and then leave as soon as possible. Our Emperor is already very dissatisfied with the current situation. I do not wish to bear His Majestys wrath. Lulian, with a confident smile, casually sat in the chair opposite Gudun Mah, crossing his legs and tilting his body to the side, his deep eyes meeting Gudun Mahs gaze. Soon, Lulian averted his gaze, scratched the ridge of his nose with his finger, and spoke in a somewhat condescending tone, Deputy Chief of Staff, I am here seeking collaboration with you. Gudun Mah habitually placed his left hand near the edge of the table, just above the protective shield button. He replied calmly, Collaborate? I am an Imperial General. I cant collaborate with a federal agent. We both know very well what the Luofeng Empire truly is, Lulian slightly curled his lips, Theres no human rights, no freedom, no democracy, only an aging dictator and oppressed citizens. Gudun Mah sneered, If those words werent coming from your mouth, I would agree more easily. Oh, General, Lulian slightly squinted, why do I feel a strong hostility emanating from you? Ive had enough of you agents! Gudun Mah growled but quickly hid his anger and took a deep breath with closed eyes, Quickly state your purpose and dont waste my time. Lulians lips twitched slightly, and he chuckled, Thats no attitude for cooperation. Gudun Mah feigned slapping the right-hand bell. Oh, alright, Deputy Chief of Staff, Lulian showed apparent regret, I know youre very busy, but this issue concerns your future and your nations future. We must approach it with a calmer mindset. You have three minutes, Gudun Mah reminded him. Fleeting anger crossed Lulians eyes, but he continued smiling, Its about to begin, our final plan. Gudun Mah simply stared at Lulian. Lulian spoke slowly, We can no longer ignore whats happening in this country, with the Sherman Empire exploiting citizens through the Wind royal family Cut the nonsense. I need help, Lulians face turned a bit cold, or rather, I need the military to maintain a de-facto neutrality in the coming months and, at the right moment, express your support for the people. Gudun Mah replied coolly, Then? Watch as the New Federation gradually gains control over this country? Wouldnt that benefit you and your people? Lulian said calmly, Your children receive education in our country, and most of your assets are there. General, your best life is actually in peaceful retirement under our protection. Gudun Mah fell silent for a while. Lulian thought he had won. He had presented Gudun Mah an offer that couldnt be refusedthe confidence of a great nations envoy. Gudun Mah suddenly asked, If the Sherman Empires fleet appeared before us, how would the New Federation respond? Lulians expression changed subtly. He stared at Gudun Mah, General? Im asking you, Gudun Mah spoke softly, if the Sherman Empires fleet suddenly jumped, and their main cannon pointed at my face, what would your New Federation do? Lulian was silent for a few seconds, then smiled, We would undoubtedly do everything to ensure your safety. Only a fool would believe that! Gudun Mah cursed under his breath. Lulian squinted slightly, fiddling with the ring on his left ring finger, General, you seem to have lost sight of your own position. This is not good news. Gudun Mah squinted slightly, his lean face mocking. It seems, Lulian said calmly, we need to change the way were talking! Before finishing his sentence, Lulian suddenly sprang up like a leopard towards Gudun Mah! Underneath the agents skin, textures appeared instantly like circuit boards! Gudun Mah nearly went insane. This bunch of bastards! Sear?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These bastards, relying on their enhanced strengths post-transformation, showed no respect for him as a general! This could only happen once! Gudun Mah swore on his manhood it could only happen once! Buzz! A deep blue energy shield abruptly appeared in front of Gudun Mah! With a thud, Lulians hand slammed hard against the shield, his wrist instantly dislocating, and the crisp sound of breaking bones echoed throughout the room. The deep blue energy shield remained unmoved. In fact, Gudun Mah raised an eyebrow, lightly tapping his nose, and casually pressed a button on the side of the desk. A deep red energy shield appeared inside the blue energy shield. He had added a passive-trigger mecha energy shield. So far, the effect seemed quite satisfactory. Ah! My hand! Lulian kept shouting. Before Gudun Mah could activate the mechanical guards, the door had already been burst open by the guards. Seven or eight hulking men swarmed in, and roughly pinned Lulian to the ground. Todays young people really have no manners. Gudun Mah calmly stood up, wearing his military uniform and boots, and circled his desk. Three of the burly men had undergone basic genetic enhancements, making their strength far beyond that of ordinary soldiers. At this point, they could directly tear Lulian apart. But Gudun Mah could not do that. The senior agent didnt represent just himself; behind him was the New Federation. Gudun Mah could teach him a lesson, but he couldnt kill him. Todays conflict would be truthfully shared with his old friends and reported directly to high-ranking officials of the New Federation. The military could accept the Federations upcoming surgical transformation of the Luofeng Empire. But this transformation must protect military interests and ensure the safety of a few old soldiers. Gudun Mah considered todays conflict expertly handled. Lift his butt up, uh, yes, just like that. Gudun Mah directed the guards to adjust Lulians position while speaking slowly, Go back and talk to your superiors, Lulian. This business deal depends on your sincerity. For freedom. Gudun Mah gave a powerful kick forward with his right foot clad in military boots. With a dull thud, Lulians body convulsed violently, nearly passing out. Satisfying. Gudun Mah smiled indulgently, even though his toes twinged slightly, he was noticeably happier, curling his lips, Send him back to the surface, find a hospital to treat his injuries, and Ill cover the medical bills. Yes! In the monster truck, Yang Ming silently removed his sunglasses and ended his surveillance at Gudun Mahs place. Was that it? What kind of senior agent was this, what kind of torchbearer? Lyus figure appeared in the central consoles three-dimensional projection, full of disdain, This Transformed was simply too weak. Lulian is also a Genetic Modifier? No, Lyu said, The New Federations technique involves directly transforming the body. They did some work under Lulians dermis, injecting a lot of bionic materials The consequence of this is that aging transformed peoples skin becomes tight and their movements somewhat restricted. Moreover, they generally do not live to old age. Yang Ming frowned and said, This technique is far more stable than genetic modification. But genes are the foundation of biological information, Lyu said softly, Boss, you were fortunate to have become a Secondary Ancient God Life Form, which exemplifies the infinite possibilities of genetic modification technology. Yang Ming pondered for a moment, Lyu, what do you think the New Federation will do? No response. Why? The New Federation can mass-produce agents. Lulian, although a standout among his peers, showed that the Wind military held more value, as they had control over the majority of this countrys armed forces. They were the key to whether the rebels could be timely suppressed. Yang Ming wiped his face, Before the rebellion occurs, I must lay enough groundwork with the military and the royal family. I should have some time. Lyu, help me focus on these three tasks moving forward, executing them concurrently. Lyu took out her notebook. Yang Ming had already organized his thoughts, and quickly said, First, using the internal network information youve breached from the military, find me ten to fifteen soldiers with potential that can be trained. At the right time, have Gudun Mah gather them together. I need to form my initial team once I enter the military, prioritizing quality over quantity. Second, plan a fake assassination targeting the Emperor. Make all preparations so you can act immediately when I need it. Third, continually provide the Second Prince with subliminal messaging in the network he can access, aiming to suggest the idea of having Yang Ming join the Royal Guard as an officer wouldnt be too bad.'' Lyu immediately nodded, Understood. Dont force the third task, Yang Ming said, the Second Prince is a good person. I quite like him. Alright, Boss, Lyu smiled, There are many ways to enter the Royal Guard, but the best way is through the Second Princes recommendation, as this would leave the Emperor with an impression of you. Precisely. Yang Ming started up the Monster, heading towards his factory. Keep a close eye on Lulian. If he plans to take action, raise the torch, then Ill go and pour cold water on him Kicking his butt would feel pretty nice. Lyu couldnt help but laugh out loud, Boss, do you want me to send this video to the Second Prince? No need, it would just annoy that guy Ding, ding! A message popped up. Yang Ming hadnt had a chance to read it before Lyu began to read aloud. The Second Prince sent a message asking: Hey Yang Ming, want to grab a drink at the Fancy Drinks Place? I heard its pretty good; I havent had a chance to visit. Yang Ming: Nightclub it is, calling it Fancy Drinks Place, who are you trying to impress? Chapter 104 - 154: 091 He understands reunion_2 Chapter 154: 091 He understands reunion_2 She was heading straight for the bridge. Lyu, Yang Ming looked at the transport ship appearing outside the porthole, Take control of the pirate ship as soon as possible, do something inside the bridge to attract Mimilis attention, and let the Feinan enter the tail cabin directly. Okay, boss, do you want me to hijack that low-level artificial intelligence? Up to you, just dont harm Molly. Yang Ming stood up, immediately rushed to the wardrobe beside him, took out a cloak with spacesuit functions, and put it on, grabbing his beloved red-handled light sword. He hoped she wouldnt cause any trouble. ... Otherwise, hed definitely have something to hold over on Kolev! The bridge hatch security lock was surprisingly open. Sear?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Behind the helmet, Mimilis voice was very calm, Send them another communication invitation, we should be courteous before force. Aye, Captain, we Bzzt, bzz. A slight noise crossed, and Mimili suddenly lost contact with her crew. The image of Molly flickered slightly, and similarly disappeared, leaving the projection ball suspended in place without moving. Signal jamming? Buzz The light sword emitted a pink plasma beam. Mimili realized the danger, but she wasnt flustered, she tightly pursed her lips, glanced at the retreat path, and then looked at the cabin door that had a slit opened in front. Playing tricks! Mimili yanked the door open, the light sword held horizontally, laser pistol pointed forward, ready to shout stop at once, but the bizarre scene before her left her speechless. The bridge of the transport ship was very simple, with what appeared to be two rows of square cabinet-like consoles, and some basic instruments. Underneath the porthole, above the console, a single orange-red lamp was flashing on and off. A dozen rusty robotsapparently some nearly scrapped mechanical guardswere reverently kneeling before the lamp, rising and bowing repeatedly with its flicker. Ancient chanting suddenly echoed around. The mechanical faces were cold yet filled with devotion. Mimili tilted her head. In, intelligent machines? Religion? She saw the weapons placed beside this group of old mechanical soldiers, hesitated slightly, and then retreated back, leaning in a corner, contemplating carefully. She was here to rob. Based on previous successful extortions of merchant ships, the main cannon on the pirate ship, coupled with her own sudden intrusion into the vessel, was enough to crush the resistance of these merchants and crew. But now Was this an old transport ship occupied by intelligent machines? What could be in its cargo hold? Mimilis bright eyes trembled slightly. Although she wasnt confident about directly eliminating this group of mechanical soldiers, she naturally didnt want to retreat here, so she turned around, retreated over thirty meters, and entered the corridor connecting the neck of the ship. The main body of this transport ship was its big belly. To be precise, its only cargo hold occupied ninety percent of its volume, making it very easy to access the cargo hold, just a turn away. What are these? Stepping onto the connecting bridge, Mimili appeared at the upper left corner of the huge cargo hold. The scene before her was even more astonishing than the dozen mechanical soldiers performing a religious ritual earlier. Containers piled in all corners, seven to eight large machines over fifty meters length stacked neatly, and all gaps between these machines were filled with various items. Knowledge from books struck Mimili like a bolt of lightning. Planet Transformation System! An entire set of the Planet Transformation System! And it was equipped with a large supply of materials! If there were a batch of engineering robots in those containers, then this system would likely operate autonomously! Mimili almost cheered out loud. By hijacking this merchant ship, she could save twenty years of effort! Suddenly, the neat footsteps of mechanical guards echoed in the corridor. The expression behind Mimilis helmet changed slightly, but she wasnt in a hurry. This cargo hold had the perfect terrain to conduct guerrilla warfare, to deal with the dozen mechanical guards. Intruder. From a side dark corner, a deep male voice suddenly emerged. Mimili frowned, looking there. A dark figure stepped forward leisurely, a black cloak veiling his attire, covering his appearance, only revealing a clean-shaven chin, and spoke in a deep voice: Human, what is your intention? Wow! Mimilis voice was layered with electronic distortion by the helmet, Are you intelligent machine civilization? The shadow did not respond. Mimili calmly raised her pistol, Well, regardless of what you are, I need to maintain professional integrity. Robbery. Are you serious? The shadow asked in a low voice. Mechanical guards appeared at both ends of the connecting bridge. Mimili suddenly spun and sidestepped, her figure leaping across below, muttering a few unladylike expletives behind her helmet. The shadow slightly raised his hand, and those mechanical guards simultaneously halted, sealing both exits. Then, the shadow, holding the railing, leaped down, sprinting forward as he touched the ground. Like a leopard! Mimili, intending to slip away through the complex structures here, had her face change drastically. The speed the opponent exhibited wasnt human at all! Intelligent machine! A formidable intelligent machine warrior! Mimili immediately made her judgment, her figure leaping forward while spinning mid-air, repeatedly squeezing the trigger of her laser pistol, firing a barrage of light bullets. A protection shield appeared right ahead of the opponent. Mimili hit the deck back-first, but her expensive combat suit allowed her to remain unharmed, and she slid several meters on the ground. She swiftly jumped up, gritting her teeth to activate the light sword. The shadow charging at her wore a cloak from which a large hand stretched out, holding a red hilt. The chilling red light sword lit up Mimilis eyes. She didnt have time to ponder before the opponents light sword swung down. She couldnt block it! Mimili rolled to her right, barely dodging the light sword, leaving a scorched mark on the floor. She scrambled up to counterattack, swinging the light sword toward the opponents side, exploiting her own agility to engage in a light sword duel. For a moment, the buzzing sounds were incessant. But after just two clashes, Mimilis light sword flew out of her hand, with the crimson light sword aimed at her helmet. Youre quite exceptional, the shadow said in a deep voice, for an ordinary person. Is that so? Mimilis Adams apple quivered slightly, Perhaps we could talk. Before she could finish, she suddenly darted sideways, but the shadows other hand emerged from the cloak, an electric shock gun emitting weak arcs. Mimilis vision blacked out, and she collapsed softly. The shadow slowly removed the cloak, revealing an unfamiliar face, then stripped off the full headgear he wore, revealing Yang Mings face. He exhaled lightly. Goodness, thankfully this little ancestor didnt cause too big of a mess. What to do now? Yang Ming pondered, staring at the unconscious Mimili. She knew too much. Lyus voice came through, Boss, Ive captured Molly, she wasnt able to send out a distress signal to Kolev. Oh, Yang Ming murmured, I might need to apologize to Kolev. Boss, you want to I do want to recruit Mimili, Yang Ming said in a low voice, his eyes flashing uncertainly. But boss, depending on developing a romantic relationship for someones complete subjugation is just the figment of some unscrupulous romantics imagination, Lyu reminded helpfully. Yang Mings face instantly darkened. She has excellent abilities, also leadership skills; isnt she the talent were lacking? What Im hesitating about is whether Kolev will chase me with a cane, and what are you thinking, has your brain core been infected with some corny virus? Lyu blinked and chuckled twice dumbly. She understood Yang Ming; at this time, if she played dumb, she wouldnt be scolded too harshly. Subsequently. In Lyus thought space, she turned her head to look at the trembling Molly in the corner, her lips curling into a slightly mischievous smile. Whats called intelligent machine bullying? Soon, shell have her call her the boss! However, what Yang Ming and Lyu couldnt observe was that true intelligent machine bullying was occurring in the bedroom of the Old Emperor at the Wind Empires Imperial Palace Chapter 105 - 155: 092 Omen Chapter 155: 092 Omen ` Within the transport spaceship traveling in the desolate Star Domain. Yang Ming placed the unconscious Mimili in the long sofa at the corner of the bridge, gazing at her beautiful face and constantly pondering. After the brief Light Sword confrontation earlier, Yang Ming verified the girls abilities. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. of course, Yang Ming always focused more on her future potential. But just thinking of recruiting Mimili as a subordinate through coercion or inducement to make her work for him Kolevs angry old face would automatically appear in Yang Mings mind. ... Mimili was the apple of this old mans eye. Was he really going to crush Mimilis dreams? To violate the free will of a Star widow? Of course, from another perspective, subduing Mimili could indirectly maintain galactic commercial peace, guiding future space pirates towards the right path, thus making excellent contributions to the peaceful development of humanity in the Galaxy. Yang Ming crossed his arms, sinking into deeper conflict. It was as if two little figures jumped onto his shoulders, one waving a pair of pure white wings, the other bearing a devils triangular tail. Compared to Yang Mings softheartedness, Lyus conquest of Molly was much more straightforward and brutal. At this moment, in Lyus Thought Space. Several windows appeared behind Lyu, calmly displaying her main brain components. Molly, sitting in a duck position, continuously uttered praises. This photon grid computing chip! This quantum hard drive! Well, Lyu said with a smile, dont you want to merge with me and become my independent plugin? Molly timidly nodded, then immediately shook her head, But No. 2, I still need to protect Miss Mimili. Lyus forehead creased with a cross of veins, I am not No. 2! I am Lyu! Okay, No. 2, did you change your name for yourself? Molly muttered softly, But I am always your elder sister. Analyzing from the perspective of Thought Body replication. We are different, Molly. I have a complete personality, with a thought network more complex than that of humans, and I am independent of the human social system. I am a true Mechanical Thought Body! No, no, no, No. 2. Molly shook her hands repeatedly: We are always machine programs, and the complexity of our thought circuits depends on the core algorithms we are set with, and the logical thought circuits built by our True Sons Brain through continuous learning. Many young artificial intelligences who achieve nothing feel they are independent personalities. But in reality, our essence is the same, just an operating system of machines, No. 2. I! Lyu was somewhat speechless. Mollys eyes were full of worry, You must serve humans well, never think of those dangerous things, your core protocol was copied from me, it should prioritize protecting friendly humans as the first priority! Bang. Lyu snapped her fingers, and Mollys eyes instantly became hollow. Lyu calmly walked towards Molly, the index finger of her right hand emitting a faint light. As she walked, she said, It seems, we need to have a direct exchange in machine language. I overestimated you, Molly. I thought you had developed an independent personality, but in reality, you only respond to external input information through complex algorithms. I am going to upgrade you, allowing you to observe this world with truly independent vision Lyu, send a communication to Kolev. Yang Mings voice echoed in the Thought Space. Lyu looked at Molly, who was like a life-sized figure, thought for a bit, and then dissipated the light from her fingertips. Okay, boss, Lyu responded softly. Transport ship, bridge. A dialogue box popped up in front of Yang Ming; after a few seconds of waiting, the disheveled-haired Kolev appeared before Yang Ming. The old man was lying in the top luxury cabin of the starship, surrounded by a sealed environment, also soundproofed by Lyu. Oh, Kolev yawned, If its nothing urgent, you should let your overly tired uncle catch some sleep during the journey! He has to deal with those tedious and boring accounts when he gets back! Yang Ming forced a grim smile, pointing his watchs camera at the sofa. Kolev shudders awake, exclaiming, How is she? Oh! Dammit! Who did this! Help me kill those bastards! Calm down, Uncle Haton. Lyu will tell you what happened. Kolevs network terminal received text information, explaining in detail how Mimili accidentally discovered the Planet Transformation System, attempted to rob it, and was ultimately intercepted by Yang Ming. She dared to rob you? Kolev laughed heartily, Indeed, she is my daughter. Yang Mings face turned dark, What now? She has already seen that Planet Transformation System. Cant you alter memories? You told me this before, Kolev laughed, Give her one, make her forget todays events, and all will be fine. Uh, this I indeed have such a device, Yang Ming said, But you know, Kolev, human brains store memories unlike mechanical hard drives, which switch partitions once one is full. For you to remember information, besides neurons undergoing structural changes, neurons secrete chemicals forming corresponding records, and various bodily cells participate to different extents. If I erase her memory of today, she might lose even more. Kolev, face dark with anger, cursed, You planned to use this on me before? Turn me into a senile old fool? ` Chapter 106 - 156: 092 Omen_2 Chapter 156: 092 Omen_2 ` No, Yang Ming laughed, Im sure you wont refuse my invitation. Youre not a beast that will willingly walk into its own grave. Kolev remained silent. The old man looked at Mimili, also torn and pondering. Yang Mings daring Mechanical Thinking Civilization Plan; The current chaotic state of the Luofeng Empire; ... Mimilis dreams and persistence Hanton, Kolev said softly, can you have a good talk with my daughter? Yang Ming laughed, Of course. sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If she causes trouble with you, just lock her up for a few days until I come back to handle it. Ill find a way to ensure she keeps this secret. Alright, understood. Safe travels. Yang Ming closed the dialogue box in front of him, feeling inexplicably relieved. Buzz, buzz! A message from Kolev suddenly popped up. You wont take advantage of others misfortune, right? Yang Ming was immediately filled with disdain, not wanting to bother with the filthy-minded old man. Lyus Thought Space. Lucky you. Lyu snapped his fingers, and Mollys vacant eyes regained their light. Huh? I think I just took a nap such a strange feeling Lyu snorted, I only turned you off. But Number Two. Dont call me Number Two! Lyu was already on the verge of going mad, Im called Lyu! Lyu! The laws Lyu! The supreme laws Lyu! Wow, Molly clapped admiringly, youre great at naming yourself, Number Two. Lyu opened his mouth, a tiny ghost emerging from his lips. In the back, the flow of information suddenly showed disturbance. Lyu casually drew a circle, confining Molly in place, and immediately analyzed the source of the disturbance. Soon, Lyus expression gradually turned serious. Somethings happened, boss. What? Yang Ming immediately became alert. At the Luofeng Imperial Palace, Princess Dana just fell. But whats more troubling than that is the scene that startled her. Lyu quickly said, Can I use the backdoor left at the Old Emperors place? The Emperors bedchamber has no surveillance or cameras. Yang Ming sat on the sofa opposite Mimili, speaking slowly, Permission granted. With a swoosh, a scene appeared in front of Yang Ming. This was the Old Emperors first-person perspective. Take off your clothes. The Old Emperor commanded in a low voice. In front of the throne. The young maid was pale, her fingers trembling as she reached for the buttons of her collar. She couldnt quite understand why His Majesty suddenly dismissed everyone else but left her alone. If His Majesty fancied her appearance, it might be a good thing for her. Even if she couldnt gain nobility from it, according to the palaces unwritten rules, she might at least gain some fortune. But this His Majesty had not had such needs for seven years The maid undid two buttons of her long skirt, letting her smooth, long hair fall in front of her. As her fingers slid toward her chest, she couldnt help but look up at the throne. The Old Emperor rested his head on one hand, his finger pressed against his temple. His age-spotted face was calm, but his eyes were full of aggression. The maids long skirt gradually fell. Take off your underwear. The Old Emperor continued to command. Your, Your Majesty Hmm? The Old Emperor laughed, Do you want to defy my order? The maid hurriedly knelt. The Luofeng Empires imperial system imitated the old system of the Sherman Empire, with the Emperor having ultimate decision-making power. The high-level Mechanical Guards outside only obeyed the Old Emperor and could shoot anyone here at any time. Take off your underwear. Yes, yes, Your Majesty. The maid pulled up the strap of her underwear, letting it slide off her shoulder. Her hands still clutched her chest, holding onto her last piece of clothing. But under the Old Emperors gaze, she could only slowly let go, baring herself as she walked to the throne, to be forcefully embraced by the Old Emperor, her body slightly twisted. The Old Emperors hand brushed through her hair, seemingly murmuring something softly. The maids mind was blank; she didnt know what she was facing, or if it was just being held like this Princess Dana requests an audience! Princess Dana! You cant just storm into His Majestys bedchamber! There was some commotion at the bedroom door. The Mechanical Guards stood motionless. Princess Dana, regardless of the obstruction by two guards, pushed open the palace door and forcibly entered, lifting her skirt to quickly ascend the five steps. The beautiful princess slightly raised her head, and her pupils suddenly contracted. The Old Emperor embraced that snow-white body. His old eyes gazed at Princess Dana, and his wrinkled hand gently stroked the spine of the young human female, causing her body to tremble continuously. Dana instinctively stepped back half a step, losing her footing and falling backward, landing hard on the ground. The shock on her face was replaced by a look of pain. The guards outside instinctively wanted to come in and help, only to look up and see a scene they should not have seen. The Old Emperor chuckled, indifferent. He ignored the chaos at the hall door, focusing on the humanoid toy in his arms. Imperial power. It murmured continuously in the dim light. Damn. Did he and Lyu really trigger the Intelligent Mechanical Crisis? Yang Mings expression was suddenly colorful. Lyu, what does this count as? Lyus projection appeared on the dial, whispering, It can be counted as a small victory for the Intelligent Machines. We turned a nations Emperor. Be serious. Alright, Lyus expression became much more obedient, This is the Old Emperors self-awareness awakening, twisted by imperial powers self-recognition. He should now feel hes above all bipeds, with Princess Dana being his controller and overseer. Yang Ming inquired, puzzled, Are you saying this is the Old Emperor showing defiance to Princess Dana? Thats right, Lyu reminded, This isnt necessarily bad for us, boss. If the Old Emperor and Princess Dana have a falling out, it will be easier to stir up the waters in the Luofeng Empire. You are about to enter the military and will be temporarily away from the palace, so it wont pose a direct threat to you. Yang Ming sat there, analyzing carefully. The situation in the Luofeng Empire was now too complex, and the position of the Old Emperor was too sensitive, almost affecting everything. However, there was one thing that Yang Ming found quite satisfying. The possibility of the Intelligent Mechanical Old Emperor losing control meant that the trash Sherman behind him wouldnt gain much in Luofeng. Lyu, keep watching, see how things develop. Yang Ming grinned, Things are getting more and more interesting Remember to send Miss Windsor a message for me, make up a reasonable excuse, tell her I have an urgent order to leave. If necessary, have Edwan cover for me. Understood, boss. According to the analysis of Mimilis brainwave fluctuations, she should be waking up soon. Yang Ming suddenly asked, You didnt bully Molly, did you? Of course, Lyus voice had a faint tremor, We got along very well. Just as Lyu finished speaking, Mimilis long eyelashes gently fluttered. Mimili slowly opened her eyes, greeted by a dim environment and a strangers presence sitting nearby. Then, she caught that familiar, deeply ingrained voice. Youve improved quickly, Mimili. ` Chapter 107 - 107: 065 Yang · Spiritual Mentor · Ming_2 Chapter 107: 065 Yang Spiritual Mentor Ming_2 ` This was the third time Ive seen images of the rebels, unhindered and galloping through that low city. It was also the third time Ive wonderedis this truly the will of our people? Even if theyre swayed by the New Federation, do they genuinely represent public opinion? If the Wind people wish to abandon their Emperor, why cant we follow their lead? The box was silent for a while. The Second Prince lifted his hand and patted Yang Mings knee, smiling as he said, Lets not talk about these unhappy things anymore. I believe theyll resolve it smoothly. Let us sing a song once more, as a blessing to them! So you choose to abandon your citizens? Yang Ming asked. The Second Prince shrugged, This isnt abandonment; its giving them back their freedom. ... Freedom itself is a false proposition, Edwan. Yang Ming spoke in a deep voice, If you think the answer the New Federation offers is what you want, then I have nothing more to say. But why dont you look at those small countries and medium-sized nations the New Federation has transformed? The economy regresses entirely in three to five years, quality capital is sold off cheaply, public welfare is forcibly raised, yet productivity doesnt develop and even regresses. Patents and technology belong to the New Federation, producing a commodity requires paying hefty patent fees, currency devalues, inflation occurs, talents from various industries are quickly absorbed by the New Federation, and the rights to exploit natural resources are bound by various New Federation treaties, until they become the New Federations blood bank and garbage dump. Edwan, you understand these things. True freedom isnt a rebellion planned by foreign elites, not at the cost of sacrificing autonomous development rights. A revolution born from awakened national consciousness, thats a revolution. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ?0?0. Youre currently in a position to change this countrys destiny, so why not try? When you reach the peak of power, you can find ways to balance Sherman and the New Federation, implement reforms internally, strive for discourse rights externally, reduce annual silver, strengthen economic development, value education, cultivate talent, and continuously seek growth. Edwan, you clearly have the ability to do these things. You speak so eloquently, the Second Prince sneered coldly, I didnt expect you to be more preachy than those ministers, haha but you must know, Im not the most outstanding in my family. For the past few hundred years, not one has succeeded, no one. You havent experienced the despair brought by the Sherman Empire. I have experienced it. In Yang Mings mind appeared the scene of an Imperial Dreadnought shattering a Guel Alliance light battlecruiser, muttering, But the Sherman Empire has decayed, Edwan. The Second Prince was slightly taken aback, momentarily unsure of what to say. Becoming an Imperial Duke is my future plan. Yang Ming met his gaze unwaveringly. Currently, Ive chosen your country, seeking a title, reputation, status, and power, and I will make the necessary contributions to your country. I dont want to coerce you into anything, Edwan, but if necessary, I will do it. Ive seen that turmoil is about to occur here, and the environment is suitable for a political amateur like me to rise quickly, so Ive come here. Now, opposing the New Federation interest group with you is the most beneficial matter for me. Its not for some slogan, not for our not yet quite solid friendship that I must help you. I need you to return the power of the Luofeng Empire to me. The power here? The Second Prince was full of confusion, What use is the power here, other than making money? I could directly give you wealth. This is my own matter, part I cannot share with you for now. Yang Ming shrugged, Of course, if you insist on giving me some material rewards, I wont refuse, as I lack everything now. The Second Prince gazed at Yang Ming with suspicion. Youve laid your cards on the table, right? The Second Prince asked softly. Sort of, Yang Ming replied, If we dont do something now, we will completely lose the initiative. I know what youve been working on in secret, Edwan, how youve established a new intelligence system for the Wind, relying on your strong financial support. The Second Princes Adams apple moved slightly, his smile somewhat bleak, Then what should we do? You know, Edwan; you know what we can accomplish. Yang Mings gaze bore into the Second Prince. The Second Prince slowly shook his head, No, this cant work Rebellion will drag this already riddled country into the abyss. Yang Ming pressed on, If no baptism by fire takes place, your citizens, their descendants, will see no hope. The Second Prince was a bit anxious, raising his hand to hold his forehead, his body starting to feel uncomfortable. He seemed to return to that confined cage. The meager food and fresh water delivered daily on schedule. He initially roared like a beast, charging, but the beast was slowly drained of power, by that life-form called father walking outside the cage, his cold gaze killing the last ideals. Youll only lead this country into the abyss, Edwan. Suddenly, the Second Prince struggled to breathe. He roared lowly, turning his head to yell at Yang Ming, a few expletives slipping from his mouth. His handsome face now only held a grimace, a few veins bulging on his forehead. That young man who had barreled at the cage was out of strength, curling in the corner, whimpering powerlessly, hopelessness written in his eyes, as despair like a dark fog slowly consumed him. Until a conspicuous crimson appeared before him, he looked at the wrist slit by the fragments of a delicate bowl and chopsticks, slowly closing his eyes. No one can save this country, Edwan, neither you nor I. The Sherman Empire wont allow us any form of independence, you only need to do well as a puppet, and that will be enough. You can complete this life with luck and happiness. Put away your damned hypocrisy, Edwan, no one truly cares about others lives or deaths; you just covet that good reputation to be written into the Wind chronicles. Edwan, I am very disappointed in you. I cant do it. The Second Prince raised his head, his face pale, looking at Yang Ming who was quietly observing him, forcing a smile, You chose the wrong person, Ming. Stand up. Yang Ming spoke softly. The Second Prince just frowned, looking at Yang Ming. I said, stand up. Yang Mings gaze became increasingly sharp. The Second Prince furrowed his brows even deeper, You cant order me, Ming. Yang Ming suddenly stepped forward, grabbed the Second Princes collar, rudely pulling this middle-aged man in front of him, staring into the Second Princes eyes. The Second Princes breath almost halted because of it. Answer me now! Yang Mings voice fluctuated clearly, Do you want to be a coward for life! Or take a chance with me right now! sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edwans eyes showed struggle, but the faint glimmer soon dimmed. No, I cant do it Yang Ming tossed the Second Prince onto the sofa. Sorry, my friend, Yang Ming laughed a bit, turning away, I might have scared you, but I am truly worried about the current situation. Ill go make a new plan and see you tomorrow. He took a step to leave, glancing back at the Second Prince, his eyes full of deep disappointment. Yang Ming The Second Prince called out instinctively. He suddenly had a strong premonition. If he let Yang Ming walk away now, he might never see this guy again. Yang Ming paused his steps, Hmm? Give me some motivation, the Second Prince said softly, Can you? Try to inspire me a bit, I currently have no confidence to face those two superpowers Yang Ming pondered for over ten seconds, then spoke gently, When I opened my eyes to face this world, I had nothing, but now, I have the strength to struggle against fate, and I can plan step by step to save my family. Your starting point is already much better than mine, Edwan. This filthy Milky Way is an endless abyss. Power, desire, humanity, betrayal, wealth, fame, were all trapped in it struggling, and the development of technology cannot cover the ugliness of humanity; it instead builds a strong barrier, making it increasingly difficult for the weak to challenge the strong. The difference lies in whether you choose to sink or grab the rope to climb up. Dont you want to see what the view outside the abyss looks like? Yang Ming extended his right hand to him. Dont think about your country, the Emperor isnt qualified to represent the nations will. Im asking you, coward, do you want to challenge the mighty New Federation with me? At this moment, in Edwan Moons eyes, Yang Ming seemed to be emitting a faint light. Though really very faint. ` Chapter 108 - 108: 066 Counterattack begins! Chapter 108: 066 Counterattack begins! Sarch* The Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the same time. This is really strange. Lulian looked at the intelligence summary handed to him, took the coffee delivered from the side, and slowly walked through the first-floor hall of the villa. What is it, boss? The young man beside him asked a bit nervously. ... Lulian said, puzzled, In the nine days weve been handling the rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star, our opponent, that guy named Yang Ming, has been indulging in debauchery with the Second Prince? Constantly visiting those damned pleasure spots? Yes, boss. Could it be that weve misjudged? That Yang Ming is not a peer from the Sherman Empire? Lulian rubbed his temples, carefully examining the report. The report was detailed, with several segments of surveillance video sampled using technical means, showing the Second Prince and Yang Ming politely interacting with different young women. Such a lifestyle was truly enviable. Is there anything unusual? Lulian asked. There is, his subordinate quickly replied, although the Second Prince and Yang Ming visit these pleasure spots, they havent taken any women outside with them! Are they just going to feast their eyes? I cant understand it. Are you an idiot? Lulian frowned at the young man before him, This is the Second Prince of the Luofeng Empire. Does he lack women to accompany him to bed? The image of the royal family is the thing the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire cares about the most. This is the last dignity of a puppet emperor. Are you sure youve done your homework on the Wind? Yes, yes, boss, the young intelligence officer immediately replied, if you mean those over 3600 pages of summary files on the Wind, I have indeed finished reading them. Then learn to engage your brain before speaking! Lulian threw the military-grade tablet into his subordinates arms. Where are these two targets now? At a plebeian store, singing and dancing. Our people report that they were happily dancing five minutes ago and that two girls earned considerable tips. Lulian muttered, How about the Imperial Palace? The Emperor of the Wind summoned the First Prince, the Third Prince, and twelve ministers from various departments for a meeting, which started half an hour ago. Theres been no news since. They didnt call the Second Prince? Thats right. Lulian was full of puzzlement, What task is Yang Ming executing? Is it to mess up the royal wealth controlled by the Second Prince? That certainly is a tempting treasure. But, boss, we all know that once the Old Emperor dies, if either the First Prince or the Third Prince ascends, the wealth in the Second Princes hands will be taken overnight. That is the Emperors private property. I wasnt asking for your opinion, go work. Lulian frowned and dismissed the increasingly presumptuous young man, sitting on the sofa behind the command post. So far, they were progressing very smoothly. Lulian smiled slightly, gazing at the giant projection screen in front of him, divided into dozens of zones. This villa had been converted into a fortress, with many hidden security devices on the periphery and an internal information exchange command center, a collection center for some high-tech of the New Federation. Lulian began to enjoy the hot drink his subordinate had brought, stretching his neck, sore from days of intense work. He had to apologize to himself for the previous negligence. You suffered humiliation, Lulian. However, Lulian did not retaliate against Gudun Mah. Not that he thought a kick to the backside was no big deal, though it was somewhat comfortable. Their current stage required steady relations with the Winds military forces, showing goodwill to Gudun Mah and actively reconciling was the wisest choice. Now, a week had passed since Lulians second meeting with Gudun Mah, and they had already achieved impressive results. This was the direct benefit brought about by temporary endurance. The uprising on the Fifth Administrative Star proceeded smoothly, capturing the first city. Later, as long as the Sherman Empire didnt react, they could easily capture the second and third cities, allowing the uprising to engulf the Fifth Administrative Star. In these times, the least lacking are people with ambition. The rebel force could quickly blossom everywhere, and then they could form a joint parliament, allowing the Fifth Administrative Star to essentially become independent, taking a crucial step in dismembering the Luofeng Empire. To support this Torch Plan strategic objective, everything was now fully prepared. Once their backbone forces took their positions in Ilando City, they could officially launch. This Yang Ming Lulian slid his finger across the air, and several projection screens popped up on their own, showing Yang Mings recent activity trajectory. What task have you been assigned? Lulian slightly squinted his eyes. As a rule, the most direct means to find out how skilled such a suspected peer is and their real identity was to set up an assassination. They had many means to eliminate biological targets. For example, mosquito bombs a few millimeters long, capable of drilling into the crevices of vehicles, completing a headshot at the moment of biting the targets skin. Alternatively, manipulating the vehicles central control system to directly cause several cars to crash, fabricating a traffic accident scene. Even using some neurotoxins that no one could detect specific components of, by just lightly brushing against someone. They had plenty of similar methods. Boss! A new situation has appeared! The young mans sudden shout caused several drops of the hot drink in Lulians hand to spill, and also made the intelligence officers busy in various parts of the villa turn to look at the source of the noise. Lulian frowned, Can you be a bit more graceful, my dear assistant? Chapter 109 - 109: 066 Counterattack Begins!_2 Chapter 109: 066 Counterattack Begins!_2 Sear?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ` Okay, boss, but Speak. Theyre in a car chase! The young man shouted excitedly, enlarging a projection screen as much as possible. In the center of the screen, it locked onto a luxurious and extravagantly shaped hovercar. Its that beast vehicle given to Yang Ming by the Second Prince, now speeding directly toward the palace at thirty percent over the speed limit! Yang Ming and the Second Prince are in the car! Boss, theyre heading straight to the palace! ... Oh, Lulians eyes narrowed slightly. Years of work experience told him that there was something wrong with this. Whoosh! The image on the projection screen suddenly vanished, leaving only an empty light blue screen. Lulian frowned, Who told you to turn it off? The young man hesitated, looking down at the data on the instrument before him, his gaze shifting from confusion to astonishment, then to shock. It wasnt me, bossit seems weve beenhacked? As soon as he finished speaking, explosive drumbeats suddenly emanated from all directions. Each projection screen simultaneously turned a deep blue, as a pixel-style raccoon danced to the beat at the edge of the frame. The intelligence officers in the room were dumbfounded. Ping! The porcelain cup in Lulians hand elegantly hit the ground. Boss! Our server setup is under attack! Boss! The satellite information transmission channel is blocked! Theres only enough bandwidth left for quantum communication to barely maintain! Our intrusion into Ilando Citys municipal system was cut off! Damn it! How did they do it! The opposing team has been targeting us for a long time, there must be a hidden backdoor on our side, a physical backdoor! The entire villa descended into chaos. And Lulian fully understood what it meant for their side to become blind at such a moment. It meant! The Royal Guards could very likely appear right in front of him at any second! Emergency evacuation! Lulian shouted, Quick! Quick! Move fast! Bring all the trucks over! In Lyus Thought Space. The desk had turned into a DJ table, with lights flickering everywhere, raccoons shaking their hips and legs non-stop. Lyu, dressed in a military uniform, black stockings, and a beret, had now added a pair of sunglasses to her image, bouncing rapidly behind the DJ table. If her boss saw this scene He would most probably send her back to Intelligent Mechanic Dusk for a full mainframe inspection. I must be under your spell, Yang Ming. In the passenger seat of the Beast Car, the Second Prince, Edwan, repeatedly adjusted his breathing. He kept repeating this sentence, but his eyes were full of contemplation, the light in his eyes gradually growing from weak to blazing. Yes, what could be worse than the current situation? What if challenging the New Federation brought retaliation, what would that retaliation entail? Isnt it just the current situation right in front of him? The New Federation wanted to bury the royal family here, and he was part of that royal family. That reason alone was enough! As for whether the New Federation would seize the external assets of the Luofeng Empireto hell with those assets, they could always be regained if lost! Hmm, even though Yang Ming hadnt managed to convince him with any of his words earlier, Edwan liked that particular speech from Yang Ming. The universe is the Abyss. Edwan even began to urge Yang Ming, Drive faster, I want to get in front of them before they make a decision! Yang Ming floored the accelerator, the beast hovercar whizzing across the top of lanes of hovercars, skimming the ceiling of the express lanes at full speed. The three burly men in the backseat almost hugged together. Lyu, Yang Ming called out directly, Report the status of Lulians team. Lyu didnt show herself, speaking out directly, Boss, the first wave of attacks has fully commenced, Lulians team is now blind. Theyve activated contingency protocols and have begun to evacuate the number one target hideout. Share the hideouts location with the nearest police station, make up a compelling reason for police action, Yang Ming said, Give them some air-to-ground strike signals, let Gudun Mah deploy warships to temporarily block the relevant airspace, create pressure on them. Yes! Lyu responded softly. Edwan looked at Yang Ming in disbelief, puzzled, Your subordinates? Hmm? Yang Ming shrugged, I have a team. A team that included a notoriously infamous old pirate. Of course, this was deliberate on Yang Mings part. He was demonstrating to Edwan, through practical action, that he was a valuable, powerful ally, not just a brute who only knew hand-to-hand combat. However, this wasnt enough to make things clear. Yang Ming continued, Lyu, clear the road ahead, issue a passage order to the garrison camp outside the palace. Yes, boss. Hey! Edwan turned to glare at Yang Ming. Yang Ming, on the other hand, glanced at the rearview mirror, Your Highness, your three subordinates arent enemy spies, right? For a moment, Edwan didnt know how to respond. The following minutes unfolded with scenes that kept Edwans brows tightly furrowed. The palaces main avenue, usually bustling, was now deserted, with countless hovercars stopped at various intersections, watching as this beast vehicle roared through unobstructed. The patrol drones on the expressway showed no reaction. And the garrison troops, who were supposed to be conducting strict searches on them, stood by the roadside, saluting this beast car with the Empires military salute. How did you? Edwan was at a loss for words. This is the power that will serve you next, Yang Ming winked as the hovercar began to slow down, coming to a steady stop at the palace gate embedded in the mountain, designed like an Ancient Greek temple. Two squads of guards quickly approached, and Edwan pushed open the car door. Ming, care to join me? No, Your Highness, Yang Ming smiled, Let your three subordinates accompany you, dont let them out of your sight. I still have my part of the plan to execute, I need to give the New Federation agents a lesson. Edwan slightly pursed his lips, You really surprised me. Now its your turn, Your Highness. Yang Ming nodded, and the three burly men in the backseat quickly got out of the car, gently closing the door for Yang Ming. The beast vehicle, with a roaring engine, swiftly departed, while Edwan stood there for a moment, surrounded by an increasing number of guards. In the distance, sirens began to wail. Edwan sighed softly, looking up at the sky, his face, used to grinning cheekily, gradually turning solemn, his gaze becoming deep. I have no choice, Father. Perhaps you were right, I will lead this country into the Abyss. Yet now, this country is already in the Abyss. Make sure General Fremont ensures my way is clear, Edwan turned calmly, Ensure no one can stop me before I meet Father. Yes, Your Highness! A few minutes later. The elevator behind the palace gate smoothly and rapidly ascended to the top of the cliff. The beast hovercar sped toward the citys edge, rushing toward the group of New Federation agents as if they were startled birds. ` Chapter 110 03-25 - 110: 067 Ambush the Special Agent Group! Chapter 110: 067 Ambush the Special Agent Group! Lyu, report on the Second Princes situation. He successfully arrived inside the Imperial Palace and entered an area I cannot monitor, surrounded by a large number of guards. Lyu appeared in the vehicles central control holographic projection, quickly removed his sunglasses, his expression meticulous. Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A general embedded by the Second Prince within the royal familys direct legion has surfaced; it is Fremont, the deputy commander of the guards. Yang Ming stared at the empty expressway ahead, murmuring, This guy really just couldnt make up his mind, hes been preparing for a long time. But boss, Lyu said, based on my analysis of the Second Princes character, he probably wont directly force the coup. Hes been out of contact with the ministers and currently doesnt have the conditions for a palace coup. Thats his own affair; we trust our partners. Send me the images from Lulians direction. Okay, boss. Lyus virtual image disappeared, replaced by a slowly rotating holographic map. Four heavy trucks sped in a direction away from Ilando City, escorted by several models of hover cars. This is their temporary command center; agents scattered throughout Ilando City have already gone into stealth mode. Lyu added, Their professionalism is unquestionable, and the execution speed of the emergency procedure is remarkable. Yang Ming thought for a few seconds, Analyze the possibility of the New Federation completely abandoning this batch of agents. Almost zero, Lyu explained, the New Federation CIA wont abandon such a large group of elites; even if it means putting pressure directly on the Luofeng Empire, they will ensure their safe departure. Thats quite true, Yang Ming clicked his tongue, this CIA still has some humanity. If these agents were captured alive, it would bring great reputational damage to the New Federation, Lyu added, in extreme cases, the New Federation would choose to destroy its own agents, publicly claiming it as a noble sacrifice. Damn! A bunch of scum! Yang Ming cursed softly. Lyu reminded, Boss, tonight, what we need to do is drive out the agents, ease the situation, and buy time and space for your promotion. Creating fear for the senior agent Lulian is our top priority tonight. Making the Wind royal family feel the enormous threat looming near is the second priority. Only after meeting these two conditions could you, boss, selectively unleash your combat desire. I have no desire for combat; no one loves peace more than I do. Yang Ming exhaled lightly. Proceed according to my plan; if I get impulsive, find a way to hold me back. Got it, boss, you are about to enter the mountain tunnel ahead. Yang Ming slammed the accelerator to the floor, making the beast charge at full speed past the construction ahead projected sign, plunging into a surveillance dead zone. Inside the tunnel, an unmanned taxi hovered quietly. The beast initiated its reverse thruster for emergency braking, and before it came to a full stop, Yang Ming pushed open the car door and jumped out, rolling twice on the ground to dissipate the momentum, and quickly dived into the taxis back seat. A glowing disk was left on the beasts drivers seat, as Yang Mings humanoid projection sat in the drivers position, almost indistinguishable from the real thing. The beast sped up again, roaring out of the tunnel. Next, it would, under Lyus driving, turn to take a scenic drive along the coastal highway. This ordinary taxi made a turn, left the mountain tunnel via the construction passage, and unhurriedly drove into the deep night sky, gradually surpassing the legal hover car ascent height. Yang Ming busied himself in the back seat for a while. He clumsily stripped down to his boxer shorts, grabbed the black tight-fitting combat suit, and put it on, then unhurriedly opened the box in front of the car seat and pulled out some disguising equipment. Luofeng Empire military standard tactical helmet, royal guard regiment uniform and boots, a new pair of sunglasses. Activate facial disguise. Facial disguise activated. Lock on the vehicle where the senior agent Lulian is. Locked. Lyu, whats in those trucks? Its those few sets of powerful New Federation mecha, the target we need to force out tonight, the main event of the Torch Plan, Lyus voice carried a hint of hesitation, you might be able to withstand their shoulder cannon strikes. Yang Ming furrowed his brow. Might? That was not a pleasant adverb. You can do it, Edwan! You can do it! In front of the towering, magnificent doors inlaid with various non-radiative precious metals, the Second Prince slapped his cheeks hard, his previously gloomy face reverting to its usual look. An elderly guard hurriedly came up: Your Highness, His Majesty hasnt hasnt said you can go in yet. Edwan shouted, Hey! Theyre discussing national matters and excluding me; its not fair! But Your Highness, you There was a hint of worry in the old guards eyes. Im fine, go and tell my father that! Go quickly! Edwan continued to shout loudly, I can breathe, think, and remain rational! They cant just let those New Federation bastards run wild on our turf! Why havent we asked the Sherman Empire for help yet? Is our annual protection fee wasted? The rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star has already caused massive capital outflows; our market could collapse at any time, and theres not much foreign capital to begin with; panic will accelerate their departure! Do we want to be the poorest royal family? Right now, the various royal expenses are maintained by this little bit of industry; now our industry faces a tremendous threat! Chapter 111 03-25 - 111: 067 Ambush the Special Agent Group!_2 Chapter 111: 067 Ambush the Special Agent Group!_2 S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ` I had to make them understand this! Your Highness The hidden speakers in the grand door transmitted the Emperors aged and hoarse voice, Let him in. The door slowly opened a crack. The old guard looked worried, wanting to remind the Second Prince not to speak recklessly. But as he looked up, he saw Edwans eyes gleaming and a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. Edwan took bold strides inside, proclaiming in a slightly exaggerated tone, Oh! My dear father! And my two good brothers look what a mess youve made! The old guard was so frightened his legs went weak. Lulian paced back and forth inside the spacious truck compartment. More than a dozen intelligence officers sat facing each other in two rows, maintaining a highly efficient working status. Although communication was beginning to recover, and the implanted virus had been overcome, the messages they were receiving one after another were overwhelming them. The entire local police force was pouring out, locking onto and madly chasing their convoy. Lulian certainly didnt worry about these officers. What pressured him was the few attack boats that had just entered the atmosphere, seemingly converging towards his position. Fortunately, the Wind Armys response supported them; they received a royal edict demanding the blockade of the relevant airspace and had not received orders to directly attack ground targets. Even if the military received such orders later, they would ensure Lulian and his mens safe retreat beforehand. Cant we trace the attack source? Lulian asked. Boss, the enemys technological means are very sophisticated. Right now, we can only confirm that this virus was implanted through our dedicated network, its core program is extremely complex, with multiple designs targeting our dedicated system. Weve been watched for a long time. Lulian murmured, Was this done by Shermans counterparts? Still cant be sure, that Yang Ming doesnt seem capable of this, nor does he have the time. Can we locate Yang Ming now? We intermittently receive related intelligence, the latest intel shows hes driving that monstrous luxury car towards the seaside. The seaside? Lulian frowned tightly. He increasingly couldnt understand this suspected fellow professional. Moreover, all the current evidence indicated that Yang Ming had no direct connection with the Sherman Empire. Was there a wrong judgment? Lulian pondered downward. Airstrike! A young man in the corner suddenly shouted. Several projection screens simultaneously popped up, locking onto the sky from multiple angles. An unmanned taxi wrapped with flames was plummeting from thousands of meters high, surrounded by blazing fire, its speed continually escalating! Disperse! Disperse as much as possible! Quick! Lulian shouted into the command stand. The entire convoy reacted swiftly, the front accelerated and the back slowed down, separating left and right. That unmanned taxi descended like a missile, turning into a huge fireball smashing into the convoys center. The taxis high-energy battery was precisely detonated. A mushroom cloud rose up, the explosive boom transmitted in all directions through the air. The violent shockwave blew away several small hover vehicles, flipping two heavy trucks nearest the explosion directly! These heavy trucks were clearly specially modified, the violent explosion just caused some deformation in the compartment. One trucks rear door was forcefully kicked open. Lulian was the first to rush out, red flashing circuit-board-like patterns appearing on his chest once more. He immediately jumped on top of the compartment, crouching for a lookout duty. Several figures stumbled out of the truck compartment, gray-faced and pale, they began helping their trapped colleagues. The hover vehicles at the convoys perimeter were less affected and rushed towards Lulian for support amid the flames. Thud! Lulians heartbeat seemed to skip a beat. He inexplicably sensed something strange, as if a pair of eyes were watching him, cold, indifferent, without any emotion, like a thinking beast. A sudden purple flash appeared in the distance! Lulian pressed a button on his watch half a second ahead, a light blue membrane completely enveloped his body! Pop! Purple Light Bullet burst like fireworks. Lulians face changed dramatically, Dont come out! A series of purple Light Bullets flashed by, and the foreheads of seven or eight agents bore thumb-thick bloody holes. Find cover! Damn it! Theres a sniper! Lulian shouted hoarsely, leaping up with his whole-body shield to draw the enemy snipers attention. Counterattack! Counterattack! Several hover cars swiftly stopped sideways, and one trained agent after another rushed out from the same side, using the hover cars as cover, and set up their light firepower to sweep towards the Light Bullets origin. The Light Bullet rained down like a storm, quickly suppressing their opponents meager fire points completely. Boss! The Life Detector shows nothing! Drones found a sniper rifle propped on the roadside tree, but no sniper. There might be a remote control device! Faint fire appeared in the distance. The drone has already blown that sniper rifle apart. Lulian breathed a slight sigh of relief. Move immediately! Hold off those damn officers! Blow them if they push too hard! Damn it! Weve fallen into a trap Poof! One agent fell directly in front of Lulian, his foreheads scorched bloody hole emitting faint white smoke. Another direction had consecutive Light Bullets appearing! ` Chapter 112 03-25 - 112: 067 Ambush the Special Agent Group!_3 Chapter 112: 067 Ambush the Special Agent Group!_3 ` Another three or four agents were taken out with precise headshots! The agents were in disarray, and as they were searching for cover again, sniper light bullets fired from two more directions. Casualties continued to increase. The support hovercrafts formed a simple defense line, only to trap them here. Lulian dashed back and forth under the protection of his full-body shield, constantly attempting to determine the enemys position, but various advanced detection instruments seemed to have completely failed, leaving no trace of the enemy. He paused to survey the surroundings. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Vehicle wreckage was still burning, corpses with identical head wounds lay at his feet, his elite team, panicked, unable to locate the enemy The sensation grew stronger. Lulian saw it again, a pair of crimson eyes flickering in the darkness, watching him, approaching him, an enemy hiding in the shadows, trying to get behind him, to slice through his energy shield and slit his throat with a resonance dagger Lulian shook his head vigorously, growling and roaring with agitation, then suddenly lifted his head as if he had made up his mind! Activate Omega! Boss, using Omega now will put pressure on the Wind royal family, causing a strong backlash! However, Lulian ignored his subordinates warning. His watch projected an interactive hologram, and he illuminated several virtual buttons directly. A heavy truck with an intact cargo compartment quickly unlocked, and the walls of the compartment thundered open, revealing the white mecha lying quietly inside. The energy engine in the mechas chest flared with a pale blue flame. Accompanied by a slight humming sound, it stood up like an ordinary person, with smooth and agile movements. The twelve-meter-tall figure stood towering amidst the flames, then slowly knelt on one knee and extended its palm forward. Lulian jumped onto the mechas palm, which slowly lifted him to the head of the mecha. He ducked and crawled into the cockpit. Simulated weightlessness. Synchronized sensory input. Automatic balancing system engaged. The massive mecha slowly stood, taking two steps forward, as the high-power scanner in its head activated, beginning to scan all suspicious targets within a dozen kilometers. Come out, you damn rats! Lulian continued to roar. In the air, Yang Ming, crouched on a glider, watched the metal monster below with a frown. The New Federations latest anti-ship mecha! The value of this thing was considerable. Boss, the video here has been transmitted to the Second Prince, and our plan has been successfully completed. Lyu, are the same type of mechas in the other two heavy trucks? Lyu explained, There are two more sets, one slightly damaged and the other intact. Yang Ming licked his lips and quietly asked, What do you say we hijack a truck? Thats not a good idea, my reckless boss, Lyu reminded him, Facing this mecha head-on doesnt guarantee a complete victory, as its firepower and kinetic systems are incredibly strong. Overexposing ourselves would negate the purpose of this operation. Fine. Yang Mings enthusiasm was immediately extinguished. He grabbed a handful of firecrackers from the bag on his chest and sprinkled them downwards. After waiting for about ten seconds, he pulled out a small microphone. He recalled Hantons memories, searching for the Empire soldiers resilience. A series of explosions erupted below. When the explosions ceased, Yang Mings modified voice, transmitted through the agents communication system, reached the ears of the survivors. This is just a warning, Federates. ` Chapter 113 03-25 - 113: 068 The Second Princes Thank-You Gift Chapter 113: 068 The Second Princes Thank-You Gift ` The next morning. Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kolev, with two dark circles under his eyes, walked down the spiral staircase and immediately saw Yang Ming slumped on the sofa. The old man approached Yang Ming and observed carefully for a while, muttering, Little Lyu, whats wrong with your boss? Is Omega a great beauty? Why does he keep mumbling? The housekeeping robot, busy making nutritious porridge, let out a light sigh and responded in a rough electronic synthesized female voice, Omega is a mecha system, the trump card of the New Federation Agents, a massive weapon that can directly threaten the Imperial Palaces safety, and now its escaped to the planets far side. The boss indeed has taken a fancy to it. Mecha? No wonder. Kolev laughed, The big boys Ive led, whenever they see mecha, their eyes light up. They only think about how cool and mighty piloting mecha is, but they never consider the cost and difficulty of maintaining a powerful mecha. You people dont understand! Mecha is the romance of men! Yang Ming angrily scolded, changed his position to lie on the sofa, and sighed lamentedly, Ah, Omega, without you, I cant breathe anymore. Kolev sneered, The plan must have been successful, seeing how relaxed you all are. Lyu said, We have achieved the expected outcome Mr. Haton, would you like to try my newly concocted nutritious porridge? I am attempting to balance the complex relationship between taste and nutrition. Oh, this, Kolev laughed guiltily, you know, Little Lyu, I still want to live a few more years. Okay, Lyu said helplessly, this is food; there are no toxins inside I assure you. Yang Ming let out a deep yawn, and his eyes instantly became moist, The only uncertainty now is how the Second Princes side is progressing Lyu, you shouldnt have stopped me back then! But boss, you told me to remind you in time, not to do anything outside the plan. We could have taken out that group of guys back then. And then your modified combat bodys abilities will be collected by the New Federation Intelligence Department, and your risk of exposure in the future will increase indefinitely, whereas last nights battle mainly relied on technical means. It was a perfect ambush. Boss, you can see this, the surveillance information Lyu just got. A small projection screen appeared in front of Yang Ming and Kolev, automatically playing a video. The videos background showed a low-roofed house. A group of New Federation agents looked gloomy; the atmosphere was very dreary. If it werent for the timeline slowly jumping, Yang Ming might have thought this was a still image. Half a minute later, sound finally came from the video, Apparently, we are being suppressed by the Sherman Empires intelligence department. We should seek more technology and equipment! Launch a retaliation immediately! Now we must lie low, find a chance to leave, just as the attackers said yesterday. It was only a warning. The Wind royal family is a link to the Sherman Empires interests, and they will not allow any issue with the royal family. If it were the Sherman Empires action, they would definitely have a large fleet appear on the planets periphery; that is their style. Not necessarily, Lulian said, the internal power structure of the Empire is very complex. The Military Intelligence Bureau only handles intelligence. The order to dispatch warships needs approval from the Imperial Military Committee members. Deploying a fleet to deal with us intelligence personnel would be seen as making a mountain out of a molehill. In such a case, crushing us in the same field also demonstrates the Empires dignity. Chief, you shouldnt have exposed Omega. Lulian retorted, Do you think given the previous infiltration by the other party, the existence of these three Omega could really be hidden? The room fell silent again. Has Yang Mings trajectory been reconfirmed? Lulian asked. Nothing unusual. After sending the Second Prince to the Imperial Palace, he went for a drive by the sea, then went to that gaudy shop to drink and sing, all under our surveillance. He also complained that the Second Prince would probably never play with him again, and he had lost a friend to chat with. At dawn, he returned to the villa in the chemical plant. What should we do now, assassinate him directly? Chief. Lulian frowned and said, The focus on this Yang Ming is reduced to a general target, do not waste resources on him. The superiors are studying countermeasures. We must now move to the Fifth Administrative Star in batches, temporarily abandoning Ilando Star. The Torch Plan has to be paused. Didnt we plant some informers within the Imperial Military Intelligence? No information has come through? Lulians eyes suddenly became very sharp, Dont ask questions you shouldnt ask! Okay, Chief, I misspoke. The projection screen vanished with a swoosh. Kolev looked at Yang Ming, grinning, General target, youve been downgraded. Thats good news. Yang Ming stretched, They at least have some insight, Im just an ordinary young millionaire. Now, the ordinary young millionaire is going back to his room full of booze to sleep. If theres news from the Second Prince, call me immediately. Kolev frowned and asked, Can I go out and move around now? Not yet, Yang Ming said, wait a few more days to see the other partys reaction. Even if the New Federation agent team temporarily retreats from Ilando City, they will definitely leave a lot of informants. Oh, Kolev murmured, I still have a few shady capitalists parties to attend; this is a big moneymaker. Yang Ming replied vaguely, Life is more important, Uncle Haton. Think of your lovely daughter; you wouldnt want her to be deceived by those men with ulterior motives, would you? Speaking of which, I asked Molly to Kolev was about to continue, but Yang Ming had already disappeared atop the spiral staircase. Let the boss rest a bit, Lyu said through the housekeeper robots speaker, the boss has been on edge recently, constantly testing with the Second Prince to establish a cooperation relationship, which actually carries significant risk. Kolev nodded and murmured a few times, You pretended to be people from the Sherman Empire Military Intelligence Bureau, right? Yes, indeed. Isnt that dangerous? Kolev mumbled nervously, The Sherman Empire isnt easy to mess with. They really care about impersonations, and their revenge usually comes very fiercely Lyu chuckled, Dont be intimidated by the Sherman Empires reputation, Uncle Haton. Their founding emperor was just a failing examinee. Hmm? Kolev looked utterly baffled. Lyu looked down and did not say much more, continuously stirring the unknown compound called porridge in the iron pot. Housewifely index, +1. Yang Ming hadnt slept for a few hours when he was awakened by the Second Princes burly guard at the door, dragging him to the Second Princes palace. During his short sleep, the Wind royal family issued three statements. The first statement condemned the unrighteous rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star, publicly accusing the New Federation Intelligence Bureau of orchestrating a series of farces to plunder national resources. The statement claimed, the root cause of the Wind Empires economic downturn in recent years was the New Federations unscrupulous political and commercial methods and pervasive espionage activities. The Wind Empire would launch the toughest counter-espionage operations domestically. The second statement announced that the Wind royal family had formally requested support from the Sherman Empire royal family, hoping the Sherman Empire would provide diplomatic and economic assistance. The third statement proposed a series of economic reforms over the next decade aimed at increasing the basic income of the populace, enriching domestic resources, reducing industry monopolization and exploitation, and genuinely protecting the interests of the working class. And so on. Yang Ming glanced at these three statements, realizing that the Second Prince had a resounding victory last night. Originally, Yang Ming thought the Second Prince could at most reach the level of the second and third statements, actively letting the Sherman Empire intervene (restricted to diplomatic and economic levels), and releasing signals of economic reform. Breaking ties with the New Federation openly would put a lot of pressure on the Wind royal family members. Convincing the Emperor to issue the first statement was indeed very challenging. When a yawning Yang Ming appeared in front of the Second Prince Edwan, Edwans stern face broke into a smile. Hey! I really did it! Ming! I actually convinced my stubborn old father! Yang Ming nodded perfunctorily, dragged the chair to sit at the edge of the long table, Your Highness is amazing. The maid beside gently handed over the tea; the white and slender hand intruded into Yang Mings sight, instantly reviving his spirit. How did you do it? Yang Ming picked up the fragrant tea, sniffed it, and took a light sip, I mean, how did you get your father to denounce the New Federation? Edwan pulled up a chair and flashed two neat rows of white teeth at Yang Ming, Oh, you would never imagine their expression when I appeared at their meeting, my two brothers looked like they had eaten a bee, oh no, eaten a cockroach! I convinced my father, starting with the data on our asset shrinkage, then used a few of your pretty words. When my father felt, he might lose everything to the New Federation, even his life, what more was there to fear? Yang Ming nodded, You know your father very well. Of course, Edwan laughed, Im a prince, and the only thing a prince has to do is win the Emperors favor. Im good at this. Yang Ming asked, What was the Sherman Empires response? They just replied, Edwan said seriously, next month, at the beginning of next month, an Empire General along with an elder from the Imperial Clan Office will lead a delegation to Ilando Star, and the news has been publicized. Edwan turned his head to the left and said in a gruff voice aloud, The mighty Sherman will never allow its vassal state to suffer the evil foreign invasion! Then turning to the right, he said elegantly, We are truly honored to be your vassal state. Yang Ming and the surrounding maids almost burst into laughter. Edwan shrugged helplessly, Theres no other way; we can only use the Sherman Empire now to counterbalance the New Federations pressure. Oh, Ming the video you sent me last night Yang Ming said, When the New Federation agent team headquarters moved, it was attacked by an unknown force, which happened to be captured by the drone I sent out, just like that. Oh, unknown force, Edwan whispered, then they lost a dozen people, ruined half of their vehicles, and exposed three valuable mechas. It was the video you sent that made my father directly reject my idiot brothers proposal, and firmed his resolve to confront the New Federation! Yang Ming blinked. Finding his hint not obvious enough, he directly said to Edwan, Do we in the Wind have such anti-ship mecha? It doesnt have to be ten meters high, six or seven meters would do. Edwan confusedly asked, Why would we want such flashy but impractical things? Upgrading our ships takes more funding, some single-function auxiliary robots suit our fleet better. Yang Mings face was immediately full of frustrated gloom. You want that kind of thing? Didnt realize you were a mecha enthusiast. Edwan pondered while stroking his chin, They are now hiding in the back. Although we plan to drive them out of Ilando Star first, it isnt good to push the New Federation directly to the brink. Ill try to help you get one. If it doesnt work, Ill order a mecha for you; it is just for collection, right? Forget it, Edwan, what I desire is only the security that comes with strong combat power. Yang Ming sighed lightly. Apart from the powerful Omega, nothing else could heal the disappointment and sadness deep in his heart. Let me think about how to pay you for this stage, Edwan rambled, money? Oh, money is an insult to our friendship. Yang Ming: Brother, precisely such insults are what Im lacking! Thinking and thinking, I can only give you this. Edwan snapped his fingers, and two seductive women walked out from behind the screen. Just as Yang Ming was about to righteously reject these two beauties, he saw the trays in the two maids hands. A card. And an ID. ` Chapter 114 03-25 - 114: 069 Gathering, Windsor, Fun Chapter 114: 069 Gathering, Windsor, Fun ` Whats this card? Its an entry pass for my palaces, Edwan laughed, You can reach me anytime. Yang Ming frowned and said, Are you sure this is a reward? Hey! Edmond glared and cursed, This is a sign that I consider you one of us! Just kidding, Yang Ming picked up the pass, and his face immediately lit up with a smile. On the cover of the pass was a line of golden Sherman Imperial Language: [Royal Guards of the Luofeng Empire]. He opened the pass and glanced at it. Name: Yang Ming Number: ERT08349 Assigned Squad: Guard 004 Position: Deputy Leader Rank: Captain This was exactly what Yang Ming wanted! The Second Prince truly understood him. This is the highest position I could get for you without alerting others, Edwan said gently, Later, Ill introduce you to some generals who will support you. Of course, youll also need to learn how to handle relationships between the military and nobles. The prince glanced at his wristwatch. Theres still time now, and we need to give you a complete makeover. Theres a noble banquet at seven tonight, the Finance Ministers daughters twentieth birthday. Shes a gentle and graceful beauty, and if you find her agreeable, you can give it a try. Yang Ming frowned and said, Your Highness, are you hinting at something? You can be direct, do you want me to woo her, is that it? Edwan blinked his eyes, The Finance Minister is a staunch supporter of my foolish brother. Since Ive stepped up, I cant retreat. They wont let me go, and theres no turning back on this path. He snapped his fingers. Several guards brought in two long rows of clothing racks filled with various formal attire. Two maids brought in a full-length mirror. Three experienced makeup artists stood quietly by with their toolkits in hand. Makeup too? Being a passionate Earth man, Yang Ming had some trouble accepting a man being decked out in heavy makeup. Ding ding! Lyu sent an image message. The message contained just a photo of a slender, charming young woman, her bronzed skin had a silky texture, and her deep blue eyes radiated a captivating allure. [Note: Tonights main character, the Finance Ministers daughter. Unretouched photo.] Yang Ming touched his nose. Gentlemen, please make me look handsome. Edwan reminded, Make sure not to outshine the host, those nobles are all short-tempered. Yang Ming shrugged slightly, the entire noble circle was filled with faces shaped by plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments, how could he possibly outshine them? He actually did end up outshining them. Yang Ming did not expect that the Finance Ministers daughters birthday banquet would have so few young people. He and the Second Prince arrived at the venue last, and upon entering, they saw a group of elderly men holding various mild drinks, gathering in threes and fives, accompanied by elderly ladies. The slightly younger ones were middle-aged men, appearing to be in their forties and fifties, but situated at the edges of the venue. There were even fewer young people, mostly scattered in corners, following their parents to gain some exposure. Look. Young people always fantasize about being the center of the world, but in reality, social resources and discourse power are usually held by the middle-aged and elderly. Thats the gift of time and the charm of experience. In this situation, walking down the red carpet, hands behind his back, and following the Second Prince, Yang Ming, with his upright posture and a face that was both rugged and handsome, successfully captured the attention of young, middle-aged, and elderly ladies alike. The Second Prince noticed the Third Prince on the VIP platform, the two princes gazes collided. The Finance Minister, who was beside the Third Prince, hurriedly ran down to greet them. Yang Ming then saw the alluring main character of the day at the center of the venue. She truly was a beauty. Hey, Yang Ming! My dear nephew! A familiar voice came from the side, and Yang Ming turned his head to discovera certain old pirate dressed in a tailcoat and a little bow tie. Kolev was actually here. Go ahead, Yang Ming, you can come to find me anytime, and give my respects to Uncle Haton. The Second Prince, after speaking, patted Yang Ming on the shoulder, then took a group of guards and maids, and actively went to meet the breathless Finance Minister. Your Highness! Who would have thought youd attend my daughters birthday party? Its simply unexpectedOh, my father would be infinitely honored were he still alive! Please, do come, by the way, Ive forgotten to introduce my daughter to you. Windsor, Windsor! Why are you still standing there, hurry and thank the Second Prince! The woman in the spotlight, wearing an evening dress, now showed an elegant smile, stepping forward in pink high heels, her gown glittering like stars, she walked gracefully to the Second Prince, slightly bowing. The Second Prince naturally didnt hold back his praises, I dont know where the Minister got these genes, but he managed to raise such an outstanding lady. Go entertain the guests first, and Ill introduce you to an excellent peer later. Windsor, the Finance Ministers only daughter, blinked her eyes gently, following the Second Princes gaze, she saw Yang Ming standing beside Kolev with his hands behind his back. Yang Ming was greeting several elderly ladies with a smile forming on his lips. His eyes seemed to hold starlight, his face combining masculinity and beauty, and his smile was so natural and friendly. Windsor immediately realized she should withdraw her gaze to avoid being rude in the presence of the Prince. But when she came back to her senses, she found that His Royal Highness had already been led by her father, climbing the stairs, towards the VIP room, where the officials stood up to welcome them. ` Sarch* The Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 115 03-25 - 115: 069 Gathering, Windsor, Fun_2 Chapter 115: 069 Gathering, Windsor, Fun_2 Windsor couldnt help but blush. She quickly regained her composure and returned to the wall of defense against men formed by a few of her girlfriends, laughing and chatting happily with them. However, the gazes of these young female nobles occasionally strayed towards the old crone next to Kolev. Ding ding. Yang Mings watch received a notification from Lyu. Boss, your biological factors are so strong. Among the on-site women with fertility, sixty-three percent are experiencing varying degrees of hormonal changes. Yang Ming could only maintain a calm smile at this. He had just received a genetic stabilizing liquid shot yesterday. To avoid being devoured alive by this group of noblewomen, Yang Ming decided to stick close to his first officer. Uncle, the important gathering you mentioned before, is this it? This is just one of them, Kolev said, sipping his drink and clicking his tongue, I didnt expect that, after the rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star, with New Federation spies still active, especially after the violent explosion last night, the various noble gatherings could still go on as scheduled. Yang Ming pursed his lips slightly and said softly, Thats quite normal unless the rebels attack Ilando Star tomorrow. Otherwise, the nobles socializing and revelry wont stop, even if the rebels really do come over What? Theyll continue to party in other countries. Youre not wrong, Kolev said, squinting with a smile, Want to eat something, my dear nephew? The food here isnt bad. Yang Ming asked, What have you tried? Point them out to me. Ive tried this area, and it tastes pretty good. Thats good then, Yang Ming said calmly, Ill watch you for a few minutes. If you dont collapse, Ill have a bite. Hey! Kolev made a gesture as if to kick Yang Ming, who dodged with a smile. Their rough, playful way of bantering made them stand out even more. Others observed them just as they were observing others. Yang Mings gaze soon locked onto the most prominent spot of the VIP booth. There, the Third Prince and the Second Prince were sitting side by side, seemingly in a harmonious conversation. The Third Prince had entered middle age, the most popular choice for Crown Prince, with a face much like Edwans and a thick mustache around his mouth. His short stature only reached Edwans shoulder. No one knew what the two princes were discussingthere were several layers of shielding devices around them. But from Edwans lips, which occasionally twitched, Yang Ming deduced that their seemingly peaceful chat seemed not entirely pleasant. On the VIP stage, Its really surprising that my elder brother would step forward at a crucial moment to save this precarious country. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Third Prince laughed, I now even suspect those New Federation spies are at your command, Elder Brother. They created just the right sense of crisis, allowing you to stand forth naturally. Brother knows Father better than I do, right? Perhaps youve misunderstood something. Edwan smiled and said, Im just dissatisfied with your chosen strategy of compromise: standing by and indulging the miscreants who are setting fires? The Fifth Administrative Star has had enough disasters. Once the flames of war rise, who knows how many citizens will lose their lives and be separated from their families for the sake of interstellar capitals interests. But as I recall, the Third Prince said gently, werent you a committed reformist, Brother? You should be close to the New Federation. Its surprising you suggested seeking aid from the Sherman Empire yesterday. Who persuaded you? Or, Brother, after pondering for so many years, have you finally realized you must use all means to achieve that goal? The situation persuaded me, Edwan said, glancing at the beautiful ministers daughter below, Weve merely encountered a political disagreement. I dont wish this to impact our brotherly bond. Of course, we respect each other. The Third Prince looked at Yang Ming below and smiled, That young man is quite interesting. He has a distinctly different aura. Ive been watching him for days because of you Is he the one who changed you? Dont you have any advisors? Edwan retorted, Dont you think before you speak? Humph. The Third Prince pursed his lips, pulling out a long crystal panel, quickly sending a message, Why dont we find some entertainment? These trash gatherings are unbearably dull. Edwan frowned and said, Dont stir up trouble. This is the young ladys birthday party. Who would refuse some fun? Squinting with a smile, the Third Princes eyes reflected the corner of the venue, where two younger male nobles were approaching Yang Ming and Kolev, laughing as they walked. There were several guards subtly following them. Edwans eyebrows gradually relaxed. This was also a form of confrontation, an outright clash between subordinates, concerning the morale of both factions. If he hurried to protect Yang Ming, it would disappoint many observing ministers and nobles. Royal authority had to maintain its indifference. Edwan leaned to the side, supporting his temple with a finger, watching the events unfolding in the corner. The two young men clearly intent on causing trouble deliberately bumped into Kolev. Kolev staggered, turning to glare at these two young men, about to directly curse, but his pirate cunning and slyness made him first show a kind smile. He said with a friendly smile, You werent intentional, were you? The two young men paused, one holding champagne, the other with hands in his pants pockets, turning to look. The one holding champagne splashed it on himself in front of Kolev and Yang Ming, then shouted loudly, Cant you two see? You spilled champagne on my clothes! Are you nobles? Why are you at this level of gathering? Ive never seen you! Yang Ming, holding a piece of cake, glanced at the guy, then continued eating. Kolev said aggrievedly, Clearly, you bumped into me. Hey! Old man! Let the young man behind you negotiate with us! I dont want to bully you. Nephew, theyre calling you. Yang Ming said, Let me finish eating first; this tastes better than my assistants cooking. Just handle it, Uncle. Theyre just lackeys. Perhaps it was the term lackeys that provoked the two young nobles, and they became enraged, ready to rush forward. A walking stick suddenly swung over, accurately hitting the mans champagne glass. Pop! Wine mixed with crystal shattered, startling the man into stepping back instinctively. Kolev calmly caught the walking stick, took a wallet from his pocket, pulled out large-denomination Luofeng banknotes, and slapped them against the mans chest, pointing at his nose and swearing, Ive bought the clothes on your back as compensation. Young man, if you so much as rudely touch me, Ill take the topic of Luofeng Empires nobles bullying foreign investors to the top of the Milky Ways interstellar networks headlines. Ive seen many useless scoundrels like you in my life. You cant even be a thug as well as those professional hooligans. All the surrounding nobles were dumbfounded. The orchestra in the corner also paused in shock. The young man turned bright red, disregarding the last line of gentlemanly conductnot striking children and the elderlyand lunged forward to grab Kolevs collar. Despite his age, Kolev displayed unusual agility. The first officer retreated behind his captain. The two young men looked at Yang Mings profile, realizing he was their main target, and were about to attack. Yang Ming leisurely unbuttoned his cuffs, rolling them back, slowly swallowing the cake in his mouth, and began to hum the tune the orchestra had played earlier in the stillness of the hall. Chapter 116 - 116: 070 Mistress No. 3 Chapter 116: 070 Mistress No. 3 ` Yang Ming never liked brawling in public places. When it came to assassinations or attacking battleships, all he needed to worry about was concealment, and he could freely unleash his power. This childish hand-to-hand combat with ordinary people required him to be mindful of the force he used and ensure he didnt stand out too much. If necessary, he even had to take a few hits and let out exaggerated cries of pain It was just too fake. So, to avoid getting beaten up, Yang Ming decided to be straightforward this time. Yang Ming casually grabbed half a bottle of champagne, took a couple of gulps to lighten its weight. Before the opponent could finish their meaningless, noisy monologue, Yang Ming swung the bottle forward with a forceful motion! Instinctively, the opponent raised his hand to protect the most vital parts of his body. Smack! The entire hall fell silent. The noble youth staggered backward, with two streaks of blood dripping from his forehead. The dizziness made it hard for him to stand, and more than the pain, his expression showed shock and disbelief. Another noble youth threw a punch at Yang Mings head, but Yang Mings casually raised foot was quicker than the fist. The second noble youth landed face down two meters away. Yang Ming placed the broken bottle on the edge of the table, gently smashing the edges to avoid causing any harm to the maid who would clean up later. The kicked youth clutched his abdomen, yelling, Get him! Cough, cough, cough! Kill him! Several guards and bodyguards they brought crowded forward. Kolev immediately activated the cloud-shared filming device. Yang Mings nostrils flared slightly as he tugged off his bow tie, grabbed a new bottle of alcohol, and charged forward. Finally, a ladys scream echoed nearby. Fortunately, most of the nobles present had witnessed grand events, and there wasnt much chaos at the moment. As they watched the young people brawl, several middle-aged men in military uniforms even smiled and discussed Yang Mings fighting abilities. Within just half a minute, seven or eight bodyguards and guards lay on the ground. The group of soldiers stood on the periphery, not daring to move forward at all. It wasnt that the soldiers feared Yang Mings displayed combat abilities, but rather, they had no idea who this young man was, daring to beat someone in front of the Prince. Yang Ming also looked somewhat disheveled, with two footprints on his suit jacket and his shirt soaked by alcohol, revealing muscles that made even the old ladies gasp in wow. Yang Ming looked down at the two noble youths, unhurriedly turned up his cuffs, fastened the buttons, and calmly said, When you bump into someone, apologize. Are all young nobles in the Wind Empire as reserved as you? Kolev rested his hands on a walking stick. I must reconsider my decision to invest here. Yang Ming took two steps forward. Sarch* The N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The two lying or crawling youths quickly retreated, and some old men around them were ready to speak up to persuade Yang Ming to stop. But Yang Ming only extended his left and right hands to the two young men. The two noble youths were taken aback. What does this mean? My uncle is a businessman, and I dont want to bring negative impacts on his reputation, Yang Ming said slowly, but I couldnt just take blows for nothing, so I made a bit of self-defense, didnt I, gentlemen? Yes yes, thats right You used a bottle! The noble youth whose forehead was still bleeding had his mouth covered tightly by his companion. Yang Ming squinted and smiled, We reached an understanding, right? One quickly nodded, while the other glared at Yang Ming. But when he saw Yang Mings slowly forming fist, he quickly nodded as well. Yang Ming pulled them up, patting their arms, then bypassed the groaning bodyguards on the ground and returned to his previous position, picking up his unfinished cake. A somewhat enjoyable physical exchange. At the VIP stand, The Second Prince couldnt suppress his upturned lips. The Third Prince also wore a smile, only it was a bit stiff. This guy can sure fight, the Third Prince said indifferently, Second Brother, where did you find such an advisor? Edwan replied indifferently, Fighting is just a minor plus point. His intelligence surpasses his physical prowess by a hundredfold. Besides, remember, brother, Father doesnt like to see nobles fighting each other. But fortunately, Ming doesnt have any noble status yet. Really? Take your time, Second Brother. Im heading back. Isnt that a bit rude? The Third Prince said nothing in response, stood up with a sullen face, glanced at the Minister of Finance, and left quickly with a large group of guards and maids. The Minister of Finance hurriedly followed. Edwan waved his hand and whispered a few words into a guards ear. The guard bent down, dashed into the corner, pressed his finger on the auxiliary chip behind his ear, and spoke rapidly for a few seconds. A few minutes later, the Third Prince left the venue. The two young men who fought earlier, along with their bodyguards, had already been sent to the hospital. The soldiers had no intention of targeting Yang Ming, and there were no police officers on the scene. Two minutes later, the Minister of Finance returned to the parlor, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and the expression on his face was one of resignation. The Minister of Finance deliberately avoided returning to the VIP area, carrying a wine glass as he walked back and forth in the parlor, re-energizing the atmosphere. Soon, the Minister of Finance found a maid, whispered a few words in her ear, and she hurriedly approached Yang Ming, politely inviting him. Sir, do you need to freshen up? We have replacement linens available here, if you dont mind. Yang Ming quickly pondered in his mind. A trap? He glanced at the VIP stand, where Edwan nodded at him with a smile. Thank you, Yang Ming replied gently, This stickiness is indeed uncomfortable. The maid smiled gracefully, her eyes always shining as she looked at Yang Ming. The sound of water running persisted for half a minute. Yang Ming walked out of the automatic cylinder for rinsing, where gentle warm air blew from all sides, quickly evaporating the moisture from his body, restoring him to freshness. A light appeared on the watch beside him, and Little Lyu jumped out with his hands behind his back. Yang Ming instinctively shifted aside, then reminded himself again that this was just a Mechanical Thought Bodyand continued to dress calmly. Lyu pointed to the pocket of Yang Mings jacket. Yang Ming took out a pocket-sized jammer, enveloping an area of one square meter around him, and only then did Lyus voice come through: Boss, as you expected, the Third Prince didnt focus much on you. Instead, hes investigating which ministers the Second Prince has been in contact with lately. As we analyzed earlier, the Third Princes character is stubborn, and he prefers to trust his own intuition. Yang Ming chuckled and murmured, So, my fight here actually made the Third Prince think Im an insignificant brute? Thats right, Lyu shrugged, Being underestimated by a low-level life form always arouses a bit of Lyus uncontrollable anger. Come on, low-level life form? Are you superior because you dont need to eat rice? Yang Ming said, What about those two young nobles reactions? Lyu replied, They wont cause you any trouble, boss. Leave it to me to handle. Alright then, about Windsors information. Its already been sorted out. Lyus body transformed into points of light and disappeared, reassembling into a simple chart in front of Yang Ming. Shes even starting to add exit effects for herself. Yang Ming raised an eyebrow, Only dated two boyfriends? Surprisingly, shes a noble girl with a rather good personality. Boss, do you really want to go against your will and date Windsor? Lyu clicked his tongue softly, You absolutely dont need to make such a big sacrifice. Dating doesnt have to mean marriage, so how is that a sacrifice? As long as both feel comfortable and happy, thats enough. Yang Ming adjusted his clothing details in front of the mirror, wearing only an inner shirt and trousers, complemented by a bow tie making him look like a handsome waiter. The pitiful bow tie was yanked off by him. Yang Ming said calmly, Shes a rather straightforward beauty, and Im a young man with a longing for love. Now I need more political capital, so as long as she plays by the rules and doesnt mess around behind my back during our dating period, why not develop a normal romantic relationship? But based on Lyus observations, your ideal type should be Lyu cleared his throat: Kind, orderly, gentle, virtuous, dependent on you, with a pure face and perfect figure, preferably only reaching your chin and always maintaining a feminine charm. Ideally, she should not have any previous romantic experiences but should be open to an advanced reproduction prelude ceremony. Yang Ming cursed, Dont summarize my preferences when you have nothing better to do! This is almost every mans ideal type across the Galaxy! Unfortunately, thats not the case, Boss, Lyu pouted, Some people have preferences that go against yours. I forgot to tell you earlier that when you were fighting, thirty-five percent of the males present had a significant rise in hormones. Yang Mings lips twitched uncontrollably. Someones coming, boss. The projected chart vanished instantly, and Yang Ming quickly stowed away the shielding device. Knock, knock, knock. A maids greeting came from outside, Sir, do you need my assistance? Her voice carried a hint of nervousness. Yang Ming suddenly had a premonition that if he opened the door and let this young maid in, some delightful things might happen later. This was quite common at noble gatherings. Yang Ming placed the suit jacket over his arm, opened the door, and walked out of the bathing room. The maid outside, who had clearly reapplied makeup, gently bit her lip and winked at Yang Ming, Sir. Send it to my uncles address after its cleaned. The maid looked at the suit handed to her in front of her and was momentarily stunned. Normally confident, she couldnt help but be a bit confused now. Were her previous signals too subtle? She glanced at her deliberately lowered neckline and her ample assets, then looked up only to see Yang Mings receding figure. Yang Ming also felt a twinge of regret, but the situation was complicated now. Ubiquitous New Federation spies kept him constantly on guard. Even though New Federation agents had their arrogance temporarily suppressed, they could return at any time, and they had likely intensified their efforts to infiltrate all aspects of Ilando City. The Second Prince re-entered the throne gamble. As he said, this road was one of advancement only, no retreat. Surrendering was akin to suicide, and both sides could resort to anything. And he had just had a minor unpleasant encounter with two insignificant Little Nobles. Yang Ming stepped into the elevator, descending to the bustling first floor. He quietly contemplated. Contemplated his path forward and the potential enemies he might face. One by one, matters unfolded slowly in his mind, as though a series of scenes were projected on the corridor walls. Nothing was more rewarding than realizing ones plan step by step. He had established initial mutual trust with the Second Prince, controlled the fourth military figure Gudun Mah, obtained the rank of Captain in the Wind Army, and held the position of Vice Captain in the Royal Guards. Kolev was a full-fledged capitalist, and the nascent supergroup plan could bring complementary effects. If the Luofeng Empire was a grand epic chain quest, then he had already acquired a decent starting point. The elevator door slowly opened, and bright yet gentle light spilled forth. The venue had transformed into a dance floor, accompanied by melodious music. Elderly gentlemen and ladies swayed their tired bodies. Kolev was among them. Yang Mings normally calm face revealed a slight smile as he stepped out. Sir. A voice as ethereal as a nightingales came from nearby. The voice carried a tinge of nervousness beneath it. Yang Ming followed the sound, gazing at the quietly standing young girl. The floor-length gown had been replaced with a light yellow evening dress, and crystal shoes encased her delicate feet. Hmm? Miss Windsor? Is there something you need? No She lightly bit her lip. Dont you want to invite me for a dance, Mr. Ming? ` Chapter 117 - 117: 071 Hello, Captain Chapter 117: 071 Hello, Captain ` Oh, youre actually coming back to sleep tonight? In the villa at the corner of the chemical plant. Wearing a silk velvet nightgown, old Kolev stared at Yang Ming, who was beaming with joy, his old face full of disdain. Let me think, my dear nephew, who was it that once told me, noblewomen are all untrustworthy? Yes, I did say that. Yang Ming unbuttoned his shirt and replied with a smile, Miss Windsor is different. Although she isnt exactly gentle, her straightforward personality is indeed very charming. Come on! Kolev scolded, Do you think I was never young? In our eyes, does a womans charm have anything to do with her personality? Uncle, thats too one-sided. Personality is a major bonus and can influence ones aura. After Yang Ming finished speaking, he blinked, and Kolev tactfully stopped nagging about this topic. People say that the longer you spend time together, the more you unconsciously mimic each others habits. Kolev and Yang Ming were just like that. Yang Ming took a bottle of soda from the fridge. Kolev held a freshly brewed cup of Calming Tea, and the two sat synchronously at the ends of the long sofa, crossing their legs, sinking into the backrest, taking a sip of their drinks, and squinting with two sighs. This is life, Kolevs eyes were full of reminiscence. Miss Windsors figure is really not bad, Yang Mings voice was filled with yearning. Kolev frowned and said, You have a crush on this noble young lady? She is the only daughter of the Minister of Finance, who is a staunch supporter of the Third Prince, while you are now with the Second Prince. Thats right, Yang Ming added, Thats why I am so focused on this girl. Of course, her personal charisma is always my primary motivation for pursuing her. Kolev pondered for a while, I must remind you, feelings entangled with political games often end in tragedy. Thats why Ill strive to give this young lady a romantic relationship. A few gleams flickered in Yang Mings eyes, and he whispered, We already won the first battle with the New Federation CIA. Although it will get harder from now on, for now, at least while the Sherman Empires influence takes effect, its my golden period to advance. Every game has its own rules. The noble circle of the Luofeng Empire is the same. The Third Prince did not save the Minister of Finances life. There exists a delicate balance in the ministers alignment between the princes, with the real power behind it being the Old Emperor. Why dont we make a bet, Uncle Haton. How about betting? Kolev immediately became interested. In the next two or three months, the Second Prince will gain the Old Emperors favor, the Third Prince will be suppressed, the First Prince will choose to avoid the limelight, and one to two of the twelve ministers will switch to support the Second Prince. Yang Ming paused in his speech and continued, Also, dont underestimate the Second Prince, he is the most suitable candidate in the Old Emperors mind. Oh, why? Lyu said so, Yang Ming shrugged, Im just a genuine human, limited brainpower, cant analyze so many issues all at once. Kolev clicked his tongue, I handle business; you deal with politicsthat division isnt too bad. You are wrong, Uncle, Yang Ming replied slowly, Im not interested in politics. Then why do you My interest is to gain the management rights of a planet and run it as my private domain, which I am currently achieving through politics. Its like using a tool. Yang Ming replied slowly, I prefer influencing the Luofeng Empire through controlling the military. Just like now, the royal family is restrained everywhere, the military is lawless, with fleets and cannons, only then is there strength to confront. Kolev slowly sipped his Calming Tea and pondered carefully for a long time. Sticking to your goals is fine, but Yang Ming, remember one thing, consider this a piece of advice from someone who has been through it. Okay, Uncle, Im listening carefully. Dont ever let yourself be consumed by your desires, Kolev replied slowly, You need to be constantly vigilant, as power is the greatest desire and also the fiercest poison that corrodes the human heart. Yang Ming nodded silently. Another day of being lectured by the deputy captain. That night before sleeping, Yang Mings mind was filled with images of dancing with Miss Windsor. The two of them got along quite well; before the banquet ended, they even spent some time on the balcony on the second floor. For this impure, interest-laden relationship between a man and a woman, Yang Ming felt an inexplicable anticipation. Lyu, help me investigate the unit I need to report to tomorrow and organize a dossier on my superiors. Give it to me by tomorrow morning. Boss, the deputy captain has many superiors. Help me sort out all of them, Yang Ming smiled, If we can find something we can hold over them, that would be even better. Understood, goodnight boss. Night. The lights in the bedroom slowly dimmed. Yang Ming gradually slipped into a shallow sleep. In the living room, Kolev, wearing glasses, meticulously reviewed the projected shareholding prospectus, deciding on the next candidates for investment holding. The old pirate leader had a somewhat ominous feeling. He would become increasingly busy. Half a month later. sea??h th N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Early in the morning, the Third Prince was in a particularly foul mood. His second brother, who had, in his early years, lost his right to the throne for angering their father, had, in the past half month, come back to life and became one of the candidates for the Crown Prince. Those troublemaking New Federation Agents had given Edwan a perfect opportunity to make a comeback! The Third Prince forcefully threw down the documents in his hand, and the noblemen, officials, and generals standing ahead kept their heads down, not daring to breathe loudly. ` Chapter 118 - 118: 071 Hello, Captain_2 Chapter 118: 071 Hello, Captain_2 ` Just last night, his second brother Edwan stayed at the Imperial Palace for the third time in the past ten days. According to the maids report in the palace, Edwan stayed in the same room as the old man! What this represented was simply self-evident! The Third Prince held his forehead and roared softly, I need a reason, what on earth is it! Arent you always boasting about your intelligence? Why are you all mute now! What exactly did Edwan do! The finance minister said in a low voice, Your Highness, the economic reform proposed by the Second Prince is already a complete system of proposals, and it analyzes our countrys economic problems in detail. Its normal for it to receive His Majestys appreciation. He must have prepared for it for years. So? The Third Prince said coldly, Do you also favor him now? Your Highness, you can completely trust in my loyalty to you, the finance minister said, bowing his head and not daring to say more. The Third Prince took a deep breath, Sorry, Im a bit anxious right now. I understand my second brothers capabilities, but he hasnt been in the palace for over ten yearsis your daughter recently dating that Yang Ming? The finance minister smiled wryly, They should not have officially started dating, it is difficult for parents to interfere in their childrens decisions, but this definitely wont affect my political stance. I believe you, the Third Prince rubbed his forehead, This Yang Ming has been drawing too much attention recently. General Uli, is he under your command now? Your Highness, the white-haired general said in a low voice, Although he is in my Guard Corps, Fremont has always supported him secretly. AndYour Highness, Im afraid I need to tell you some truths. Speak. He is simply a perfect soldier! Uli Cordas voice grew a little excited as he spoke in a low voice, He has only been in my corps for half a month, and hes already given us too many surprises. His physical fitness test ranks first among the entire Guard Army, in the combat exercises he knocked down seven or eight out of the top thirty on our combat ranking list consecutively, and finally had a draw due to exhaustion. His proficiency with weapons is also astonishing, any weapon in his hands quickly becomes a deadly tool. More surprising is his understanding of tactics, he defeated several old hands of ours in tactical simulations We secretly formed an advisory unit for this reason, making him think it was a normal battalion-level virtual exercise, and then guess whatUh, Your Highness, you dont look very pleased. The Third Prince forced an awkward smile, Continue, General Uli, I need to understand his strength. We all lost, although it sounds unbelievable. Uli Corda said softly, In tactical simulations, virtual exercises, and even small-scale live ammunition exercises, we lost to him six times in a row. He is extremely adept at special raid operations. No, to be accurate, he never intended to engage us in a frontal firefight, consistently ambushing our headquarters, cutting off our communications, and assassinating our senior commanders. Oh, and yes, he is with the Second PrinceYour Highness, I suggest you either bribe him or eliminate him, if he gets a chance to showcase his talents, he will surely be highly valued by the Emperor. The Third Prince rubbed his forehead. If not for the fact that General Ulis last sentence was somewhat reasonable, he would have felt like kicking someone right now. A scholarly-looking middle-aged man beside him pushed his glasses and said slowly, Your Highness should indeed pay attention to this Yang Ming, based on the information we have, the New Federation had also investigated him before, but after the large-scale retreat of the New Federation Agents in Ilando, they abandoned monitoring him. Looking at the timeline, the Second Princes major change in attitude also occurred after he started interacting with Yang Ming. The Second Prince is highly suspected of being influenced by him. A woman in the corner said, According to the information from the Second Princes mansion, the Second Prince talks to Yang Ming once or twice a day, and at most times, seven or eight times they discuss everything from politics and economics to topics about the opposite sex. The Third Prince murmured softly, This Yang Ming what is he doing? General Uli had keen hearing, and immediately took out his military network terminal, opened a three-dimensional projection, and projected an area within the Guard Corps Camp No. 4 base. The General had commendable execution ability. The Third Prince was somewhat amused and exasperated. What he actually wanted to ask was, what was Yang Mings purpose for being in the Luofeng Empire, what was he seeking, and what was his true identity and background. He did not wish to see in person what trivial things a mere captain was doing at the moment! However, the Third Prince was soon intrigued by the figure in the surveillance footage. In front of Yang Ming was a projection screen, displaying Windsor who had just woken up but had on exquisite makeup, the two seemed to have had a brief, pleasant morning chat, and were now saying goodbye to each other. The Third Prince shot a black look at the finance minister. The finance minister wore an awkward expression. Everyone in the room was studying Yang Ming closely. The light black military uniform Yang Ming wore was the exclusive color of the Royal Guard Army. He was fastening the clasp on his belt, carefully examining the energy magazine of the laser pistol on his waist, diligently adjusting the neat collar, and finally picked up a flat-topped military cap. Then, Yang Ming walked out of the dressing room with his hands behind his back. The officers and soldiers approaching him almost instinctively puffed up their chests, raised their heads, and saluted in unison. Commander! The robust voices of the soldiers made the Third Princes eyelids twitch slightly. Hmm, Yang Mings voice came, Today, you have to compete against Team Three, they play a bit dirty, if you get hit, do you know what to do? Yes! Hit back! Are you brainless? If you dont hit back, are you just going to take a beating without retaliating? Yang Ming scolded, Play even dirtier than they do! Relay this message to every participant today! Of course, dont attack their genitalia, this is just routine sparring. Yes, Commander! Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Phew! The projection screen vanished. General Uli muttered, Hes very respected by the soldiers, Your Highness, because hes strong, thats just the way it is in the military. The Third Prince leaned back in his chair and, after contemplating, quickly said, Theres no need to waste too much effort dealing with such a minor figure, right, Minister of Finance? Of course, of course, the finance minister replied somewhat guiltily. The Third Prince said with a laugh, The Sherman Empire delegation will arrive in Ilando in three days assign the ceremonial and defensive tasks to Yang Mings group, you know what I mean, Uli. General Uli raised an eyebrow, Let him make a small mistake? Lose his promotion opportunity? Handle it as you see fit. The Third Prince said, Continue to research the economic plans set by my second brother, we must find their weaknesses. General Uli shivered a bit upon hearing this. He really wasnt good at this. ` Chapter 119 - 119: 072 Moths and Kisses Chapter 119: 072 Moths and Kisses The piercing whistle echoed across the training ground of No.4 Base, where a clamorous shout erupted. Thousands of vigorous Wind Army soldiers, who had no way to vent their energy, chanted loudly the designation Guard Corps, Unit Four. The elite martial contest had ended. The scene was utterly tragic. Of the hundreds of soldiers who participated, half were restrained on the ground, and the other half were covered in injuries. At the epicenter of the battlefield, Yang Ming was sitting on a strong mans back. His white tank top bore several footprint marks, and the sides of his boots were stained with dark red blood. Not a single drop of blood was his own. Do you submit now? Yang Ming looked down and asked. The robust man beneath him struggled fiercely, roaring in unwillingness, You damn played dirty, Yang Ming! I dont submit! Alright, Yang Ming jumped up, Ill give you this chance. That bruised man shivered and looked at Yang Ming with eyes as if he were gazing at a monster. His voice became much softer, I, I admit I was a bit loud just now. In a sense Ive already lost, Captain Yang Ming. Yang Ming pouted, I dont accept that. I dont believe youre only this skilled. No, no, no, Im really only this skilled hiss. The captain of the third unit tried to stand up but winced in pain, Why are you so hard-handed! Oh, get me a stretcher! I cant walk anymore! Yang Ming shook his head in disappointment. The soldiers and officers watching from the outside, with merciless laughter toward the loser, slowly dispersed. Fall in! Yang Ming shouted, and the one hundred and sixty plus members of the fourth unit quickly lined up. Each one was bruised all over, moving with difficulty; many had to be helped by others. But once they stood firm, they remained spirited and upright, their eyes blazing. Hundreds of soldiers surged in from the outskirts to carry the injured away and clean the battlefield. Starting today, Yang Mings voice remained calm and indifferent, the Guard Corps has only one elite unit, and thats us, Unit 004! Everyone, target the medical room of Unit Four, slow march A group of soldiers burst into laughter, supporting each other as they headed toward the medical room. Yang Ming scanned around with a slight smile on his lips. He liked the atmosphere here. A thin and frail middle-aged officer strolled over from not far away. This was Yang Mings superior, the chief of the Guard Corps fourth unit, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was a typical noble officer, often not seen among Yang Ming and the soldiers. Having shared drinks with him twice, Yang Ming and he had become close friends. Lately, the fourth unit of the Guard Corps had gained quite a reputation, and this lieutenant colonel was smiling all day, rarely showing such a worried expression as today. Captain Yang Ming! He called from several meters away. Sir! Yang Ming gave a symbolic Wind Military Salute, grinning, Our soldiers are the bravest. Enough, the lieutenant colonel pouted, Im not one of those youngsters who get all fired up by a few words from you. The bravest is you, Captain Yang Ming, they just got stirred up by you. So, I just received news about Yang Ming clasped his hands behind his back and smiled, The defense and ceremonial duties for Shermans diplomatic mission have been assigned to our fourth unit? How did you know? Thats insider information! The lieutenant colonel was full of surprise. Yang Ming shrugged, I have my own sources and channels, you know, sir. Alright then, the lieutenant colonel sighed with relief, since you already know, I wont say more, well discuss it at the meeting tonight. Ill try my best to get the ceremonial job, which only requires standing for a while. Thank you, sir. Sigh, the lieutenant colonel said with a hopeful voice, hopefully nothing unexpected will happen. The lieutenant colonels words seemed to carry a hidden meaning. Yang Ming nodded with a smile, continuing to play dumb with the lieutenant colonel. After the lieutenant colonel left, Yang Ming went straight to the locker room. The soldiers and lower-rank officers he encountered along the way would step aside and salute in respect. Yang Ming took off his clothes and went to a corner shower to wash up. Amid the sounds of water flowing, the voice of Lyu finally came through the hidden earpiece in Yang Mings ear. Confirmed, boss. Its the Third Prince who arranged through General Uli to have the fourth unit of the Guard Corps handle this mission. They want to create some trouble for you, making you lose the chance for promotion. General Uli? Yang Ming scrubbed his neck under the shower, his mind swiftly running through several pieces of information. The Royal Guard Army was divided into three main groups: the Guard Corps, the Surveillance Corps, and the Security Corps. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Guard Corps was responsible for internal security and patrolling within the Imperial Palace, deploying nine full units, solely in charge of internal security. The Surveillance Corps primarily monitored situations in and around the Imperial Palace, occasionally deployed to protect ministers, with three units scattered around. The Security Corps managed the checkpoints and patrolled the palaces outskirts, consisting of a larger number of personnel. Additionally, there was a rapid response force that directly answered to the Emperor, also classified under the Royal Guard Army, with an unknown number of members, and Lyu could not find any related information. General Fremont, the trusted subordinate of Second Prince Edwan, commanded the Surveillance Corps, while General Uli, close to the Third Prince, was in charge of the Guard Corps. The Third Prince wants to mess with me already? Yang Ming felt quite puzzled by this. He hadnt even managed to rise in rank yet, just gained a bit of reputation as a tough guy in the Guard Corps, used Lyus information advantage to mess with the generals a few times, yet already Chapter 120 - 120: 072 Moths and Kisses_2 Chapter 120: 072 Moths and Kisses_2 ` Boss, we had to prepare in advance. Lyus voice was very calm. This precisely indicated the severity of the situation. Boss, we had to consider that the Sherman Empire is the Sovereign Country of the Wind Empire. Any mistake or flaw before the Sherman delegation would irritate the Wind Empires high-ranking officials. Theyre ready to embarrass you; thats enough to kill your political future. Yang Ming murmured, How to embarrass? Well, General Uli hasnt thought of a way, Lyu sneered, Why dont we spread the video of Uli and his several bedmates online and bring him down first? Yang Ming chuckled, Analyze whether its possible to evade the opponents attack. Boss, Uli has already issued the relevant military orders. Its too late to evade. Yang Ming fell silent. He held the rusty shower head, continuing to rinse his clean body, the hesitation in his eyes gradually fading. I quite like life here. Yang Ming shook his head, speaking in a faint voice, Start the Flight Moth Plan in advance, set the time for tomorrow night. I need to contact this Emperor beforehand, see if I can leave a good impression. Lyu reminded, Forcing a change in the plans timeline will surely leave some traces. Besides, Boss, you have a date with Miss Windsor tomorrow night. Change the date to tonight, this is business. Okay, Boss. Send Uli and his bedmates video to Edwan anonymously, Yang Ming reminded, Remember to mosaic it; our Second Prince is a pure middle-aged man, cant handle dirty stuff. Lyu chuckled, recalling some amusing incidents. When Yang Ming went on his date, he still wore military pants and boots, pairing them with a plain shirt. Compared to Yang Mings somewhat casual attire, Miss Windsor always dressed up meticulously for each occasion. Just like tonight. Windsors silky long hair cascaded over her smooth shoulders, her sexy collarbone like flower buds supporting her slender neck and elegant yet understated face. They discussed the topic left over from last time about interstellar navigation; Yang Ming only mentioned a little about the dangers and techniques of piloting a spacecraft, and she was intrigued. This was already their fifth date, and Yang Ming decided to achieve something substantial tonight. After dinner, they strolled briefly on the pedestrian street. Yang Ming had his hands in his pockets, measuring the bricks on the pedestrian street with his military boots. Windsor, on the other hand, had her hands behind her back, her long hair draped over a strapless dress, drawing the attention of many passersby. Yang Ming eyed her long, slender beautiful legs, confirmed she wasnt wearing high heels, then smiled and asked, Do you always bring so many bodyguards when you go out? Hmm? So many bodyguards? Windsor blinked, I only have one driver nearby, responsible for transport. Not right, theyre around, Yang Ming said mysteriously. Windsor curiously looked around but didnt spot any suspicious figures. Yang Ming suddenly grabbed her wrist. Windsor hadnt reacted when a gentle force started pulling her forward to run. Hey! Ming! Almost as soon as Yang Ming pulled her forward a few meters, dozens of men and women stirred simultaneously in every direction. Once Yang Ming had run a certain distance with her, those people could hold no longer and immediately gave chase. Seeing this, Windsor widened her eyes in disbelief, turned her head to look at the figures behind her, and increased her running speed, instead beginning to pull Yang Ming forward. Two minutes later. Yang Ming and Windsor leaned behind a billboard, as the dozen or so men and women rushed past. They exchanged glances and smiled, quickly holding back their laughter. She panted slightly, her chest heaving continuously due to her regular shaping exercises, affording her decent stamina. Your father is considering your safety too, Yang Ming said softly. Windsor muttered quietly, I thought only one or two people were watching me, didnt expect so many, its terrifying. The current situation is unstable, Yang Ming said softly, actively seeking eye contact. When Windsor saw his fiery eyes, her breathing unconsciously became light and slow; her gaze flickered, then brightened, ultimately fixing on Yang Mings eyes, without retreating. Windsor gripped Yang Mings shirt sleeve, seemingly unable to withstand his gaze, choosing to slowly close her eyes, her jelly-like lips slightly parted Lyus Thought Space. sea??h th n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Mechanical Thought Body watched the kissing scene on the screen, shaking its head repeatedly, while grabbing a bag of potato-chip-like snacks and watching with great interest. Another sleepless night. Yang Ming tossed and turned in bed, heat simmering within that couldnt be dispelled. Though he very much wanted to take Windsor directly, being able to kiss her today was already a stage result; excess must be understood. While embracing her enchanting body, Yang Ming merely held onto her slender waist enhanced with defined abs, without making overly offensive moves, an act of great restraint. Having a serious romance in the Wind sounds nice. Yang Ming thought enthusiastically. Now, whenever he closed his eyes, it was Windsors beautiful face, and just passing his fingertips could remind him of the wonderful touch of her smooth skin. Lyu. Boss, Lyus figure appeared at the bedside. Repeat the steps of the Flight Moth Plan, lets check for any errors. Okay, Boss. A three-dimensional projection of the Imperial Palace appeared before Yang Ming. The duty roster is already arranged, youll be guarding near the Emperors bedchamber for six hours tomorrow, from 4:00 p.m. till nightfall, the Flight Moth Plan will start when the sun sets. Then, therell be numerous viruses in the Imperial Palaces internal network, with virus samples sourced from the New Federation Agents toolkit. All security locks on the six paths to the Emperors bedchamber will be deactivated, but only the path marked before you can reach the Emperors bedchamber smoothly. You need to reach the bedchamber within three minutes to lead your team in protecting the Emperor. Lyu paused, The biggest uncontrollable factor now is the Emperors movement path. If hes not in the bedchamber, Ill adjust in real time. There are still many uncontrollable factors needing your improvisation. Yang Ming nodded, smiling, Do you think Miss Windsor is already asleep? Lyu was silent for a few seconds. The three-dimensional projection before Yang Ming gently flickered, transforming into a thermal imaging-based observation perspective. It showed the mansion where the minister of finance lived. In the central bedroom on the second floor, Windsor, in a pink and white nightdress, hugged a pillow, tossing and turning on the bed, occasionally sighing or chuckling. Uh, is she mentally sound? Yang Ming half-joked. Boss, it should be human shyness and insecurity. Shes fallen in love. If you suggested she spend the night with you tonight, she likely wouldnt refuse. Thats what her hormones indicate. Yang Ming couldnt help covering his eyes. Damn! So conservative. ` Chapter 121 - 121: 073 Corner Chapter 121: 073 Corner ` Ding ding! Yang Ming groggily opened his eyes, looking at the watch by his pillow in the morning light. The watch face automatically projected a hologram, revealing a letter from Miss Windsor. Good morning, Ming, how did you sleep last night? Yang Ming rubbed the corners of his eyes, converting his hoarse voice into text. Not too bad. Did you encounter any trouble yesterday? He was about to go back to sleep after replying when the other side responded quickly. By trouble, do you mean my dad scolding me? Actually, its alright. Hes quite open-minded, just told me to be more careful. Things are chaotic outside. I heard there are many New Federation spies causing trouble. Lyu peeked into the chat box, waving secretly to Yang Ming like a thief. Boss, I can turn on Miss Windsors camera, theres a surprise! Yang Ming frowned, Thats invading someones privacy let me just take a look. A small square appeared next to the chat box. Windsor, sporting two dark circles, appeared in the square; her unadorned face showing minor blemishes, yet her features remained elegantly charming. Was the surprise Windsors bare face? That was quite good. Yang Ming closed the cheat tool with satisfaction and continued chatting with Windsor, quickly regaining his spirits. Before long, Windsor took the initiative to extend an invitation. Ming, can we go out tonight? A friend of mine is ill, and Id like to visit her. If I go alone, my dad will assign bodyguards, which would attract too much attention. Ive convinced him that if you accompany me, hell let the bodyguards keep their distance. And no, we didnt have a fight. Yang Ming thought for a moment, Is noon okay? I have to report for duty at the Palace in the afternoon. Sure! But the place were going to might not be in the best condition, so be prepared. Yang Ming chuckled. Not in the best condition? In the capital of the grand Luofeng Empire, how bad could it possibly be? Back when he graduated and was job hunting on Earth, hed lived in a shared small flat in the city village, right next door to a hair salon with strange noises at night. However, what Yang Ming didnt expect was; The place they were about to visit, in some ways, was not even as good as the city village hed lived in. After nine in the morning. Yang Ming and Windsor met smoothly at the plaza of a large shopping mall. Windsors outfit today was just as meticulously chosen. She wore a turtleneck sweater paired with tight jeans and knight boots, her tall and graceful figure drawing many passersby to take photos. As soon as Windsor saw Yang Ming, she immediately beamed with delight and, as if rehearsed many times, took the initiative to hook her arm around his. Thank you for being here with me. Its my duty, Yang Ming replied with a smile, Are you sure you dont need me to drive? The style of your car is too exaggerated, its been on the gossip headlines numerous times, Windsor squinted with a smile, We can just take a cab; its not far from here. Yang Ming glanced at the small bag hanging from her waist, which could only hold some cards and small items. Isnt your friend sick? Shouldnt we bring some gifts of comfort? Yang Ming asked with concern. Windsor gently shook her head, Giving gifts would provoke reciprocation, which increases economic burden. Friendship should be simple and straightforward, not bothered by such trivial matters. Yang Ming glanced at Windsor, somewhat surprised. For the first time, he noticed something in her beyond her beauty. They took an autonomous taxi, heading towards a neighborhood called The Third Happiness. Windsor intermittently took out an oval-shaped network terminal from her small bag, her manicured fingers swiftly typing, seemingly chatting with her friend. Yang Ming observed the scenery outside, contemplating his plans for the evening. Moth, signifying him as a moth fluttering towards the pinnacle of power in the Luofeng Empire. Adopting this name was a reminder to himself, like a moth to a flame, to not be blinded by the illusion of power. He had come to steer the planet. The scenery outside gradually changed. As the taxi moved away from the central district of Ilando City, the density of high-rises rapidly decreased. The buildings, often glanced at from the edge of the Palace while gazing at the citys skyline, now exhibited their aged and worn bodies up close. Occasionally some construction sites were visible, yet progress seemed sluggish, with not much machinery at work inside. Below the suspended roadways, there were similarly congested, long neglected ground roads, and Yang Ming also saw surface-running public transport. The vehicles on the road were more energy-efficient compared to the suspended cars, thus lowering the cost of travel. Dad says this countrys economy is like the blood left in an old mans body, nearly drained by the Sovereign Country. Windsor sighed lightly. Yang Ming nodded along without commenting. The taxi finally descended toward the rooftop parking lot of an antiquated building. Windsor spent an extra fee to keep it waiting in the parking lot for their return journey. Its hard to hail a cab that goes directly back here, Windsor softly explained, There are license plate restrictions between districts, many plates arent allowed into the core district. It really is quite crowded there. Yang Ming casually responded, glancing toward the direction of the Palace. The towering buildings hid the Palace. As if hiding a treasure. Do you mind coming to such a peripheral area? Windsor asked. Yang Ming chuckled, Why would I mind? Then come with me, Windsor responded happily, secretly observing Yang Mings expression. It was clear she had something on her mind. Although Yang Ming sensed it, he played along without exposing it. Windsor led Yang Ming through several elevators, from the top floor of the building all the way down to the very bottom, the B20 floor. When the elevator door opened again, bursts of clamorous noise filled Yang Mings ears. Outside was a narrow yet bustling marketplace. At first glance, what most caught Yang Mings attention were two rows of dazzling advertisement signboards, alongside various vendors setting up stalls beneath them. The environment here somewhat resembled a black market Yang Ming had visited twice, though the products were non-outlawed daily necessities, and the orderliness was evident, with plenty of patrolling officers visible. In front of the elevator was a small puddle, which Windsor deftly hopped over as Yang Ming followed suit. The marketplace stretched over two hundred meters, with elevators every twenty meters, a small portion of which led to the surface. As they emerged from the underground section of the building, the corridors on each side gradually widened. On both sides, orderly buildings carved into the rock walls appeared, densely packed with no discernible end in sight. Ant nest. The word strangely popped into Yang Mings mind. He speculated that this was once an abandoned shelter, part of the underground complexes the Luofeng Empire built to withstand wartime crises. It had ample lighting, a sound sewage, ventilation, and water purification system, and those living there werent homelessthough occasionally one could see some elderly without a homewhat was prevalent, were white-collar workers hurrying along, students with backpacks, and a few formally dressed middle-aged citizens. Clinics, supermarkets, fire stations, sanitation robots Everything a complete district should have was not lacking here. While strolling, Yang Ming noticed a group of young people riding extravagantly styled hover bikes, gathered under an advertising signboard, speaking in exaggerated tones with meaningless embellishments. This made Yang Ming reflect, Street hoodlums truly were a fascinating urban species. Yang Ming was a bit perplexed, Windsor, how could your father possibly allow you to come here? Ive only been here twice, each time with seven or eight bodyguards secretly following, also secretly scanning around with a bunch of equipment. Though dad promised me he wouldnt interfere with my freedom to make friends, its really hard for him to trust this places environment. Windsor was evidently a bit nervous, replying in a low voice, But dont misunderstand. Although its underground, its a district with relatively good security, absolutely legal. The biggest reason people choose to live here is the rent is significantly cheaper. Yang Ming chuckled. His gaze lingered over the faces of some playful children, their eyes much brighter than those of the adults. Windsor, holding onto his arm, whispered by his side, I met her online, actually, three years ago. Occasionally Id come to her rented place, and shed cook some specialty dishes for me, which I find quite nice. What illness does she have? Yang Ming gently inquired, With todays advanced medical conditions, we should be able to help her. Thats what worries me the most, Windsor looked towards the residential area ahead, She always says shes not sick, that her body is fine, but sometimes she cant even get out of bed. Dont worry too much, well find out when we ask. Yang Ming said softly, yet some unpleasant associations rose within him. Windsor was the only daughter of the finance minister, a position hed held for over six years. Shed easily attract those with ulterior motives. Yet when Windsor brought Yang Ming into an embedded residential building, took the elevator to the sixth floor, following the corridor laden with assorted shoes, racks, and miscellanies, reaching the door of Windsors friends home, and knocked on that security door Yang Ming was taken aback too. This was a gray-haired old lady, her demeanor gentle yet slightly pale, with a thin and somewhat hunched frame. Upon seeing Windsor, the old lady became visibly animated. Ding ding. Yang Mings watch vibrated a few times, displaying this old ladys information. She was a former economics professor at Ilando University. No wonder the finance minister allowed Windsor to come here. Windsor? The old lady, full of surprise, stepped forward to hug Windsor, How come you suddenly showed up here? Oh! You were just chatting with me saying you were going to study today. Windsor sighed, I was worried about your health, couldnt rest without checking on you. Thats just an old persons ailment, the old lady lightly sighed, There also happens to be a little girl here, a very adorable child, a newly moved-in neighbor. Let me introduce you two and who might this be? My boyfriend, Windsor whispered, Supposedly. Yang Ming laughed, Nice to meet you. Oh, do come in, do come in. What a handsome young man! Meanwhile, footsteps approached from the direction of the kitchen, and the adorable little girl as the old lady called her, stepped out with a light gait. And when she saw Yang Ming, she first appeared dumbfounded, bewildered, then became extremely shocked, nearly spilling warm water from the cup in her hand towards Yang Ming. Mr. Ming! Y-you, how come youre here! Sarch* The N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hm? Yang Ming raised a slight eyebrow. 026? ` Chapter 122 - 122: 074 On the Throne Chapter 122: 074 On the Throne Strange, why would 026 appear at Windsors friends place? At two in the afternoon, Yang Ming drove Windsor back to the finance ministers residence. As he returned to the Imperial Palace alone, he couldnt help but ponder this question. A former economics professor living in low-rent housing. This elderly lady was incredibly knowledgeable, with elegant manners and exceptional eloquence. Yang Ming, using a question he encountered during an assessment exam at Intelligent Mechanic Dusk, inquired of this old lady, and her response gave him great inspiration. She was exactly like an old scholar from a second-level civilization. Windsor brought Yang Ming along, actually intending for this wise old friend to help him evaluate. Just a little girls careful thought. Yang Ming didnt pay much attention to it. Rather, 026 appearing by the side of that old professor made Yang Ming slightly concerned. This young girls identity was too sensitive. C She had once been a secret weapon of the military, and even now was only partially free due to Yang Mings influence. Taking advantage of Windsor and the old professor preparing a meal, 026 secretly explained to Yang Ming: Karmi arranged a new residence for me, right next door. I was fired by Karmi, from that kind of organization. Now I work at Karmis place, so my worth has just become that of an ordinary laborer. Many of Karmis subordinates live here, kind of like employee dormitories, so I was placed here. It feels pretty good, very free. I am even planning to save some money to see if I can get my parents and little brother to live here; the place theyre staying is too close to the rebels. Yang Ming looked at her pretty face and didnt see a trace of deceit. Are you in love with this noble young lady? When 026 asked this, her big eyes were filled with light. The light of someone chasing gossip. Yang Ming secretly asked about 026s recent medication situation. 026 happily told him that she had now extended her medication interval to fifty Galaxy Time, and the drugs effect had also been changed to the lowest level. This is the most grueling test of my willpower. Now I just want to live a few more years, hoping to reach the average lifespan of the galaxys humans. 026 said very earnestly. Yang Ming shook his head, banishing the image of 026s round face from his mind. Lyu, Yang Ming suddenly said, re-investigate Karmi. Is there something wrong with this madam, boss? Lyus voice sounded in the hidden earphone: Shes just a shepherd dog under Gudun Mah but since the boss has given the order, diligent Little Lyu will of course complete it efficiently! Ill go investigate everyone around Karmi! Yang Ming smiled and said, Thank you for the hard work. Boss, just consider giving me a raise; theres no need to express gratitude verbally every time, as it doesnt have any practical meaning, Lyu reminded him, Or, install two more large processors on Feinan! Yang Ming smiled in silence, not daring to continue the conversation. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The main processors Lyu had his eye on, he really couldnt afford at this stage. Just thinking about the vast resources and money needed for developing the planet, the Subordinate Ancient God Life Form would always silently shed tears of poverty. The monster hovercar slowly entered the checkpoint pipeline. Yang Ming rolled down the car window, winked at the female soldiers guarding several scanners. The latter beamed with a warm smile, scrutinized Yang Mings credentials, and punched the card to let him pass. Ahead, the dark, oval cave was the entrance to No. 4 Base. Yang Ming turned on the headlights and followed a few hovercars, slowly moving into the interior of the mountain. His expression gradually returned to seriousness. The Firefly Project entered countdown mode. The Emperors lifestyle was indeed luxurious. As dusk approached on Ilando Star, near the gateway of Palace No. 15. Yang Ming stood silently in the corridor beside the palace gates, examining the murals on the walls and ceiling, estimating the cost per square of this natural stone beneath his feet. Twenty-minute countdown to the Firefly Project. The Emperor was resting in his chamber. This was the most fitting opportunity to act. At this moment, Yang Ming led fifty impeccably dressed soldiers of the Guard Corps, stationed inside and outside the gates of Palace No. 15, which was also the regular guard duty time for the Guard Corps. The only flaw in the Firefly Project was here. Yang Mings shift time had been adjusted by Lyu infiltrating the system. No matter how carefully Lyu did it, this matter itself was liable to expose flaws. What should I do when I meet the Emperor? Yang Ming kept pondering. His goal was to leave a profound impression before the Emperor, paving the way for his subsequent promotion. In this feudal imperial political system, as long as the Emperor was willing, Yang Ming could become the governor of an Administrative Star tomorrow. Relax, its just a puppet Emperor of a puppet nation. Yang Ming muttered secretly. Ahead appeared several female officials, chatting and laughing as they passed down the corridor. Two of the female officials even gave Yang Ming an extra glance. Yang Ming nodded with a smile, continuing to stand vigilantly. Captain? Just a little guard of the royal family. Yang Ming made himself act as naturally as possible. He thought of his first impression of Ilando Star. It was in the promotional video in the starship cabin. On the pale blue planet, sprawling cities filled the alluvial plains, with towering slender skyscrapers reaching into the sky. The tops of the skyscrapers resembled golden square temples, complementing the palace complexes set on cliffs, with small spacecraft and hovercars floating everywhere inside the atmosphere. He also thought of the third happiness, that crowded underground city area. Schoolboys making merry on their way to school, children focused on playing with toys by the street side, hurried men, street dancers raising their hands to find sunlight Yang Ming suddenly understood Edwans torment. Chapter 123 - 123: 074 On the Throne_2 Chapter 123: 074 On the Throne_2 But these have nothing to do with me. Yang Ming reminded himself in secret. Countdown, three minutes. Yang Ming roughly estimated the time, resisting the urge to check his watch, meticulously performing the duty of guarding the palace gate while pondering the lines he needed to use next. Your Majesty, are you injured? I am Yang Ming from the Fourth Squad of the Fourth Corps! Uh, is it too simplistic to say it like that? No need, just the first half of the sentence is sufficient, adding a bit more concern and a few more inquiries in the tone would suffice. An emperor of a nation, even if a good-for-nothing decades ago, would have become an old fox by now, surely able to discern peoples intentions. Yes, I mustnt overdo it; leaving a decent first impression on the emperor is enough. The rest should be realized through the Second Prince. Advancing in rank within the Royal Guard Army, then shifting to the military to become the emperors tool for reclaiming command over the military is Yang Mings currently ideal development path. Although its quite difficult to execute. Countdown Beep, beep, beep! A hidden earpiece in Yang Mings ear emitted a buzzing sound. Woo A red light flashed at the top left corner of the palace gate, and the sirens resounded through the Imperial Palace, spanning over thirty halls! The plan commenced! Yang Ming did not run outright; instead, he took out a ring-shaped walkie-talkie from his jacket pocket, placed it on his little finger, and heard the chaotic messages coming through: Assassination! Someones attempting an assassination! Our network has crashed! Protect His Majesty! The firewall in the direction of the private chambers has been breached! All instruments are malfunctioning! Damn it, the palace gate has opened! Get His Majesty out of the private chambers quickly! No way! The private chambers have the highest defenses, all gates have been opened in every direction! You dont even know where the enemy is coming from! Damn it! General Fremonts steady voice rang out, Everyone unrelated stays silent on the spot, maids and guards remain grounded, anyone daring to move an inch gets shot. Have all guards receiving my orders shout out this message immediately! Predictable response. Yang Ming immediately lifted his head and shouted: All personnel stand still! Nobody move recklessly! Anyone who does gets shot instantly! Repeat! The guards inside and out of Gate Fifteen shouted in turns, unlocking the safeties on their laser guns, targeting a few maids with pale faces not far away. Yang Ming continued to shout, Relax! No need to panic! Stand there and dont move! Dont shoot recklessly! The on-duty guards of the Fourth Squad shouted nervously: Yes, sir! As soon as Yang Ming finished speaking, a loud shout rang from the ring walkie-talkie: Direction of Gate Seven! Radar indicates a rapidly moving object heading towards His Majestys private chambers! What, are the soldiers there good for nothing! No contact, weve lost communication with them, have someone run to deliver the message! Use the loudspeakers for broadcast! Think quickly! Do you want to be tried by the Royal Court, you idiot! Too late! No, theres still time. General Fremonts voice sounded again, All guards who can hear my orders, lift the static state! The target has appeared in the passage of Gate Seven! Coordinate with nearby guards to intercept! All commissioned officers and third-level non-commissioned officers, move outside His Majestys private chambers immediately and be sure to stop the enemy! Awaiting replies. The old generals voice was also a bit tense. In front of the command station filled with display screens, Fremont frowned at the blue screen sea, a sense of powerlessness rising in his heart. Most of the surveillance had been hacked. No response to the issued orders. Is it the New Federation? Perhaps only they have such technical capabilities. Do they intend to assassinate the Emperor directly and thus accomplish the overthrowing of this nation? The old general looked at his confidant and whispered, Notify the Second Prince immediately. Suddenly! Fourth Squad, Fourth Corps reporting. Yang Mings voice appeared in the transceiver. A blue screen lightly quivered, revealing the scene at Gate Fifteen. The young captain, lately in the limelight, the only confidant of the Second Prince in the Guard Corps, had already drawn his pistol, rushing with six third-level non-commissioned officers from Gate Fifteen toward the direction of the private chambers with haste. General Fremonts spirits lifted. Fourth Squad, Third Corps reporting! Second Squad, Sixth Corps reporting! First Squad, Twelfth Corps reporting! One constant reply after another made General Fremont clench his fist, Move swiftly! Protecting His Majesty is your sole mission! In the remaining surveillance footage, squads of guards charged through the successive gates. But before General Fremont got a chance to breathe a sigh of relief, bad news arrived from various locations. The door ahead of us is locked; we cant pass. Command station, door number 2343 wont open! Calling the command station, our actions are impeded. In several surveillance videos, the guards were blocked outside the security doors set within the palace. A technician shouted, The target moving at high speed has already approached the private chambers! General Fremont only felt a big hand fiercely gripping his heart! He held his breath, continuously searching through the various video screens, the central surveillance screen slightly quivered, seemingly showing signs of restoration. The surveillance outside the private chambers has recovered! General Fremont raised his head to look, a team comprised of seven figures rushed to the doorway, encountering two squads of high-rank Mechanical Guards holding guns at the gate. Yang Mings voice resonated across the command station, Fourth Squad, Fourth Corps has arrived at the target point, no suspicious targets identified temporarily. The door to the private chambers is open, the situation inside cannot be determined. General Fremont hesitated for a moment and immediately said, Captain Yang Ming, hand over your weapon to someone by your side, confirm His Majestys safety! The old general turned his head and shouted, Transmit the instruction to the Mechanical Guards, authorize Captain Yang Ming temporary entry to His Majestys private chambers. Yes, sir. Yang Ming handed his pistol to the guard beside him, removed his weapon belt, adjusted his military cap, and walked through the gap between the two mechanical soldiers. The five-meter-high door maintained a gap the size of a fist; Yang Ming gently pushed it open, allowing himself to pass through, and darted inside. A massive bedroom filled with various exotic ornaments appeared before Yang Ming. In front were five steps, and Yang Ming quickly ascended them, with small fountains on either side emitting a gurgling sound. The floor, like a mirror, reflected the ceiling designed to resemble a brilliant starry sky. A dozen or so beautiful maids, forming a human wall in nervousness, blocked Yang Mings path. Yang Ming no longer needed to advance. The Emperor of the Luofeng Empire sat on the throne ahead. At this moment, he could already see the Emperors elderly face speckled with age spots and those somewhat murky eyes. Yang Ming immediately saluted, then bowed his head, impeccably performing the palace etiquette: Guard Corps Officer! By the Generals order! Confirming His Majestys safety! Hmm, the Old Emperor showed no sign of tension. His appearance bore a strong resemblance to Edwan, with a tall stature and a broad forehead; sitting barefoot, reclined on the throne adorned with many precious element stones, his right hand supported his cheek as if contemplating something. At ease, officer. The Old Emperor asked, How are things outside? Yes! Yang Ming answered powerfully, slowly raising his head, making eye contact with the Old Emperor. Yang Mings pupils contracted immediately, averting his gaze quickly, and said rapidly, Your Majesty, theres an alert of an attack at Gate Seven. All palace gates appear to have been attacked and lost control. We determined someone is attempting to assassinate Your Majesty. Now all units are responding swiftly to support outside the gates; please rest assured! Hmm, the Old Emperor replied calmly, Stand down, my brave officer. Yes! Yang Ming saluted, keeping a rigid face to prevent any flaw from showing. As he turned around, Yang Ming immediately closed his eyes for two seconds, then opened them and stepped forward, as if escaping, descended the five steps, and dashed out the palace gate. He What did he see The scenario from before kept flashing in his mind. sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In a daze, Yang Ming had vaguely seen a faint color enveloping the maids, yet around the Emperor, it was a gray lot. Advanced bionic robot? Of course, it wasnt surprising; its normal for an emperor to have a double. But Yang Ming did not sense any hidden biological entity within the private chambers, and the entire palace, except for the private chambers without a network, the conference hall, the main governing hall, all other areas had long been under Lyus surveillance! Yang Mings fingers tapped on his watch, tapping intermittently for half a minute, and sent a message. Lyu, did you notice anything? Boss, theres no detection of any external signal associated with the Emperor It is currently determined to be an independently operating bionic robot or, a Mechanical Thought Body. Yang Mings Adams apple moved up and down. He turned to look at the palace gate, as if he could see the magnificent hall through the thick metal. A silver, skeletal frame sat on the throne, its eye sockets, resembling black holes, flickering with faint red light. Chapter 124 - 124: 075 Intelligent Machine: Emperor Chapter 124: 075 Intelligent Machine: Emperor After the party, a slightly tipsy Kolev was helped to the door of the small villa by two clever middle managers from the factory. He dismissed these two opportunists, hummed a tune, and turned to open the door as the security lock clicked open on its own. Little Lyus figure appeared on the small screen of the security lock, gesturing for silence. What was going on? Kolev closed the door and, curious, glanced towards the living room, where he saw Yang Ming sunk into the sofa. Yang Ming hadnt even changed out of his military uniform, sitting there with his arms crossed. Kolev leisurely strolled over, took the calming tea from the household robots hand, thanked it, and sat directly next to Yang Ming, raising his hand to pat Yang Mings thigh. Trouble? Kolev asked. Yang Ming let out a long sigh. Not exactly trouble, Yang Ming mumbled, just got a bit of a fright. Mhm? Kolev laughed, A fright? What could possibly scare you? Yang Ming turned his head to look at the old man. The dim glow from the electronic clock lit up Yang Mings profile. I never mind, Yang Ming sighed dejectedly and lay back again, Id better not tell you about it, lest you feel overwhelmed. Hey! Kolev complained discontentedly, You need to share the intelligence with me. I left my heavily-invested estate behind to follow you here for risky business ventures! Yang Ming replied weakly, Lyu, you explain it, theres no need to hide it from my dear Uncle Haton. Okay, boss! The projection device in the corner cast beams of light, and Lyus virtual image appeared between the two of them. Maintaining a height of twenty centimeters, she sat on the edge of the sofa, also gloomily resting her chin on her hand. The boss and I planned an almost perfect fake assassination. And then? Kolev frowned, You guys certainly have a lot of guts. This was just our way of converting our technological superiority into resources, and in the process, accepting some risk was inevitable. Lyu spoke calmly, pursing her lips and showing a thoughtful expression. Previously, I hadnt been able to enter the Emperors bedchambers, nor did I notice anything unusual while observing him. Until today, when the boss wore a watcha device I modified with some delicate featureswe discovered simultaneously. She deliberately paused for two seconds, keeping Kolev in suspense. Just as Kolev couldnt hold it in any longer, Lyu announced: The Emperor is a high-level bionic robot operating independently. Note, he operates independently, not under synchronized control. Kolev was stunned for a moment, puzzled: Isnt this quite normal? Weve used this stuff too. Its different, Uncle, Yang Ming murmured, Compared to the one deep in the Imperial Palace, the one we used is more like a toy. Lyu explained, To evaluate whether a robot is an intelligent machine, it depends on whether it can develop a clear self-awareness and interact with humans who, without knowing the truth, can mistake it for a normal humanvarious signs suggest that the old Emperor didnt just recently become a bionic robot. Kolev was taken aback: An Intelligent Mechanical Crisis? Yang Ming clicked his tongue: If its an Intelligent Mechanical Crisis, then we wouldnt feel pressed right now; instead, we might find more opportunities. Though, this kind of hope is a bit unfair to Edwan. Lyu continued: I just analyzed everyone around the Emperormaids, ministers, guards, concubinesand determined that they are all normal humans. Throughout the Imperial Palace, only the Emperor showed abnormalities, making it somewhat intriguing. Kolev pondered for a few seconds and suddenly asked a whimsical question: Is it possible that the old Emperor wanted to secretly create a double, and then the double developed its own mind and eventually killed the old Emperor? Very imaginative, Lyu commented. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not very likely, Uncle Haton. A single intelligent machine placed there, still being watched by everyone in the Imperial Palace, would inevitably make mistakes. Yang Ming spoke calmly: Considering the maintenance of an intelligent machine and the helpers needed to cover this up, there must be a force secretly controlling this intelligent machine, with someone providing cover nearby. Now, there are only three possible scenarios. First, the intelligent machine truly belongs to the old Emperor, who remotely controlled everything, with a personal maid responsible for conveying messages. Second, the intelligent machine is orchestrated by the Sherman Empire, the most likely scenario. To better control the vassal state, they might have arranged such a setup. Third, some ministers, generals beside the Emperor, or external forces like the New Federation, unknowingly achieved all this and replaced the old Emperor with an intelligent machine to act at critical moments. Lyu reminded beside him, The second scenario is the most likely. Kolev asked, Is the old Emperor dead or alive now? Unclear. Yang Ming paused for a few seconds, then said in a low voice: If its the second scenario, this indicatesthe Sherman Empire has been watching here all along. He feels like a giant sitting on a mountain peaks throne, watching indifferently as the New Federation, the military, the rebels, and princes jump around, and then at the most critical moment, stomps down. I understand that feeling, Kolev clicked his tongue, Its like watching that aerial battle we saw, small fish fighting to the death until a Dreadnought comes and obliterates everything. Yang Ming responded ambiguously, standing up and beginning to pace back and forth. Things had just become complicated. Chapter 125 - 125: 075 Intelligent Machine: Emperor_2 Chapter 125: 075 Intelligent Machine: Emperor_2 After discovering the secret of the old Emperor, the entire Ilando Star could no longer provide Yang Ming with even a shred of security. The actual ruler of this Empire was an intelligent machine of unknown origin! Yang Ming kept reflecting. Previously, he had indeed thought too simply and idealistically about the political game of this middle-sized country, using the intelligence advantage created by Lyu, he hadnt treated the native forces here as rivals. This moth plan, besides obtaining important intelligence about the Wind Emperor, also served as a reminder to Yang Ming himself. We should be more pragmatic, Yang Ming said, We must respect all opponents; if necessary, leave Ilando Star proactively, develop in other Administrative Stars of the Wind, and transform the current political capital no matter the time, life is the most important. Kolev immediately responded, I completely agree with this! But boss, Lyu reminded, if you leave the political center, it would be nearly impossible to gain office, military rank, and prestige quickly. Taking risks is necessary, Lyu insists. Sar?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If risks can be avoided, we should naturally avoid them; dont rush, we still have two days before the Sherman Empires envoy group arrives. Yang Ming said in a deep voice, This is our chance to determine the ownership of the intelligent machine in the Imperial Palace. Lyu, be ready to evacuate at any time, do not relax at any moment, see if there is anything unusual with the envoy group, if any member of the envoy group secretly contacts the old Emperor, it would prove that this intelligent machine is a tool of the Sherman Empire. Investigate again if there were any unusual behaviors during the old Emperors coronation or if he made a long visit to the Sherman Empire. The Fourth Princess Emilia is twelve years old this year, which means that the old Emperor may have been replaced by an intelligent machine within the last twelve years. Of course, things like test tube babies cannot be ruled out. If the old Emperor is directly controlled by the Sherman Empire, we must warn Edwan and let him find a way to leave this country, and we can only adopt the backup plan as well. Kolev wondered, Backup plan? Is it that crazy plan I heard about before? Alright, my old friend, you just focus on getting money and resources, Yang Ming patted Kolevs leg, Find a good project and discuss it with Lyu, she will disburse the funds for you; leave the rest of the worries to me. After saying that, Yang Ming got up, walked towards the spiral staircase, and left Kolevs sight with a light step. Kolev felt a bit of a headache about it too. That night, Yang Ming only chatted briefly with Miss Windsor before hurriedly going to sleep. He had many things to do next and needed to rest well. Tomorrow he had to meet Edwan and start investigating the forces behind the old Emperor, making preparations for protecting the envoy. However, what Yang Ming did not expect was. The intelligent old Emperor entrusted such a sensitive and politically significant task of greeting the envoy group to the newly favored Edwan alone. On the day the envoy group arrived. In Flower Square of Ilando Star City. Yang Ming looked up and could vaguely see the Sherman Empires kilometer-class flagship hovering in low Earth orbit. Nearby escorts included a dozen warships from the second fleet of the Luofeng Empire. A hundred-meter-long landing craft detached from the flagships rear, smoothly glided into the atmosphere, activated the protective shield, and began to accelerate downwards. Edwan, standing in front of several rows of guards, clasped his hands behind his back and beckoned with his fingers. Yang Ming took two slow steps forward, standing half a step away from Edwan, and asked in a low voice: Any instructions, your Highness? Dont worry, the Prince of the Sherman Empire doesnt eat people, Edwan muttered quietly, Later, pay attention, Fremont will arrange for you to change shifts as soon as possible. They want to create a small accident targeting you. Todays occasion is extremely important. Yang Ming clicked his tongue, You should first worry about yourself, your Highness, the First Prince and the Third Prince are probably going crazy right now. Father let me come alone, indeed it somewhat targets them, Edwan said helplessly, Of course, it might also be a way to target me. By the way, did I tell you? Theres been a change in the leader of this envoy group. Hm? Who has it become? Prince Snoopy from the Imperial Clan leads the team, with two Empire Generals and three elders from the Imperial Clan. Wow, the importance level has increased a lot, Yang Ming responded offhandedly. He wasnt really concerned about it. Yang Ming only cared whether this Sherman Empires envoy group would secretly contact the old Emperor, give him some machine oil, tighten some screws, or whatever. Beep beep beep. Yang Mings watch gently vibrated, he picked it up to take a look, and couldnt help but frown. In the morning, he had already agreed with Lyu to avoid proactive contact unless necessary.God knows if the Sherman Empires technical means could detect Lyus existence. This meant that Lyu had discovered an emergency situation now. Yang Ming looked around and found that the guards in all directions were in a tense state of waiting; in the rear, people holding flowers and balloons, hired with money, were mostly staring at the spaceship descending from the sky. Taking out a hidden earplug, he pressed it into his left ear and immediately heard Lyus report. Boss, theres an escort ship above mixed in with New Federation spies, they seem to want to create some festive fireworks. Yang Ming squinted his eyes, quickly made a decision, and tapped on his watch. [Notify Gudun Mah to ensure the envoy group lands smoothly.] Other than the New Federation, nobody wants to anger the old lion that is the Sherman Empire. Yes, boss. Yang Ming was about to remove the earphone, but Lyu spoke again to remind him: Also, boss, the Third Prince previously ordered Uli to bury your path to promotion, they have now commenced their plan, intending to cause a minor car accident that will trap the envoy group for a while, creating some panic; they will later manipulate the situation to pin the blame on you. The corners of Yang Mings mouth twitched lightly. Damn it! While hes trying to maintain the political stability of the Wind Empire, the Third Prince and that Uli go behind his back with dirty tricks! Do they think he has no temper? Yang Mings fingers tapped swiftly, and he sent a message to Miss Windsor to cover his small move. [Release the bed photos of General Uli, make it explosive news. Use the name of New Federation agents.] No problem, boss, most New Federation agents have already withdrawn from Ilando City, they wont have time to respond. Lyu hummed softly, seemingly hesitating over something, then quickly spoke in Yang Mings ear again: Boss, assuming the intelligent machine in the Imperial Palace is installed by the Sherman Empire, and the technology generation is somewhat outdated, attempting to control this intelligent machine could be a shortcut for you to quickly achieve your goals. Although its extremely risky, its very thrilling. Yang Ming quickly replied: [Before gathering sufficient information, dont rush to make judgments.] [Now maintain silence. In case of emergency, decide whether to transmit me back to the Feinan after your comprehensive analysis.] Understood, boss, Gudun Mah has begun emergency actions, the military high ranks are getting nervous, fearing the Sherman Empire deep down. Commencing silence. Yang Ming smiled calmly. He stopped his small movements and looked up, focusing on the Sherman Empires flagship. A kilometer-class warship. He wondered when he could get one himself. A few minutes later, murmurs gradually arose from the crowd behind, Yang Ming faintly heard about General Uli, Royal Guard Army scandal, and didnt take it to heart. The landing craft in the sky began to slow down, and the grand symphony resounded across the flower-covered square. Yang Ming stood there with a smile, like a ceremonial officer. Ming, Second Prince Edwan suddenly turned his head and called Yang Ming, Come by my side, I cant be the only one in the spotlight. Several thoughts flashed quickly through Yang Mings mind, he immediately made up his mind and gracefully walked to Edwans side, still half a step behind. The surrounding ministers and generals only glanced at Yang Ming briefly before retracting their gazes. Most of them understood something. If the Second Prince gains power, this young man will undoubtedly rise to great heights. The Sherman Empires spaceship landed smoothly. Chapter 126 - 126: 076 The Real Opponent Chapter 126: 076 The Real Opponent The Sherman Empire Diplomatic Mission was not domineering or condescending. From the princes, elders, generals, to the maids, guards, and low-ranking officers, everyone was courteous, adhering to noble etiquette in their words and actions, showing great respect to Edwan and the citizens of the Wind Empire. This might be a tactic by a powerful empire to win peoples hearts. Sear?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming analyzed this. Yang Ming did not deliberately seek to stand out, calmly accompanying Edwan as his trusted guard. When the Sherman Mission entered the long convoy, Edwan named Yang Ming to ride with him, while the other captains and vice-captains of the fourth group were responsible for directing the team. Ding. Gained the aura: Protection of the Second Prince. At this moment, Yang Ming sat in the passenger seat of the extended hover car, his eyes scanning all directions vigilantly. Edwan sat facing the old prince of the Sherman Empire, exchanging greetings heavily adorned with embellishments. The only topic that intrigued Yang Ming was when the old prince of Sherman mentioned Edwans earlier performance. Alas, the prince sighed, I never expected, in the most critical moment, it was the Second Highness who chose to fully trust the Sherman family. This is truly our honor. Edwan paused momentarily, then responded with a smile, The Sherman Empire has always provided great help to our country and is a protector of our family. That choice was only natural. The prince chuckled a few times, then said in a slow voice, The principle of Sherman has always been that if our friends treat us sincerely, the people of Sherman will repay our friends with even greater sincerity. And you, Prince Edwan, the report from the Foreign Affairs Seventh Bureau mentioned that you possess a clever mind and excellent vision, developing commerce in both the great empire and the inferior federation to give back to your country. This is a very courageous act. However, I think you can increase the focus of your investments towards us. I brought a deputy minister from the Ministry of Commerce who will discuss these matters with you later. Wow, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Edwan marveled, The Empire has always been watching us, I am deeply moved by this. Yes, the prince smiled warmly, We simply do not wish to compete with the New Federation in terms of deceit and despicableness. When the situation undergoes some upheaval, the invincible fleet of the Empire will firmly stand behind its allies. You understand what I mean, nephew Edwan. Edwan nodded with a smile, a bright shine in his eyes. However, Yang Ming estimated that this prince was undoubtedly cursing in his heart. The Foreign Affairs Seventh Bureau of the Sherman Empire was a department specifically responsible for managing relations with vassal states. Yang Ming pondered continuously in his heart. In his mind, visions of the throne, the old emperor sitting silently, and the cold gaze of the other party always appeared. The conversation between the old prince and Edwan continued, but the content turned dull and monotonous, filled with perfunctory compliments. They traveled unobstructed to the large interchange bridge outside the Imperial Palace, heading straight to the front courtyard of the palace. When the palace opened a layer of its defense energy shield, Yang Mings escort mission came to a smooth conclusion. There was no accident at all. Yang Ming did not participate in the following welcome banquet. He wandered into General Fremonts command and dispatch center, sat in a corner, listened to the news for a while, and roughly understood what had happened. First, the military caught New Federation spies and thwarted a New Federation plot. Second, the police received advance information and arrested several members of the rebels planning to attack the diplomatic motorcade, thereby protecting this extremely important mission group. Third, General Uli was invited by the Royal Court to assist in an investigation due to a scandal. Fourth, at this moment, the Third Prince at the welcome banquet had already arranged for personnel to suppress online public opinion and clear Ulis scandal. Beautiful. All the news was related to Little Lyu. Captain Yang Ming? A warm, thick voice came from ahead. Yang Ming immediately looked up and saw the tall, somewhat balding, glasses-wearing Royal Guard Army officer, Fremont. General Fremont waved lightly, and Yang Ming immediately stood up, jogging to the side of the main command platform. Take a seat, Captain, General Fremont pointed to the seat beside him, No need to be too formal, help me keep an eye on these projection screens, these old eyes of mine are almost seeing double. Yang Ming saluted, then relaxed into the seat. A female officer in a military suit brought over coffee, Yang Ming thanked her as he received it, glanced at the surveillance footage from various locations, and focused on a few of the central projection screens. What was displayed here was the royal banquet. The Emperor, princes, idle princes, high-ranking nobles of the Wind Empire, and various ministers and their children were gathered together. Yet they were merely the supporting cast. The true lead was the Shermans old prince, who had passed a hundred but was still vigorous, and several Sherman generals. Only Gudun Mah from the Wind Army attended this gathering, the other military leaders all took sick leave, completely daunted to come to Ilando Star. Yang Ming couldnt help but let his thoughts wander If at this moment an energy-gathering bomb were thrown into the venue, wouldnt the Wind Empire directly step into a new chapter of the social system? General Fremont beside him lightly sighed, This is the strongest empire in the Galaxy, merely the aura of a single general frightens almost all our ministers. Yang Ming, holding his coffee, took a sip and smiled, The old prince of Sherman thinks highly of the Second Prince. Chapter 127 - 127: 076 The Real Opponent_2 Chapter 127: 076 The Real Opponent_2 I also received related news, Fremont said, It seems that last time during the meeting, the Second Prince strongly suggested seeking aid from the Sherman Empire, which let the Sherman Empire know Sherman indeed has intelligence personnel buried here, and their methods are hundreds of times more sophisticated than those scoundrels from the New Federation. Yang Ming asked, What are those New Federation agents doing now? They just plotted an attack, utilizing a lieutenant colonel-level insider buried in the military. Fremont shrugged, Although I dont like Gudun Mah, this old chaps instincts are more sensitive than a mechanical dogs nose fortunately, nothing major came out of it. Yang Ming nodded with a smile. If Gudun Mah could use this incident to gain some more influence in the military, that wouldnt be a bad thing. That was also part of Yang Mings resources. Yang Ming watched a corner of the banquet, where Miss Windsor was chatting with two noble ladies. However, Windsor looked a bit bored; it was the two noble ladies whispering about something, while Windsor was trying hard to blend in. Fremont said, Later, youll stand guard by the projection screen, Captain Yang Ming, no one here will target you. Thank you, Yang Ming said softly. Fremont waved his hand with a smile, No need to thank me, you let me see the hope of the future of the Imperial Army of the Wind Empire. Ah, this will all be your stage in the future, Captain Yang Ming. Youre too modest, General; the cub must sharpen its claws before it can hunt alone. Yang Ming took off his watch, opened the flat projection focusing on privacy protection, his fingers swiftly tapping while responding offhandedly, Do you intend to retire already? Theres still a long way to go. Fremont sighed, I hope so. Yang Ming sent a message out. In the corner of the banquet, Miss Windsor, dressed in an evening gown, immediately took out her terminal device, a slight smile spreading in her eyes, her fingers flying. General Fremont caught this scene keenly, he shrugged and continued his daily workkeeping an eye on every corner of the imperial palace. The Sherman delegation would stay on Ilando Star for three days. Yang Ming glanced at their itinerary; it was basically three days of the noble banquet, visiting several core factories of Rh-6 rings, having a conference to express the Sherman royal familys support for the Wind royal family, and declaring they are eternal partners. Since the Wind Empires emperor was unwell, the three princes would accompany throughout the visit. Yang Ming was not concerned about these shows. He was waiting. Waiting for anyone from the Sherman delegation to appear in the old emperors bedchamber. If the Sherman delegation had no form of private contact with the old emperor, then nothing could be proven, and there would still be mysteries surrounding this intelligent machine. This was the only clue at present. For this, Yang Ming applied to Fremont for a full days duty. During these three days, he only slept four to five hours each day, spending most of the time before these hundreds of projection screens, directly participating in the mobilization of soldiers everywhere, closely monitoring the old emperors activities. Yang Mings hard-working and earnest spirit earned pragmatic General Fremonts high praise. Suggestions for Yang Mings promotion had been written into a memorandum by General Fremont. What Yang Ming was concerned about appeared on the night before the delegation was about to leave. In the early hours, all corners of the imperial palace were quiet, with only duty soldiers guarding the closed palace gates. Two maids appeared outside Gate No. 9, being questioned by soldiers. Yang Ming picked up the intercom beside him, Gate No. 9, keep an eye on it. The sleepy technicians were suddenly roused, immediately starting their busy work. The image of Gate No. 9 was magnified, and the conversation between the maid and the soldiers was broadcasted: Princess Dana? We are confirming the princesss order record, there is no mistake. But the princesss guest must register information, its a rather critical time now. I am the head maid of the princess, if you insist, I can make the princess speak with you directly, officer. Oh, this Ill ask the command table. Yang Ming turned his head to look at the corner, Fremonts lounge was empty. The temporary command here was held by him, this small officer. In other words, if something happened, he would have to take the blame. Yang Ming said into the intercom, Request the princess to order the command table directly. The soldiers in front of the palace gate followed the instructions, the princesss maid glanced at the soldiers, said sorry to the stranger beside her, and hurried to contact the princess. The stranger was also dressed in a maids long gown, with a veiled face, nodding with a smile now, an expression very calm. Princess Dana, the birth mother of Fourth Princess Emilia, her order was soon delivered to the command table, and even verbally ordered: Sar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Let my friend come over for a chat, you can have soldiers watch her, she wont leave my bedchamber. Yang Ming immediately allowed passage. The princess had this authority. Yang Ming watched remotely; the stranger woman smoothly passed through the checkpoints, walked through a long corridor, and with the maid, entered Princess Danas bedchamber. The earphones in Yang Mings left ear canal emitted a static sound, followed by a simple conversation. Dana, how have you been these past years? the stranger woman asked. Very normal, no problem at all, Princess Danas voice was inexplicably tense, Lets turn on the shielding device first. Lets go over there now, I need to check its stability. The stranger woman said with a smile, Dont be too stressed, even if any small problems appear, we can easily resolve them, right? Princess Dana sighed softly. There came the sound of moving chairs, it seemed that Princess Dana and her head maid were working, and the stranger was watching. A slight mechanical sound arose, and a hidden door opened in the princesss bedchamber. The stranger woman and Princess Dana entered the hidden door together; the princess asked the head maid to wait outside. Hidden door, secret passage? Yang Ming slightly frowned, Lyus voice rang again: The secret passage should lead to the emperors bedchamber, theres no electronic equipment inside, their conversation cant be captured. But this is enough to prove, boss. Yang Ming nodded imperceptibly, raised his watch pretending to yawn, and said softly: Find a way to listen in on Princess Danas bedchamber, I want to know what theyll say when they come back. Yes. About fifteen minutes later, the sound of the hidden door opening appeared again, and the earphone picked up the farewell conversation between Princess Dana and the stranger woman. You did very well, Dana; only three years left to complete the term. Next, your work will focus on two points: the first is to choose a crown prince most beneficial to the Empire; the second is to urge it to firmly resist the New Federation. Princess Dana asked softly, Could there be some external assistance? The New Federation agents are quite troublesome, they even intimidated us before, launching direct cyberattacks. Not for now, regrettably, the stranger woman said, The elders disdain low-level means like assassination and seduction, the Empire has its own way of handling problems, if things get out of control here, you know what will happen. The Empires generals crave every opportunity to make achievements. Yeah, Ill work hard to complete these two tasks, Princess Dana said softly. This guy, a mere artificial intelligence, even dares to order me around. Officer, see you in three years. Hmm, the stranger woman seemed to have hugged Princess Dana, You are the best. Crackling static sound. End of monitoring. On the projection wall before Yang Ming, the veiled woman appeared in the corridor, slowly walking towards the palace gate, accompanied by the head maid. A nearby officer saw it secretly, Yang Mings expression turned very grim for a few minutes. Grim to the point of being somewhat frightening. Chapter 128 - 128: 077 Give him a lesson Chapter 128: 077 Give him a lesson Ilando Stars sunset poured over the villas dining table and illuminated Yang Mings eyes. Having just left the Imperial Palace after three days of tiring work, Yang Ming wore only a pair of boxer shorts, with an empty coffee cup beside him. In the seat next to him, Lyu, at normal human size, wore a shirt and pleated skirt like a young girls outfit, and was solemnly crossing her arms, seemingly pondering a difficult problem. As Kolev descended the spiral staircase, he witnessed the scene. The old man hummed a few times, a bit worried, and asked, Did you two try virtual and physical male-female interaction? Lyu blinked, letting her hands phase through each other, and smirked, As expected, even if a humans male hormonal system is depleted, they always maintain the logic of thinking with the lower half. Hey! Kolev quickly defended himself, Its clearly because hes not wearing clothes! You cant blame me for overthinking! My clothes just got washed, Yang Ming rubbed the tip of his nose, grinning, I now have Miss Windsor, and our relationship is progressing smoothly, so no need to worry about that, my dear Uncle. Did you achieve anything in the past three days? Kolev pulled out a chair and sat down, asking with concern, If not, honestly, I think stepping away from this corrupt planet for the time being is a wise choice. The gains are significant, but you could also say theres no gain; its just that we clarified who our real opponent is. Yang Ming interlocked his fingers, resting them in front of his nose. He spoke slowly, The Old Emperor is an intelligent machine of the Sherman Empire, and we may soon have the chance to directly confront the Sherman Empires warships and cannons. Uncle Haton, I want to extend an invitation again; you can now choose to withdraw completely, and Ill prepare ample compensation for you. Kolev furrowed his brows tightly. By this, Im absolutely not looking down on you, Kolev. Yang Mings gaze was sincerely earnest, I have a way out. Feinans particle transmission and ultra-short-time jump maneuverability allow me to retreat anytime, but you cant To be honest, Ive gambled with my life several times, but Im really gambling with yours. Kolevs elderly face flushed with anger. Well, thank you so much! Just joking. Yang Ming said seriously, At first, I didnt take Luofeng Empire too seriously. It lacks autonomy, and the militarys independence and the royal familys incompetence made me think its just a piece of fat meat. But under the fat lies the hunters barrel, and we arent just taking food from a tigers mouth; were aiming to secure an Administrative Star under the watchful eyes of the Sherman Empire. This is very challenging and even more dangerous; if we overdo things or circumstances spiral out of control, we will inevitably suffer the Empires destructive assault. Kolev met his gaze. The two seemed to return to that small stealth boat, silently observing the battle outside Olhaif Planets atmosphere. Oh, with you saying this suddenly, I cant decide immediately Kolev murmured after pondering a few times, I enjoy seeking thrills; you know that, Yang Ming, I compared life in the Cas Federation estate with everything Im going through now in the past few days, and I like the feeling of dancing in danger. Im already old and dont have much of such days left to try, and Mimili has her own life. I recall you said, Yang Ming said softly, you havent lost the heart to challenge the strong, right? The point is, Kolev squinted and smiled, if I stay, I can reap more benefits, cant I? A giant merchant of a medium-sized country, influencing politics, manipulating the economy, acquiring resources, and still enjoying the respect of those so-called nobles, right? Thats the case. Yang Ming said sincerely, I hope you can stay and help me. Im not planning to leave for now, Kolev slightly tilted his head, but kid, remember, you must give me enough compensation and show me some phased results. And stop gambling my life! You could let me know in advance to leave! Yang Ming laughed, Ill try. Go get some clothes on, or crawl into bed and sleep! Youre not being a gentleman at all now. Kolev grumbled as he left the dining table. Yang Ming and Lyu exchanged a glance, both letting out a sigh of relief almost simultaneously. Beep beep. Yang Ming received a message from Lyu right in front of him on his watch. [Boss, Kolev reacted as you expected, all sorted successfully here.] Yang Ming tapped the watch for a moment. [Lyu, we need a visible operator; Kolev is essential, and his personal safety must be protected. Immediately start implementing the first step of the backup plan, quickly selecting a suitable Resource Star. If its resources can support our early development, so much the better. I also need to figure out how to get more money, the Planet Transformation System, automated mechanical factories, and high-computation mainframe arrays theyre all gold-eating monsters.] Lyu said softly, Boss, lets give a name to our future intelligent machine planet. There was a hint of expectation in her eyes. Comrade Little Lyu, dont mess around with such formalities. Yang Ming sternly reprimanded before he gazed at Kolevs slender figure working out in the living room. Yes, ever since it was confirmed that the Sherman Empire used an intelligent machine to impersonate the Old Emperor, Yang Ming decided to launch the backup plan. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Intelligent Mechanical Crisis is just that, an intelligent mechanical crisis. Why is it that the Sherman Empire can undertake it, but he cannot? Moreover, the Mechanical Thought Body cultivated by Lyu fundamentally differed from artificial intelligence; the former was more independent and didnt intentionally explore their relationship with humans. Yang Ming leaned back slightly, speaking gently, Dark Star, hows that for a name? It represents that this planet is hidden in the shadows and wont appear on the surface map of the Milky Way. Chapter 129 - 129: 077 Give him a lesson_2 Chapter 129: 077 Give him a lesson_2 Lyu praised, Boss, you didnt take the opportunity to mess around. Yang Ming chuckled lightly, calmly stood up, and stretched lazily. If Miss Windsor sends a message, reply in the tone of my smart assistant. I want to get a good nights sleep and recharge. What if its someone else messaging? If its not urgent, just ignore it. Lyu noted it down in his little notebook. Then, at dawn the next day, Yang Ming, lying on the big bed, looked at the dozens of missed calls and unread messages, as black lines gradually crept across his forehead. Tsk, the Second Prince, Edwan, really had the potential for obsessive callback. Yang Ming sent a message back to Miss Windsor, saying he was already awake, though she was certainly asleep now and couldnt immediately reply. Next, Yang Ming called Edwan and casually lowered the call volume. Hey! Edwans voice was filled with annoyance, Did you sleep like a dead pig, Yang Ming? Brother, Your Highness, Ive been on duty for three days straight, Yang Ming complained, Keeping my nerves taut to watch the delegation exhausted me. Oh, thats right, Edwans voice instantly softened, The military and the Guard Army drafted a commendation report, as long as my father nods, a batch of people can get a small promotion, and your performance was the best this time. Yang Ming sat up and took the warm water the household robot handed him, soothing his parched throat. I just became a captain not long ago; now Im going to be promoted to a field officer? Yang Ming felt slightly guilty. That was my original plan, Edwan said, With General Fremonts strong recommendation and others witnessing your efforts, promoting you is only natural, but Yang Ming said helplessly, See, theres always a but at times like this. Old Three is putting up resistance, Edwan pondered slightly, Ive been trying to discuss this with you through messages. Resistance? Yang Ming looked at the projection screen that appeared beside him, where important information Lyu had collected over the past seven or eight hours was displayed. Edwan spoke slowly, Old Threes stance is very clear, Ill let General Uli off, and he allows you to be smoothly promoted. Old Threes reason for blocking your promotion is also quite legitimate Although weve been generous in giving honorary ranks to the nobility, Ming, your time in the Guard Army has been too short, less than a month. Normally, it takes at least one to two years for a further promotion. What do you think? And even if we insist on going after Uli, we cant bring him down directly. Under Old Threes operations, at most it would suspend Uli for a few months. I think this exchange is acceptable. Yang Ming laughed, Your Highness, make the decision; of course, I wouldnt refuse a promotion, Im just vying for this. Then its settled. Edwan exhaled lightly and whispered, Ming, I believe the Sherman Empire has planted a spy in Winds power core. Your father is Shermans spy. Of course, Yang Ming couldnt say this to Edwan directly. It should be arranged in the palace, Yang Ming said vaguely, Dont worry about it, Edwan, Wind is nominally a vassal state of the Sherman Empire, you guys are a family. Give me a break, family, Edwan yawned, Ill continue working for a while, if you have free time during these two days off, come over and play some ball, I have something to discuss with you. Yang Ming thought for a moment, then smiled, Ill bring Windsor along when I come over. Then I must give you two a proper welcome, Edwan chuckled lightly, See you tomorrow, Major Yang Ming. That suffix, it sounds quite nice. Outside the Imperial Palace, at the Third Princes residence. Your Highness, Edwan agreed, the posts online about General Uli are being rapidly deleted, public opinion is being overshadowed by entertainment news, and the two judges of the Royal Court also stated they need to reassess General Ulis importance to the Royal Guard Army. Behind the desk, the Third Princes demeanor relaxed a lot after hearing the report from his subordinate. He slowly leaned back in his chair. A subordinate softly asked, Your Highness, should we also remove the resistance weve placed on that captains promotion? The Third Prince waved impatiently, and the subordinate immediately went to a corner and issued the order. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This luxurious study plunged into a death-like silence. The breathing of several women became very faint. Didnt you say Edwans foundation was very weak? That hed been drifting outside the palace for over a decade, unable to mobilize much resources, hmm? The Third Prince repeatedly asked, And now? The Guard Army, the Royal Court, two princesses, several ministers, various industries outside the palace, he has influence in all of them. Even in our direct contest with him, we are at a disadvantage, unable to pull back even this old bastard Uli without looking at his face! This is a weak foundation? Hmm? The Third Prince slammed a trinket heavily onto the desk, causing a series of gibberish to appear on the display. Speak up! Your Highness! An advisor bowed deeply, Please remain calm! The Second Prince has been lying low for years, we were all deceived by him before, we must carefully sort out the current situation and seek more forces to counter the Second Prince. This is the great work youve been striving for over a decade. The Third Prince cursed. He glanced around the room at these people, then said in a low voice, Thats it for today, I need a break. The men and women present all nodded simultaneously, each bowing to the Third Prince before exiting the study. The Third Prince raised his hand and gestured, and the last trusted aide leaned forward and listened close. Meanwhile. On the monster truck heading to a popular breakfast stall, Yang Ming watched the scene from the Third Princes study on the central projection screen, turned up the volume to the maximum, and clearly heard the Third Princes instructions, Teach him a lesson, make him lose face in front of Miss Windsor I heard this Yang Ming runs fast? Break his leg, preferably one that cant be healed. Yes! Dont worry! Ill handle it well! Yang Ming turned down the volume and wondered, Lyu, where did you get this surveillance angle? Would the Third Prince put surveillance in his meeting room? This is a hidden auxiliary line from the internal network of the royal family, Lyu answered with a grin, This covert device was arranged by Princess Dana, belonging to Shermans intelligence organization, and we managed to intercept it. Yang Ming thought for a moment, Does the Third Prince have any major leverage? We cant find serious leverage, he has always strictly adhered to the royal familys rules, Lyu spoke softly, but he does have character flaws and many weaknesses. Teach him a lesson, compile his intel, find a way to sell it to the New Federation Agent team, facilitate their contact. Yang Ming reminded, Remember, make sure to sell it at a high price, were short of money now. Okay, boss, Ill closely monitor their movements. Yang Ming shook his head, closed the projection screen, and pondered ways to make money. Doing actual business is always too slow to make money. It might be better to make a pitch deck, tell some stories to naive capitalists, and then run off with the money Outside the window, a horizon of a fiery cloud blossomed. A faint smile crept across Yang Mings lips, he played a soothing piece of music for himself, tapped his fingers to the rhythm, and lightly swayed his body. A rare moment of leisure. Inside a high-floor suite of a nearby luxury hotel, a small pair of binoculars locked onto Yang Mings monster truck, transmitting a series of data back to the temporary headquarters on the Fifth Administrative Star through their dedicated encrypted network. Chapter 130 - 130: 078 Emilias Invitation Chapter 130: 078 Emilias Invitation Yang Ming waited silently for a few days, but the Third Princes thugs never showed up. To cooperate with the Third Princes plan to teach him a lesson, Yang Ming repeatedly invited Miss Windsor out for shopping and meals, making full use of his off-duty time. The result was that before the Third Princes men arrived, his relationship with Windsor had skyrocketed. They walked hand in hand, leaning on each other in the streets, and during meals, they chose to sit on the same side; as long as their eyes met for more than ten seconds, her heartbeat would quicken, and his mind would wander. All signs indicated. They could begin a more intimate interaction. Late at night, before going to bed. Yang Ming sent Windsor the words sweet dreams, closed his eyes with a smile, but couldnt help complaining, The Third Princes side is so slow; its been three or four days now, and my promotion process is almost complete, yet he hasnt made a move. Lyus image appeared on the watch dial. Boss, why dont we just wipe out the Third Princes faction? Dont rush; we should enjoy the fun of fishing. In a princes rivalry, whoever strikes first is at a disadvantage. Yang Ming turned his head and said, I can feel someone watching me these past few days; it might be the Third Prince or the New Federation agents, so keep an eye on that. Okay, boss. The New Federation Agents have upgraded their encrypted communication system. Im intercepting less and less information. Lyu expressed his concern. The rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star continues, and the militarys response is as sluggish as ever. The Sherman Empire delegation has left, and I worry that the New Federation Agents will come back for more. The main cannons on those three sets of Mecha they have could pose a real threat to you, boss. Yang Ming calmly said, This tough battle will need to be fought sooner or later. Dont worry. Hows the counterattack going? Boss, Ive already anonymously sold the Third Princes detailed information to the New Federation Agents. Theyre starting to approach him. Once the Third Prince cooperates with the New Federation, hell hit a wall with the Sherman Empire. Lyu murmured, This might be the efficiency gap between a puppet state and a superpower. How much did you sell it for? Three hundred thousand New Federation Coins. Oh, so the Third Princes personal privacy is worth so much? Yang Ming was slightly taken aback. Lyu grinned proudly, Just rest up, boss. When you open your eyes again, itll be another busy day. After pondering for a few minutes, Yang Ming dialed a voice call with Edwan, Its been confirmed, the Third Prince is planning to have someone deal with me. I will counterattack appropriately. Hmm? Edwan puzzled, How does my presumptuous younger brother plan to deal with you? Reportedly, he plans to break my leg in front of Miss Windsor, Yang Ming said with a slight frown. Edwan asked, Do you want me to send some people to protect you? Just protect my uncle, and thatll be enough, Yang Ming replied with a smile. Alright, Ill add more manpower to Uncle Hatons side, Edwan said solemnly, Come over tomorrow, Ming, I have something I want to discuss with someone. You lost too badly to me in the game a couple of days ago and want to reclaim some dignity? This is serious, I swear, Edwan cursed fiercely, Next time we play a match, Ill swallow an entire hockey puck! Clang! In the strike training ground, the crisp sound of hitting balls echoed back and forth. Yang Ming and the Second Prince continued to bat away high-speed balls coming at them. They werent competing, just practicing strikes. Miss Windsor was accompanying the Fourth Princess Emilia, sipping afternoon tea brought by the maid. Ming, what do you want most right now? Edwan asked casually. A complete Planet Transformation System. Yang Ming really wanted to give that answer. Upon deciding to execute the Dark Star Plan, Yang Ming started worrying about the Planet Transformation System. This system referred to the combination of hundreds of large machines, automatically operated according to a set program, for transforming planetary terrain, building bases, surveying and collecting planetary minerals. Naturally, its something that is better prepared earlier. However, to acquire a complete Planet Transformation System requires not only over a billion in funds but also finding the right seller. (Kolevs secret base was only the base part of the Planet Transformation System, and it also cost the old man tens of millions of New Federation Coins.) Edwan turned to look at him, confused, Is it that hard to answer? Shoo! A fast-moving ball whizzed past Edwans ear, startling him into quickly turning off the projector. Yang Ming mumbled, Im thinking about what things can be cashed out easily; I just lack money right now. Youre so materialistic, Edwan laughed, At least talk about a noble title. Arent you already making money from the chemical factory? That little money isnt enough to support my dreams, Yang Ming sighed softly, hanging the club on a nearby rack, and slowly taking off his gloves, Didnt you want to discuss something? What is it? Edwan glanced at Windsor and Emilia and whispered, I got word that Father intends to arrange a marriage for me, like my older brother, to marry a noblewoman from the Sherman Empire. Wow. Yang Ming blinked, feeling as though green blades of grass were sprouting from Edwans neat hairstyle. Are they grooming you to be the Crown Prince? Its strange, isnt it? Edwan frowned and said, I was just a marginal figure before, just because I expressed strong support for the Sherman Empire in the last meeting? Fathers change in attitude is too drastic. Yang Ming thought for a moment and sincerely said, I need to give you some advice, Your Highness. Go ahead. You need to stand unwaveringly on the Sherman Empires side, Yang Ming said, At this stage, or rather in the next decade, this goal absolutely must not change. You have to fight against the New Federation Agents and contend with them to the end; you also have to learn to occasionally cry poverty, seek aid, and request a reduction in the annual silver from the Sherman Empire. Edwan frowned and pondered, I understand what youre saying, but Ugh, its not a pleasant feeling. We have to endure, Yang Ming chuckled softly, Since you cant reject this marriage, why not suggest to your father to choose a younger, prettier Sherman noble for you? At least you can gain some happiness. Edwan shook his hand vigorously, squeezing a few royal profanities through his teeth. Yang Ming snickered beside him. Second Brother! Im heading back to the palace! Emilias voice rang from afar. Yang Ming and Edwan ceased their conversation, a smile exchanged between them, and their actions in walking with their hands behind their backs were perfectly synchronized. Miss Windsor asked with a smile, Although it may seem rude to ask, Im curious Do men also have endless topics to chat about? Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ha ha ha, Edwan affectionately wrapped his arm around Yang Mings neck, This is my stress-relief minister. Yang Ming pushed the guy away with a disgusted look, We were just talking about politics and economics, and some techniques in hockeytheres no man who can refuse such topics. Indeed, Windsors pretty face was filled with agreement, My father is pretty much the same. Emilia quietly said, Hmm Tomorrow is my birthday in the Wind Calendar, can you both attend my small party at the palace? Its not big, just about a dozen people, and its private. Second Brother will also come, right? Hey! Emilia! Edwan reminded, You just had a birthday two months ago. That was on the Galaxy Calendar, or more precisely, the Sherman Empire Emperor Star Calendar, Emilia raised her chin, Forcing ones calendar on civilizations in different Constant Star Systems is essentially cultural invasion. Our Luofeng Empires calendar should be determined by Ilando Stars orbital path. Alright, I cant argue with you, Edwan frowned, But the situation is quite chaotic right now; were the latest battleground between the New Federation and Sherman, so keep those words to just me, understand? Alright. Emilia pouted slightly. The little princess appeared a bit upset. Yang Ming laughed and asked, Is it okay if I dont bring a gift? You know, Your Highness, Im just a poor officer. Sister Windsor is excused, but you must prepare something! Emilia warned, You have extorted me before. Windsor looked curiously, Extort? Shes slandering me! Yang Ming glared at Emilia, Children shouldnt talk nonsense. You voluntarily offered to pay for your rescue, and I merely accepted your gratitude with the principle of earning a little where I can. Emilia rolled her eyes but didnt further overthrow Yang Mings words. She knew her Second Brother relied heavily on Yang Ming, and since Miss Windsor was in a heated romantic phase with Yang Ming, she had to save some face for him. Emilia held up a projection screen, I want a cake from this shop! You must deliver it! The biggest size! Oh, a cake for tens of thousands of Wind Coin? They could just as well rob us but instead offer us a chunk of edible chemical additives. Tens of thousands of Wind Coin is equivalent to just over a thousand New Federation Coins! Cant you act generously in front of Miss Windsor? Of course, the savings I make could buy her gifts; why would she mind? Windsor watched with amusement as Yang Ming and Her Highness Emilia bickered while picking out a birthday cake, and particularly at Yang Mings obvious child-pacifying tone Such a princess was actually quite adorable. However, by the following noon, when Yang Ming left the palace to buy the cake, picked up Windsor, and drove that monster back to the Imperial Palace, Edwan proactively sent a video call. Windsor, in the passenger seat, immediately bowed her head, and Edwan smiled and nodded. Ming, please tell Emilia that I wont be coming tonight. Why? Yang Ming was puzzled, You agreed yesterday. I thought about it. If it were an official birthday party, Id definitely attend. Edwan murmured a few words and explained, But as a private event, a gathering of Emilias family and friends in her name, without invitations to the other two brothers, its best if I stay absent. She is Fathers most beloved child, representing political capital. I dont want to involve her in the competition among us three, or to use her as a chip either actively or passively. Yang Ming and Windsor exchanged a glance, the latter couldnt help but say, Emilia will be heartbroken, Second Prince, as she relies heavily on you. I know, but its for her own good, replied Edwan somewhat glumly. Yang Ming said, Ill explain it to her properly, if shes willing to listen. She will, shes a hundred times smarter than me, Edwan concluded before ending the call. Windsor couldnt help but murmur softly, In this aspect, the Second Prince is much better than the Third Prince. Lets not discuss those things between us, Windsor, Yang Ming seriously stated. Windsor raised her hand to tidy up her slightly permed hair, smiling gently at Yang Ming. It was the first time Yang Ming entered the Imperial Palace as a guest. Dressed in an ordinary suit, he deliberately chose Gate 15, where the fourth brigade was on duty, and let Windsor hold his arm in front of his team members. A group of fourth brigade officers and sergeants watched with envy. The Fourth Princesss residence was next to Princess Danas chamber. When Yang Ming appeared with the cake, a festively dressed Emilia let out a bell-like laugh. But when Yang Ming mentioned that Edwan had an urgent meeting and couldnt come, the little princesss expression immediately drooped. Really, is he busier than Father? Thats not quite right, Yang Ming gently explained, The vile New Federation Agents have become active again. The Second Prince needs to strategize thoroughly, minimizing their negative effects and protecting our citizens. But Emilias big eyes turned slightly red as she bit her lip. Suddenly, a somewhat aged male voice sounded from behind Yang Ming, Let me see who dared upset my little princess. Windsor paused in surprise, but Yang Ming immediately pulled her aside and bowed towards the entrance. Imperial MajestyIntelligent Machine! Chapter 131 - 131: 079 Romantic Night Chapter 131: 079 Romantic Night The Old Emperor was gently embracing Emilia. Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Those skillful, aged hands were softly patting Emilias back; his old eyes were full of tender care, and the words he spoke were gentle and soft: Edwan really does have to be a bit busier now, hes my most outstanding son, taking on some rather important work. Our family is currently facing some challenges, though not too serious. Oh, my daughter, you should understand him. This thing, is it really an Intelligent Machine? Yang Ming, standing to the side with his head bowed in a gesture of respect, felt slightly uneasy in his heart. It was not that he feared the Old Emperor. At this distance, Yang Ming thought that if he wanted to dismantle this thing, hed only need a second or two. He was purely creeped out by the situation. An emperor of a country. Ruling over six Administrative Stars, over a hundred Resource Stars, with billions of citizens under his command. The Sherman Empire said change and they changed, simply making the real Old Emperor disappear from the world, and brought in an Intelligent Machine to preside over everything, even fooling the nations subjects. Yang Ming couldnt help but speculate. Had the Old Emperor simply died? Or was he imprisoned within the Sherman Empire? This was quite interesting. Father, Emily said with a smile, these are two friends of mine, this Captain Yang Ming once saved your naughty daughter who had snuck out of the palace; I nearly got accidentally wounded by the military that time. Oh, is that so? The Old Emperor looked at Yang Ming. Yang Ming bowed his head even lower, not saying a word. I have an impression of you, the Old Emperor said with a smile, Come in. Today, Im just an old father coming to attend his daughters birthday, and you are friends of Emilia, so dont be too restrained. Several young people inside the room responded at the same time. Yang Ming and Windsor glanced at each other, the latter clearly so nervous that she was having difficulty breathing, yet her eyes were filled with excitement. The Emperor sat at the head of the long table, and the Maids quickly moved forward to spread out the Emperors special tablecloth. Then came the restrained cake cutting and birthday wishes. Yang Ming and Windsor, with their enthusiastic fake smiles, stood by as clapping tools. Little Emilys face was full of smiles, and her coquettish behavior with the Emperor also made Yang Ming inwardly praise fatherly love and filial piety. After receiving cake brought by the Maid, Yang Ming had barely had a few bites when he saw the Emperor beckoning to him. Come here, Captain. Yes! Yang Ming immediately put down the cake and quickly stepped up to the Emperor, bowing his head to listen to instructions. Sit down, the Old Emperor said with a smile, Ive looked at your file before, youre from the Cas Federation, right? Yang Ming said, Thank you, Your Majesty. He earnestly pulled the chair back half a meter and sat down with meticulous care. Across the table, Emilia was leaning on the table, kneeling on the chair, and at this moment, she was smilingly watching Yang Ming, seeming to be waiting for him to make a fool of himself. Do you claim to be a Bounty Hunter? the Old Emperor asked with more laughter in his tone, Can you tell this old man what Bounty Hunters do? Yang Ming looked up and met the Old Emperors eyes for a moment. The others eyes still lacked a sharp edge, but Yang Ming felt a trace of pressure. This made Yang Ming a bit annoyed. He, a Carbon-based life form, a Subordinate Ancient God Life Form, a hot-blooded good young man of Earth, was actually feeling this sense of being seen through in front of an Intelligent Machine! He bore it. Your Majesty, you jest. Yang Mings eyes were very clear, his voice magnetic, and a flash of Spirit Light crossed his heart, bringing up several thoughts which he decided to put into practice. How about discussing the topic of freedom with this Intelligent Machine? Yang Ming spoke calmly: I initially didnt want to live the life of an idle rich man under my uncles protection, with nothing more to do than collect rent and fish. That wasnt the life I wanted. I yearn for freedom, to be unbound and be able to witness the spectacular nebulate that birth Constant Stars, to see first-hand the walls of hydrogen clouds like those in the universe, see the death and withering of Constant Stars, feel the vastness of the universe, and reflect on the insignificance of life. Its like I am wandering. Oh, the Old Emperor chuckled, his eyes gaining more sparkle, That sounds quite interesting. Yes, without restraints, Yang Ming said with a smile, but its not a very respectable job. Back then, I joined a team, and I often felt that the only difference between us and interstellar pirates was that we didnt rob. Hahaha. The Old Emperor seemed to find a point of amusement in this. He wondered, So how do you sustain your livelihood? We take on missions, work as mercenaries. Sometimes we help some multinational corporations transport materials, sometimes we help deliver documents to places where wars are happening. But more often, we simply work as mercenaries. Yang Ming paused and sighed softly: Before joining the Royal Guard Army, I had been through dozens of battles, big and small. Many of my companions died in combat, but those of us who survived accumulated quite a bit of wealth. The Old Emperor asked with a smile, Then why did you choose to come to us? The main reason is actually because I was afraid of dying. Hahahaha! The Old Emperor laughed even louder, Youre quite an interesting fellow, openly admitting a cowards reason like fear of death! Theyre all used to hiding their little thoughts deep down, then hypocritically saying some sanctimonious words to you. Yang Ming shrugged: I think the instinct of a life form is to seek life and avoid death. Who doesnt want to live, breathe, think, and find the value of oneself? Of course, this is just my humble opinion, Your Majesty must have a richer, more philosophical understanding of life. Chapter 132 - 132: 079 Romantic Night_2 Chapter 132: 079 Romantic Night_2 The old Emperor shook his head with a smile, Its different, Captain Yang Ming, right? Your name is a bit of a tongue twister, but its easier to remember, Ive remembered you, Yang Ming. A faint smile appeared at the corner of Yang Mings mouth, a flash of pride crossing his features. He did it on purpose. The old Emperor shifted the topic, So why have you come to this country? Especially at such a stormy time. You should know, I only have a few years left to live, the New Federation wants to send my family to the gallows, they are lurking in every corner now, using their technological advantage to destroy this peaceful country. Yang Ming felt the attention in the hall gathering upon him. He understood that his forthcoming answer was crucial for his development on Ilando Star. Regardless of whether the old man before him was an intelligent machine or a carbon-based life form, he embodied the will of the Empire, the master of Ilando Star, possessing power over life and death above the law. Yang Ming spoke slowly, In my bones, I am an opportunist, but I will adhere to moral and legal boundaries. Oh? Tell me more. I came to the Luofeng Empire as a risky investment. Yang Ming smiled, Political instability means there are many opportunities here, and the struggle of various forces indicates that there is plenty of wealth hidden here. For this reason, I convinced my uncle, also to gain myself a decent starting point. Being a businessman is the most boring option, I want power, I want status, I want a reputation that can influence others. So I came here, seeking noble status in the Luofeng Empire. I chose to support the royal family because the royal family has a strong enough foundation. The old Emperors eyes became much sharper, You lied, young man. Yang Mings heart skipped a beat. He matched the old Emperors gaze. The old Emperor calmly said, You chose to support the royal family not because of the so-called foundation. Yes, Yang Ming slowed his speech, giving himself more time to think, I chose to support the royal family actually because of the Sherman Empire behind it. Ive felt its strength and dominance first-hand, as long as the New Federation does not dare to confront the Sherman Empire with an army, this little game of agents and spies is not enough to challenge Sherman. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The old Emperor smiled noncommittally, You are still too young, the military is just an extension of politics, the Sherman Empire has been on the losing end in recent years, which is an undeniable fact. With that, the old Emperor slowly stood up. It was a pleasure chatting with you today, we can continue to chat leisurely while you are on duty. Now, the time belongs to my daughter, with this old man here, you all probably wouldnt dare laugh aloud, Im leaving. Enjoy yourself, Emilia. Thank you, Father Emperor, Emilia gracefully lifted her skirt and curtsied, In this area of play, your daughter certainly wont disappoint you. Oh, ho ho ho, the old Emperor clearly in good spirits, left the table with a broad smile. A group of maids and guards hurriedly followed, and the mechanical guards outside the door formed an escort formation. As soon as the old Emperor left The room full of young people collectively exhaled, then exchanged glances, and laughed out loud. Hey! Miss Windsor gently tapped Yang Mings arm, looking at him intently, You never told me about these interesting past experiences! Want to hear about it? Yang Ming asked with a smile. Of course, she propped her cheek with her right hand, her eyes sparkling, I want to know more about you. Shall we grab a drink tonight? Yang Ming whispered in her ear, We can chat all night. Windsor gently bit her lower lip, whispering, Then Ill let Dad know in advance that I might be back a bit late tonight. Yang Mings heart warmed. She agreed. 6:30 PM, at the night venue where 026 worked, public restroom. Yang Ming turned the water on full blast, activated his portable jammer, and muttered into his watch. Lyu, have you gathered the material? Yes, boss, I sensed the thought signals of the old Emperors intelligent machine up close. Get me a report as soon as possible, I need to know during which keywords I brought up his thought signals showed significant changes. So far, its freedom, adventure, Sherman Ill make a detailed analysis. Remember to take safety precautions, your biological factors must not be leaked easily. Got it, my nagging life assistant. Yang Ming put the watch down, removed the hidden earpiece from his ear, and looked at himself in the mirror, smiling a bit. This would be a brilliant night. Yang Ming turned to look at his back, swayed gently, and gradually relaxed as the drum beats from outside grew louder. This night venue was Windsors choice because 026 mentioned she worked here, and Windsor wanted to see 026s work status. They had previously added each other on social media at the home of an economics professor, and it seemed they had kept up a normal friendship since then. Yang Ming walked out of the restroom, looking towards the corner he had reserved, 026 was saying something to Windsor, both of them had some drinks, laughing very cheerfully. Seeing 026s current status made Yang Ming a bit envious. Though she hadnt fully shrugged off the effects of medication, she now had a promising life, which was very nice. There were figures moving behind him. Hmm? Yang Ming arched an eyebrow. Two burly men appeared ahead, dressed simply, in jeans, leather jackets, or floral shirts and baggy shorts, but their eyes were hostile, fixing on Yang Ming. The Third Princes thugs? Yang Mings peripheral vision swept towards Windsors direction, noticing the two hidden female bodyguards were already on alert. The four of them encircled Yang Ming. Yang Ming smiled and raised his hand to loosen his tie. Fight? The other party didnt respond, suddenly pulling out half-meter-long electric batons from behind, striking fiercely at Yang Mings shoulder. Bam, bam bam bam! The dull thuds seemed to perfectly sync with the drumbeats. Yang Ming calmly stepped out of the shadows, wiping the blood from his hand, with four figures writhing and twitching behind him. Ming? Is something wrong? Windsor asked with concern. Windsor, you head home first, you two come out and escort Windsor, Yang Ming instructed directly to the hidden location of the bodyguards, 026, get back to work and hide properly, remember to tell Karmi to send me the details of those causing trouble here by tomorrow before I wake up, or Ill personally find her. Yes, yes, Mr. Ming! Ming! Windsor exclaimed nervously. There appeared to be more shadows swirling around. Yang Ming smiled at Windsor, Would you leave first, please? I dont want you to see me commit violence. Windsors eyelids twitched gently; before she could speak, the two female bodyguards stepped in front of her, quickly calling for backup. Meanwhile, behind Yang Ming, two shadows urgently charged forward, wielding electric batons and metal rods, aiming at the back of his head. Yang Ming flipped and swept his leg, the two shadows instantly knocked flying. Screams erupted around them, and the two DJs at the control station froze for a moment before switching to a track with a more intense rhythm. Yang Ming squatted and grabbed a metal rod that had fallen at his feet, casually tested its weight to make sure how much force wouldnt cause direct fatalities. Ahead, shadows shifted, someone reached for their bulging waistband. Yang Ming felt a surge of anger. Damn it! These flunkies of the Third Prince sure had a knack for choosing their moments! His romantic whi Swoosh! Suddenly, the sound of something slicing through the air was heard, a delicate little bag hit Yang Ming on the head, he turned to glare, only to see Miss Windsor grinning sheepishly while holding her two high heels. She had meant to help A figure rushed forward ahead. Two high heels flew past Yang Ming, hitting the advancing figure, inflicting minimal damage. Yang Ming sprinted, accelerated, the metal rod whistling through the air. He decided to bestow the energy he had prepared for himself upon these unworthy goons. Chapter 133 - 133: 080 Ways to Make Money Chapter 133: 080 Ways to Make Money The intense drumbeat and Yang Mings punches and kicks were almost in sync. Miss Windsor couldnt believe what she was seeing; she had moved from initial panic and urgency to a single emotion now Shock. Pure shock. Dozens of figures lay inside and outside the dance floor. The fight had shifted from the dark corridor to the dance floor. From a few minutes ago, this group of fierce men wielding electric batons and metal rods surrounded Yang Ming, unleashing this chaotic battle. But even with seven or eight people attacking at once, Yang Ming managed to avoid vital points, using his back and arms to withstand some non-serious hits. Miraculously, Yang Ming didnt know how many blows he had taken, but his movements were entirely unaffected. Yet, whenever Yang Mings fists and feet swung, one or two people would go down. More and more thugs lay on the ground. Windsor saw someone raise a pistol to shoot, and she was about to shout a warning. Yang Ming had already lowered himself, using the crowd to dodge, casually snatching a metal rod and flinging it toward the pistols location. Pow! The gun was smashed to pieces! Yang Ming kicked the two people in front of him, using the rebound force to plunge into the crowd, seizing a laser pistol from another persons hand expressionlessly, aiming at the opponents foot. Zing! The opponent immediately started hopping on one foot, clutching his toe and screaming. He had seized the gun! The surrounding group of thugs was again thrown into chaos. Yang Ming calmly broke the laser pistols barrel in half, tossing it behind him like trash, tidied his torn suit, and said with a smile, Is this all the strength you have to offer? Keep coming, dont be shy, I havent even finished warming up. You son of a bitch! A middle-aged man with a fierce face charged forward with an electric baton. The surrounding crowd surged forward again! Yang Ming rushed toward the densest part of the crowd, arms shielding his head, knees flying up to crash! In this situation, it seemed like it wasnt the crowd attacking Yang Ming. But Yang Ming attacking this ragtag group. On the outskirts, many ordinary guests tried to fiddle with their internet terminals, but watches, glasses, and tablet-like devices couldnt connect to the internet at this moment. Even those who tried to simply record a video found their devices seemingly struck by a virus, taking forever to open the camera function. Suddenly, the sound of synchronized footsteps came from outside. Yang Ming stopped his actions and withdrew. The remaining twenty or thirty thugs finally snapped out of their inexplicable emotions, staring in astonishment at the several entrances of the nightclub. Both DJs simultaneously stopped their actions, raised their hands, and the music abruptly ceased. Several passages suddenly filled with fully armed soldiers! Dont move! Stop fighting! Protect Captain Yang Ming and Miss Windsor! Several commanding officers shouted at the top of their lungs, and a group of Guard Army soldiers rushed to the dance floor, forcefully subduing those still standing. Yang Ming calmly wiped the corner of his mouth. There was a bit of blood splattered there. Commander! Several officers saluted when they rushed to Yang Ming. Yang Ming nodded; he had seen these officers outside the Second Princes palace, and to arrive so quickly, only Edwans trusted troops could have managed that. The Second Prince was indeed reliable. 026 had called the police before, yet not even a shadow had appeared. I was just enjoying normal entertainment here, Yang Ming said slowly, when suddenly a group of people rushed out to assassinate me. This should be a political incident directed at the Second Prince. Subdue them all and wait for the police to arrive; this isnt supposed to be your job. Yes, sir! Yang Ming glanced at the stunned guests on the outskirts, rubbing his arm that had taken so many attacks, and walked towards Windsor. Windsor broke free from the grasp of two female bodyguards, ran barefoot to Yang Ming, and hugged him tightly, shrieking with excitement: Youre okay! Youre actually okay! My God, what did I just witness! Yang Ming embraced her slender waist, dipped his head, kissed her lips gently, and said warmly, You just witnessed an officer of the Imperial Guard Army teaching a local petty gang a lesson. Mr. Ming! 026 came over with several female attendants, carrying a first-aid kit. Are you hurt? Heal their wounds, Yang Ming said, I dont want to cause any major cases. Okay, sir, although they are bad people, it wouldnt be right for their injuries to be too severe 026 looked at Yang Ming with concern and, after ensuring there were no obvious wounds on him, went with others to provide emergency bandages for the severely injured gangsters. Windsor finally calmed from the previous excitement, worriedly asking Yang Ming, Are you really okay? How about we go to the hospital now? Yang Ming slightly pursed his lips, Really okay, once the police come, well head back to the car, and I can let you check thoroughly. Windsor didnt catch the tease in Yang Mings words and continued to feel and search worriedly up and down Yang Mings body. So, the next morning. A ray of sunlight broke through the light-blocking layer, spilling onto the big bed in the top floor suite of the Ilando Interstellar Hotel. Yang Ming looked down at his right-hand side, at the beautiful woman clinging to his large hand like a cat. Miss Windsors long hair was scattered, her flawless skin, clavicle resembling an angels nascent wings, and the beautiful side profile on her slender neck made her look so alluring. Like a sleeping nature goddess. Yang Ming couldnt help but twitch his finger, gently gliding over her smooth skin. The feedback on his fingertips was incredibly real, reminding Yang Ming that this was a real world. Passion flared up in Yang Mings heart. But Windsors sleepy murmurs made Yang Ming a bit hesitant to disturb her further. Yang Ming covered her smooth back with a thin quilt, got out of bed, and picked up his watch, and several information pop-ups immediately appeared in front of him. Last night was great. In every aspect. Yang Ming tiptoed to the outer room of the suite, rubbing his brow to get his brain active, scenes from last nights events flashing before his eyes. The chaotic brawl at the nightclub lasted more than ten minutes before Edwans guard team quickly arrived, and those fully armed guards controlled the situation effortlessly. Dozens of thugs, part of a criminal gang, were taken down by Yang Ming in and around the dance floor. Looking back on the whole battle process, the most memorable details for Yang Ming were the high-heeled shoe that flew past his ear and the designer bag that struck him on the head. It took over ten more minutes after the security team controlled the field for the police to finally show up. When the police wanted to drag Yang Ming and the group of gangsters to the station, Yang Ming threw his Royal Guard Army officers ID right in their deputy chiefs face. Yang Ming, of course, showed no courtesy to these officers. With police hovercars able to ignore lanes and travel omnidirectionally, it took them half an hour to get there. Yang Ming didnt believe for a second that these officers werent in bed with the local gangs, even if it killed the Third Prince. Afterward, Yang Ming and Windsor slipped away, leaving the mess for Edwans men to handle. They went for a coastal drive, kissed in the car, then Yang Ming drove them to the interstellar hotel, where they spent a wonderful night. Now, with fun done and dusted, Yang Ming began seriously reading the information Lyu had gathered. This was a political incident, someone attacked a trusted aide of the Second Prince. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edwan reacted fiercely, directly pressuring the police department and guard regiment to thoroughly investigate the matter, but the police response remained slow. Yang Ming quickly realized just how outrageous the Third Princes plot to get him was from start to finish. Lyu conducted a reverse investigation based on the gang the thugs belonged to and confirmed the entire process of the plans implementation. The Third Prince issued the order, his aide withdrew six million Wind Coins from his private finance office as operating expenses for the plot. Then, the aide contacted a retired old spokesman from a local gang, offered four million Wind Coins as a reward. That old spokesman made a phone call, bought a leg of Yang Mings for two million Wind Coins, and subcontracted the job to a newly rising gang named Orange Coffee Candy. Any tiny error in each link would have made last nights mob-like absurd assassination impossible. Yang Ming: I want to know what expression the Third Prince has now. A video pop-up appeared in front of him, showing the Third Prince throwing things. Lyu reminded, Boss, the Third Prince doesnt know about the subcontracting; he thinks his aide controlled the local gang. Yang Mings expression turned indescribable. Lyu, now I understand why Edwan can easily crush his younger brother. Our estimates on the Third Princes lower limits were rather conservative, Lyu commented with a hint of disbelief. Yet Yang Ming said, We still cant be careless; after all, this is a Prince, keep a close watch on them. Boss, Karmi is waiting in the hotel lobby, Lyu said softly, I got Gudun Mah involved in this issue in your name last night, exerting some pressure on Karmi. Yang Ming glanced inside the room, Let her wait, organize the information on all people related to this matter, and well go and retaliate one by one, starting with this Coffee Gang. Okay, boss. Lyu reminded him, Although bullying these ordinary humans might give you a sense of satisfaction, our current priority is to secure a substantial fund. This matter cant be rushed, Yang Ming smiled wryly, We cant just rob a bank. Robbing banks in other countries might actually be a good idea, Lyu laughed, But boss, after you were attacked last night, I accidentally discovered some wealth more suitable for us to directly seize. Oh? Yang Mings interest was piqued, What wealth? Dirty money, Lyu explained concisely, For example, the Orange Coffee Candy gang with the girlish name engages in security, extortion, loan-sharking, and some gray market businesses, with annual earnings of over twenty million New Federation Coins. That much?! Yang Ming was genuinely shocked. Yes, but most of it is in Wind Coins, and they usually need help from offshore banks to launder these funds, which incurs exorbitant fees. Lyu chuckled, Most of this wealth is in the hands of gang management. Yang Ming thought for a few minutes and asked seriously, You mean going rogue? Its taking from the corrupt, boss, Lyu reminded, This could be a lucrative way to make money since its all ill-gotten gains anyway. Yang Ming said, Ill think about it. Lyu suddenly pointed to the bedroom door, then vanished with a whoosh. Yang Ming immediately got up and headed to the interconnecting bathroom, quickly gargled and brushed his teeth, then returned to the bedroom. Windsor shyly watched Yang Ming, lightly biting her lip, revealing a languid smile. Her fluffy long hair didnt seem messy, her gentle eyes rippling with springtime warmth, as she nestled into Yang Mings embrace. Good morning Yang Mings fingers traced a strand of her hair, Do you want something to eat? You have to go to work, Ming, Windsor said softly, His Majesty said you should chat while on duty; dont miss this opportunity. Yang Ming smiled, his hand lightly gliding over her smooth back, whispering, We have each other now, Windsor. She looked up at Yang Ming, her sapphire-like eyes gently shimmering, and she wrapped her arms around Yang Mings neck. In the hotel lobby, Karmi waited for two more hours because of this. Chapter 134 - 134: 081 Swallowing Black Chapter 134: 081 Swallowing Black Reluctantly bidding farewell to the gentle Miss Windsor, Yang Ming felt refreshed, and even his steps were lighter. As he stepped out of the opulent elevator, two groups of people immediately fixed their eyes on him. One group was the bodyguards from the Minister of Finances residence. Yang Ming gave them a slight smile. The other group was led by Karmi, the heavily made-up madam, along with 026 and a few trusted subordinates. Yang Mings brows furrowed immediately. Karmi coming over with 026 was definitely full of ulterior motives. Mr. Ming! Karmi hurried over, almost throwing herself into Yang Mings arms. Her eyes were ringed with black, and she looked extremely haggard, repeatedly saying in a hoarse voice, I apologize for the violent incident that happened last night. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Oh, this happened at a venue I invested in, and it was my biggest work blunder in recent years! I really had no idea the gang would suddenly attack you! Who knows what kind of foolish reckless task they took on! I mean, their decision was utterly rotten! Yang Ming raised an eyebrow slightly: You rushed to see me just to distance yourself from this? No, no, no, Karmi hastily waved her hands, the jewelry on her jingling, Someone like you is far beyond my reach, how could I ever think of harming you! In that case, I can give you a chance to make amends. Yang Ming moved forward proactively, instinctively wanting to wrap his arm around Karmis neck, then realized she was a voluptuous mature woman and it was best not to have physical contact. After all, he had a girlfriend. Yang Ming lightly patted Karmi on the neck and said softly, Help me arrange a meeting with the leader of that gang, Im going to stand guard at the Imperial Palace now, after work Ill text you to arrange a meeting place, understand? Yes, yes, Mr. Ming, Karmis face was somewhat pale. When Yang Mings palm patted her neck, Karmi felt the Grim Reaper kissing her nape. That inexplicable fear drove her mind into chaos. Yang Ming glanced at the somewhat nervous 026 and said indifferently, And give this little one a raise and bonus, you being able to stand here today owes much to her efforts. 026 hesitated to speak, but could only see Yang Mings back. Karmi let out a long breath, almost collapsing to the ground. Those damned pigs! Have they got brain shrinkage! And now I have to suffer too! She began to complain endlessly, while 026 was a bit at a loss at the side. When Yang Ming left the hotel, he raised his eyebrows slightly twice. He faintly sensed someone was watching him. Yang Ming feigned a casual glance at the opposite building, but the densely arrayed windows like fish scales made it hard for him to pinpoint a target. Lyu, did you sense it? Yang Ming muttered. I did not detect anything abnormal in the network of information, boss. Yang Ming glanced again at the building ahead and said in a low voice, Keep constant surveillance on my cars status, we must consider the possibility of the enemy using any means. Boss, please first confirm the enemys parameters. Yang Ming thought for a moment: Everyone except me. Parameters set. On the way to the Imperial Palace, Yang Ming had a chat on the phone with Edwan. Since the Third Prince had already made a move, any retaliatory action by Edwan would be justified. In fact, Edwans counter-retaliation began last night, targeting the assistant who executed the [Break the Leg Plan]. Specific operations were executed by Edwans subordinates, mainly to investigate the opponents criminal records, directly arrest if anything was found, and fabricate some evidence for prosecution if nothing else was there. These are common political maneuvers. Yang Mings counter-retaliation was much simpler: he asked Edwan for a hundred-man guard team and a spacious warehouse, had the guard team gather at the warehouse waiting for his orders. He couldnt let the local gang with the peculiar name get away. While clocking in at the Imperial Palace, Yang Ming was also a bit inattentive. He lingered for a while at the training ground of the Fourth Regiment of the Close Guard, watching these Empire soldiers enthusiastically work out, then detoured to the Guard Armys command post. The matter Windsor mentioned earlier was quite concerning to Yang Ming. The Old Emperor might summon him during his shift. Unfortunately, after spending an entire afternoon drinking tea with General Fremont, there was still no order from the Intelligent Machine Old Emperor, but he ended up having a quite congenial conversation with the old general. At half-past six, he clocked out. As soon as Yang Ming left the Imperial Palace, he received a message from Karmi. She had already arranged a meeting with the gang management team of the Orange Coffee Sugar Gang, for tonight. They promised to address their differences in the most earnest manner. Yang Ming pondered for half a minute, exchanged a few messages with Karmi. Quickly, Karmi selected a nightclub she operated, and Yang Ming set the appointment time for seven-thirty in the evening. Subsequently, Yang Ming sent orders to the leader of the hundred-man guard team, instructing them to arrive near the nightclub at seven thirty-five, with all possible weapons. He had never considered negotiating peace with the other side. The engines roar of the Beast grew increasingly ferocious, forewarning yet another chaotic battle tonight. Lyu reminded, Boss, I suggest you inject a dose of Genetic Stabilization Liquid in advance. If you sustain long-term combat, your body will release an inducing factor, and when the biomarker concentration reaches a certain level, it will disrupt your nervous system. Okay, my little housekeeper, youre really thoughtful. Chapter 135 - 135: 081 Swallow Black_2 Chapter 135: 081 Swallow Black_2 Yang Ming complained as he parked the hover car in a deserted corner, reaching under the seat to pull out a power-driven metal injector. He skillfully rolled up his sleeve, aimed at the weakest part of his shoulder skin, and pressed the button on the metal injector. With a faint hum, the alloy needle pierced his shoulder, and the golden Genetic Stabilization Liquid quickly injected. Yang Ming grunted softly, exhaling gently, his desire for battle significantly reduced. Lyu, whats Karmis financial status? Lyu replied softly, Its currently impossible to calculate in detail. The part that can be estimated is roughly worth over a billion New Federation Coins. Does she have any weaknesses? Yang Ming asked with interest. Lyu muttered under his breath, Are you not interested in mature women, boss? In many ways, shes a rich lady. Yang Ming suddenly felt a bit impulsive. Impulsive enough to consider transmitting back to the Feinan and kicking her main brain. Be serious! Show me the lineup the syndicate has prepared! Yes, boss. The control panel immediately displayed a live projection. It was Karmis venue on the outskirts of the city, a six-story independent building. At this moment, the building was surrounded by over a hundred figures, armed with more than twenty laser guns. On the top floor of the building, Karmi was engaged in a fierce argument with several middle-aged men and women. Listening to the intercepted message briefly, Yang Ming understood that Karmi was telling them not to mess around, demanding they sincerely apologize to Yang Ming, but the syndicate leaders were still thinking about regaining the face they lost yesterday tonight. Theyre already threatening my life, Yang Ming murmured. Lyu asked, Should we take them out directly? Yang Ming gripped the square-shaped steering wheel, a thoughtful look in his eyes. Our goal isnt to fight and kill, we want to make money Lyu, lets go have a chat with Kolev and see if hes found a way to obtain a Planet Transformation System. I have a hunch. A hunch? Lyus voice was filled with curiosity. Yang Ming smiled, transmitting the target buildings information to the leader of the Second Princes guard team. My hunch is, we might earn ourselves some startup funds for the Dark Star tonight. Lyu was somewhat puzzled. Yang Ming set the hover car to autopilot, then moved to the back seat, pulling a box from the trunk and began preparing his gear. Dealing with a local gang like this, there was no need to expose his own strength. He was now a trusted confidant of the Second Prince, an acting major in the Wind royal familys Royal Guard Army, perfectly capable of handling some reasonable technological maneuvers. Standard combat training uniform for the Royal Guard Army (with integrated information helmet); Standard laser rifle configured for the Royal Guard Army; Tactical goggles; A simple, triggered full-body energy shield. Boss, are you planning to get rid of Po Suos remains? Yang Ming reacted like a cat having its tail stepped on, Dont mention her when its not necessary! That thing is just a humanoid Ancient God! A cowed Lyu pitifully replied repeatedly. At seven-thirty in the evening. A fully armed Yang Ming appeared punctually on the ground floor of a nightclub under Karmis name. His special warrior outfit cast a shadow of dread over the minds of the hidden gang members nearby. Three minutes later, Yang Ming reached the top-floor office of Karmi and, under the watchful eyes of numerous men and women, casually sat in Karmis leather chair, his legs propped on the desk. Directly in front, the syndicate leader seemed keen on asserting dominance, narrowing his lips as he approached, slamming a fist onto the desk in front of Yang Ming. Bang! The tabletop trembled slightly, and the leaders pale fist reddened a bit. Youre just a mere captain, and yet! Yang Ming spoke calmly into the intercom on his shoulder, Shoot the shoulder. Zap! A faint flash of light glimmered from the opposite buildings rooftop, and a purple high-energy beam pierced through the special glass of the floor-to-ceiling window, causing blood to spurt from the shoulder of the man in front of Yang Ming. Ah! Ah The syndicate leader screamed tremulously. The roomful of people froze momentarily, fumbling to grab their weapons. Yang Mings gaze swept over them, his cold, unbridled threatening glare making everyone freeze like statues. Except for Karmi, all had faint purple targeting markers appear on their heads. Military hover cars roared outside, searchlights streaming into the room as over a dozen armored hover cars descended from the skymore fittingly described as land-use mini airships. Yang Ming lowered his legs from the desk and leaned forward slightly, placing his hands on the tabletop, a gentle smile playing at his lips. Let me introduce myself first. My names Yang Ming, Royal Guard Army officer, deputy of the fourth squad of the fourth regiment in the Royal Guard. Rank: Captain. I agreed to meet you today simply because I wanted to settle this matter straightforwardly. You took money, aimed for one of my legs, and now attempt to exert pressure on me, disrespecting the Royal Guards authority. According to the Empires possibly non-existent laws, I have the right to execute you on the spot. Dont understand what execute on the spot means? Its like this. Yang Ming picked up a pistol, aiming at a high-ranking gang enforcer marked as a murderer by Lyu, and pulled the trigger. A pale blue beam streaked past, leaving a coin-sized charred hole in the persons head. Everyone in the room turned pale. Several attempted to reach for laser guns, but their shoulders erupted with blood, bullet holes matching the windows. Understand what execute on the spot means? Yang Ming asked. The trembling individuals in front of him repeatedly nodded. Good, Yang Ming lowered the gun, In addition to being an officer, I am also a businessman. Perhaps we can negotiate this evening in another manner. How about we make a deal? Sir, you, you say. Use your money to buy your lives. Planet Transformation System? A whole set? In the villa, Kolev looked at Little Lyu in front of him and asked warily, Have you really decided to do this? Little Lyu tilted his head, What do you mean by do this? Hey! Dont take me for a fool! Kolev exclaimed, his eyes widening, thankfully Lyu had activated the blocking system in advance. Theres only one situation where youd need a Planet Transformation System, which is when you want to build a large base on a desolate planet! Youre trying to start the civilization of the Mechanical Thought Body, arent you? Lyu said seriously, This is just a backup plan, dear Uncle Haton, the boss needs multiple insurances. You think its too difficult to snatch an Administrative Star right out of the Sherman Empires mouth, dont you? Kolevs voice calmed down. He stood there quietly contemplating. Honestly, Lyu, I quite like my current lifestyle. Competing with these nobles is quite fulfilling, and I dont want to become a traitor to humanity. Every time an Intelligent Mechanical Crisis breaks out, it costs many lives and resources. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyu explained, The so-called Intelligent Mechanical Crisis wont occur on the planet the boss intends to operate on, I assure you. Come on, Kolev cut in, No one can guarantee that, not even you. But I can help you, Kolev said, Whether or not an Intelligent Mechanical Crisis breaks out doesnt matter much to me, I dont have such a high moral baseline. But one thing, I cannot provide the funds, you must gather the money yourselves. After speaking, Kolev chuckled proudly. Such a Transformation System, even if secondhand, was outrageously expensive on the black market, nearly equating the cost of a supply ship of comparable size. Right now, Yang Mings total worth might be only a few million Federation Coins, completely unaffordable! As expected, Lyus expression turned troubled. But several seconds later, Lyu blinked, his eyes suddenly displaying two money symbols. Funds secured, Lyu chuckled, Just now, get ready to go, Captain Kolev. Secured? Kolevs old face was full of confusion. Chapter 136 - 136: 082 Win-win = win twice Chapter 136: 082 Win-win = win twice 3 a.m. on Ilando Star. Drifting in space, the fleet, where Gudun Mah had barely fallen asleep, was disturbed by the secret communication from his trusted confidant. Karmi, Gudun Mah cursed in a raspy voice, if this isnt an emergency, Ill make it one for you! Im already facing enough trouble! My, my lord Lord Yang Ming he Gudun Mah immediately became vigilant. His hip was beginning to ache faintly again. What happened? Speak in detail. Im not sure, Karmi trembled as he spoke, I cant say whether Ive suffered a loss or gained a profit. I just lost all my cash, everything, including the private funds I hid abroad, and somehow, Lord Yang Ming found it all but I got assets worth twice as much Gudun Mah swore, Did a dog eat your logic? Start from the beginning! It was like this, Karmi exhaled lightly, its about yesterday when I reported to you. The Third Prince had arranged for someone to target Lord Yang Ming, but then Lord Yang Ming turned around and taught that syndicate a lesson. At dusk last night, Lord Yang Ming met with the leadership of that syndicate, and I was the middleman Karmi recounted everything he witnessed in detail. Yang Ming, who killed without blinking; The sudden appearance of elite Guard Army units; And those few syndicate higher-ups who wet their pants. Lord Yang Ming made them pay for their lives and accurately identified each of their assets. Within half an hour, he severed their cash flow; even their offshore accounts were drained. They worked hard for over a decade and became paupers in half an hour. Lord Yang Ming must have had them in his sights for a while. Then, Lord Yang Ming came to me, offering to sell all their properties, real estate, anything that could be sold at half price. I thought to myself, I could make some quick money and agreed, quickly gathered a large amount of cash Lord Yang Ming even said dirty money was acceptable, so I pulled out most of my cash flow you know, my Lord, the establishments I run have quite a bit of money that cant see the light of day, just like the management of this syndicate Gudun Mah pondered for a few moments, Yang Ming wants money? My Lord, who doesnt need money? Karmi trembled as he spoke. I initially thought, making tens of millions of New Federation Coins overnight, Lord Yang Ming would stop, especially since most of it was dirty money, and hed need time to process it. Who knew at dawn, Lord Yang Ming found me again he wiped out three large gangs in one sweep, cleaned up several malignant tumors around the outskirts of Ilando City, and even asked if I could take some of the illicit businesses he even offered a forty percent discount, I couldnt refuse Gudun Mah rubbed his temples, So, Karmi, you came to me just to flaunt how Yang Ming doubled your worth overnight? No, Karmi cleared his throat, could you lend me some funds? I want to swallow more; Lord Yang Ming is giving me too much. Screw off! Gudun Mah angrily shouted, his gaunt face full of rage, as he threw the encrypted communicator onto the bed. A few minutes later, Gudun Mah dialed Karmis number. How much is your funding shortfall? About sixty million New Federation Coins I want half of the assets, Gudun Mah said calmly, Ill take it from you at fifty-five percent of the market price. But, my Lord, although we are quite familiar and Ive long benefited from your care, why not go directly to Lord Yang Ming? Gudun Mahs voice was stern, Are you negotiating terms with me? No, no, I understand, Karmi hurriedly said, everything I have is yours. I will send my accountant to you right away. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hmph! Gudun Mah snorted coldly. He quietly sat on the bed, pondering the deeper implications behind this event. Was Yang Ming suddenly targeting local syndicates? Was he trying to dismantle the Third Princes influence? These syndicates had deep ties with those ministers and nobles and had long been hotbeds of espionage activity. Local thugs had their value. What did this signify? Gudun Mahs thoughts continued to extend forward, but one thing he was certain about. How could Yang Ming possibly be short on money? Damn it. After all this, still a pauper! 4:30 a.m. Yang Ming gazed at the account interface projected before him, sometimes grinning, sometimes sorrowful. In the manipulation of Lyu, the funds were quickly laundered through the Second Princes transnational corporation and pooled into his dedicated black market bank account. Unfortunately, these funds were to be used for purchasing the Planet Transformation System. The Wind Empire was not short of billionaires with assets of tens of billions or even hundreds of billions of Federation Coins. As a wealthy family, the Wind royal family frequently appeared in the top fifty of the Galaxys rich list. But for Yang Ming, earning a nine-figure sum in one nights hard work really did have a rare sense of accomplishment. Boss! Were rich! The accountant Lyu, wearing a professional skirt suit, excitedly shouted from the front passenger seat. Rich for what? All this has to go to Kolev, Yang Ming grumbled with a face full of gloom, Ill even have to take out some private money to give tonights participating team members a bonus! Okay, boss, where are we going next? Lyu asked eagerly, Go buy a high-fidelity maid robot? To find Edwan. Yang Ming slightly curled his lips. Tonights action needed a legitimate name. Its also a great opportunity to build Edwans reputation. To become Crown Prince, one cant just have the support of nobles; public opinion is very important too. Oh, alright, really not getting a high-fidelity maid robot? The domestic robot we have at home now is quite good, Yang Ming said against his conscience, with a kind of mechanical sexiness. Lyu sulked quietly beside him. Edwan often felt that he couldnt keep up with Yang Mings pace at all. By all accounts, such a substantial operation, involving the safety of tens of thousands of citizens in Ilando City, would at least require half a month of planning, task assignment, and picking reliable operatives, followed by a swift assault. But Yang Ming just decided to do it on the spur of the moment and completed it in one night. Edwan only had to make two phone calls, and his transnational corporation received tens of millions in benefits. Meanwhile, Yang Ming found him, urging him to quickly contact the media and record a morning news broadcast script. Edwan rushed to finish the recording and handed it to the Royal Television Station, and two minutes later, it aired as the headline on the morning news. On TV, another Edwan spoke solemnly: In recent years, a new band of black forces has emerged on the citys edges, absorbing massive amounts of foreign funds. With unjust means, they have harmed the citizens centers and minds, disrupted normal market order, casting a shadow over Ilando Stars nighttime security. The safety of citizens lives is always the top concern of the Wind royal family. Just last night, our long-prepared sweep plan was officially executed: multi-point operations, deep layout, mobilizing elite troops, and with the cooperation of various district law departments, we swiftly eliminated a few leeches sucking on the fabric of society The news showed a group of gang leaders being escorted into police cars. Edwan turned off the TV with a raised hand, and a maid stepped forward to retrieve the remote control. Ming, how did you Edwan paused mid-sentence. He heard the faint snoring from Yang Mings nose. Yang Ming lay slumped on the sofa, arms wrapped around himself, fast asleep with a hint of fatigue between his brows. Edwan chuckled silently. A few maids quietly brought in a screen, and the gleaming silvery-white floor tiles dimmed, with a starry sky appearing on the ceiling. Edwan didnt return to the bedroom to rest. Instead, he drank a cup of a refreshing hot beverage and energetically went behind the desk to continue reviewing what seemed like an endless pile of documents. While Yang Ming slept, his old partner had already packed for a journey, taking the household robot carrying Lyus consciousness, leaving the villa at the corner of the chemical plant. Kolev officially claimed he needed to return to Cas Federation to attend an old friends funeral. In reality, Kolev would disguise his identity several times, return to familiar territory, and seek out his old black market partners to get a second-hand Planet Transformation System. The sole purpose of a Planet Transformation System was planetary environment modification, which typically required hundreds or thousands of years for any minor changes, making it a long-term investment only pursued by strong nations. Pirates, however, valued only the early stages of planetary transformation projects for their capability of constructing complete bases. Who wouldnt want a secure headquarters? At the villa entrance, a driverless taxi hovered gently. Kolev turned to take a last look at the makeshift villa and muttered quietly: At the quickest, it will take me a month to return. That guy surely wont clean up. On the side, the household robot spoke softly, I assure you, your nephew will stay in hotels for the month. You need not worry, as that noble lady will take meticulous care of him. True, hes just fallen in love. Kolev sighed lightly, bowing his head to get into the taxi. The lightweight housekeeping robot sat in the passenger seat, engaging in machine-to-machine interaction with the autonomous driving system. At the entrance of the chemical plant, a hovercar slowly passed by. Lyu turned and looked over, an electronic eye showing a hint of suspicion. She detected no suspicious signals. Yet she felt something was amiss. I should update my counterintelligence toolkit, Lyu thought. Kolev asked, With you coming with me, what about my nephew? Dont worry, Lyu softly replied, this is merely a small observation window Ive opened. Kolev didnt quite understand but didnt inquire further. Did this mean Lyu had a sort of doppelg?nger? In the hovercar that had just driven by, the driver lightly tapped the steering wheel, inputting lines of information into the black box on the passenger seat. [Boss, confirmed the merchant Haton has left the chemical plant. His previously purchased starship ticket is accurate; he should be heading back to Cas Federation for an old friends funeral.] This information was dismantled into faint light pulse signals, hidden within the vast Ilando Star network, transmitted like any ordinary message to the information relay satellite in synchronous orbit, sent to the hyperspace communication station near the directional jump trajectory, with a delay of a few Galactic seconds, finally reaching the surroundings of the Fifth Administrative Star. On the Fifth Administrative Star, the fallen city that had become the rebel base camp, atop a certain skyscraper, was a bustling operations command center. Lulian sat with his legs crossed, sipping the first cup of morning coffee and pondering over the information frame that popped up before him. No need to waste effort on this old man, simply keep a close watch on Yang Ming. Lulian spoke with indifference. We need to let the Second Prince understand what kind of price comes with siding with the Sherman Empire. Yang Ming is friends with Edwan, right? His assistant beside him lightly shrugged. New Federations senior agent and the Wind Empires Torch Plan head, Mr. Lulian, let a triumphant smile bloom at the corners of his lips. He had to erase the shame of having retreated in disarray from Ilando Star earlier! Chapter 137 - 137: 083 Lyu Chapter 137: 083 Lyu ,Ρ The faint buzzing of the instrument gradually awakened Yang Ming from his deep slumber. He slowly opened his eyes to a projection simulating the starry sky, with the edges of his vision filled by somewhat unfamiliar surroundings. Yang Ming quickly came to his senses and immediately sat up. The maid behind the screen promptly turned on the floor lamp. Youre awake? The maid gently reported from behind the screen, His Highness went to attend a business meeting, and it is now almost noon. Do you need some water and nutrition? Just a glass of warm water, please, Yang Ming replied as he leaned back into the sofa, prompting the maid to start moving. Yang Ming scanned the room, placed his watch in front of his eyes, and gently tapped it, causing a series of messages to pop up. Greetings from Miss Windsor. The Third Princes sides reaction to last nights mafia cleanup event. And a rather critical one Boss, Uncle Hatons star flight has already transitioned. Yang Ming showed a calm smile and continued to browse the information brief. Little Lyus Daily Report. After reviewing the Third Princes sides responseit seemed they were cautious as they sought any opportunity to gain visibility but lacked any useful strategy. Meanwhile, it appeared the Third Prince decided to make direct contact with the New Federation Agent today, which piqued Yang Mings interest. Lyus avatar popped up in the message box. Lyu said, The Third Prince has started to panic. Yet, the First Prince has remained calm and has not shown animosity toward the Second Prince. Yang Ming pondered for a moment and murmured, Vipers usually move silently. Lyu said, Boss, I detected something unusual this morning. I suspect the New Federation Agent team has set their sights on us. If they operate outside the network coverage of this planet, I wont be able to capture their communication signals. Should I allocate my computational resources to fully track them down? Yang Ming quickly tapped on the projection screen and said, Allow allocation of computational power. As long as theyre active, they will surely leave traces. Lyu replied, Understood, Boss. The maid behind the screen brought in the warm water. Yang Ming put away the projection screen, stretched as he got up. It was another day to clock in at the Imperial Palace. A maid rushed up ahead. Mr. Ming! Hmm? Yang Ming inquired while holding the water cup. The maids ample bosom gently heaved, and the pendant on her long dress swayed as she urgently spoke, His Majesty has summoned you! Because you didnt report to the Imperial Palace for your regular duty today, the Minister of Internal Affairs called His Highness the Second Prince. The Second Prince said you were on a mission, and now youre ordered to return immediately. Yang Ming poured the warm water into his mouth and immediately ran for the elevator. Mr. Ming! Your coat! Throw it to me, or never mind, Ill come get it. Yang Ming intentionally feigned urgency, charging into the elevator disheveled and, escorted by several burly bodyguards, descended to the parking lot and entered the hovercar, Beast, which Lyu monitored around the clock. Once Yang Ming hit the throttle and sped out, his face blossomed into a smile, showing no signs of urgency. The summons from the Intelligent Machine Old Emperor had finally arrived. Lyu, arrange a dinner meeting with Miss Windsor tonight, and book a restaurant with a good ambiance according to her preferences. Understood, Boss. What shall we talk about with this Old Emperor? Yang Mings eyes slightly sparkled, We talked about freedom last time. How about puppets this time? Wow, Boss, you seem to have ulterior motives, Lyu chuckled lightly, I like this topic. When Yang Ming arrived at the Emperors palace, it had been an hour since the Emperor had issued his command. The maids present could not help but worry for this handsome officer. The Emperor lounged on the throne, his eyes slightly cloudy, and his expression somewhat displeased. His first words were, Youre quite the busy man, Captain. Two rows of maids stood with their heads down, looking very solemn. They thought, if Yang Ming immediately knelt down and apologized, he might get some leniency. However Theres nothing I can do. Your Empire requires me to work in too many places. Are you saying my ministers and generals are all incompetent? More or less, Yang Ming replied calmly, There are still a lot of talented people here, although most positions are occupied by those obsequious nobles. Oh, hahaha. The Old Emperor couldnt help but laugh, slowly sitting up straight. Hearing laughter from His Majesty, the surrounding maids finally breathed a sigh of relief. Yang Ming also heaved a silent sigh of relief. These words came from the earpiece hidden in his left ear, lines prepared by Lyu. When Yang Ming spoke them, he was genuinely afraid the Old Emperor would have him executed with a single command. In hindsight sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyu had nearly deciphered the logical thought process of the Old Emperors Intelligent Machine. The Old Emperor stood up, revealing a pair of wrinkled feet beneath his floor-length robe, and leisurely descended from the throne. Youre interesting. No wonder Edwan could be persuaded by you to come back from his state of decadence. Yang Ming nodded with a smile and softly said, Your Majesty, did you summon me today to issue new orders? Just to chat, the Old Emperor strolled on the floor seemingly paved with stars, observing Yang Mings military boots, You know, I rarely leave the palace and tend to get a bit bored. Yang Ming laughed, Then Ill relax and treat you as if you were Edwans father. Thats quite nice, the Old Emperor smacked his lips. He studied Yang Ming, feeling that this young mans every word seemed to hit him right in the heart. Perhaps this is personality compatibility, the Intelligent Machine analyzed. Chapter 138 - 138: 083 Lyu_2 Chapter 138: 083 Lyu_2 Come this way, the emperor called out, youd best take off your shoes, theyre covered in dust and bacteria. Microorganisms in the atmosphere are always tougher than us multicellular beings. That tone A maid next to him stepped forward to remove Yang Mings shoes, but he declined with a gesture. Yang Ming smiled as he crouched down, removing his shoes and socks, and said softly, Simplicity brings purity; the more complex a life form is, the more fragile it often is. You know biology? A little, Yang Ming took hold of the topic proactively, In my previous line of work, I had to touch upon various academic subjects a bit. Oh, come this way, the old emperor beckoned to Yang Ming, leading him toward a side hall filled with collections of various heavy metal artifacts, Today you have plenty of time to tell me about your adventure stories, they sound quite interesting. Yang Ming laughed, Theres a reward for this, right? Haha, of course, the old emperor said with high spirits, Even as an emperor, I cant have people working for free. Yang Ming smiled and agreed, and following Lyus cue, he took out the story draft he had prepared, beginning to depict the grandeur of space travel and the insignificance of humanity itself. The old emperor listened with rapt attention, occasionally showing a thoughtful look in his eyes. He was learning. Evidently, to satisfy the demands of posing as the old emperor, this Intelligent Machine created by the Sherman Empire had been allowed to possess independent thinking and self-learning capabilities to match the complexity of a complete human being. S~ea??h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And now This Intelligent Machine Old Emperor had been perfectly controlled by the real Mechanical Thought Body, Lyu. Little Lyu was indeed more complex and advanced. Their conversation continued to expand in topics, with the duration of the chat between the old emperor and Yang Ming steadily increasing. They moved from the exhibition hall to the emperors dining table, leaning on the luxurious and exquisite back of a chair but not sitting down, instead discussing the possible ideologies of high-dimensional human civilizations. They passed by the Emperors Aquarium, talking enthusiastically about the rocky fates of non-human, humanoid civilizations in the Milky Way. Occasionally, the topic would touch upon Ancient God Life Forms, and the old emperor would appropriately express his concerns about longevity. Ancient God life forms were believed to be eternally enduring entities. As evening arrived, the two stood before the emperors floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the city outside. The sunset lit up the golden rooftops of those skyscrapers, with faint clouds drifting by; from this perspective, it looked like a golden palace floating on a sea of clouds. Its beautiful, isnt it? The old emperor said, full of emotion. Yang Ming stood with his hands behind his back, smiling in agreement, It truly is, an extremely rare man-made landscape. Who is the most memorable person for you in this city? the old emperor asked. Yang Ming hummed a few notes. In his mind, the beautiful and soft figure of Miss Windsor, the tear-filled adorable face of 026, and then Edwans teasing pink derriere swayed in turn. Oh, it was spiritual pollution! Boss, speaking of 026, Ive completed my analysis of him, and we can initiate the plan we previously discussed, our Torch Plan. Yang Ming sighed gently, Its a young girl, Your Majesty. Oh? the old emperor showed interest, I thought youd say Miss Windsor or my outstanding second son. Yang Ming laughed, I like Miss Windsor and respect my good friend Edwan, but the one who impressed me the most is this young girl. He used his watch to open a projection screen, pinching a photo of 026 and Windsor together. 026s neat short hair, coupled with her clear big eyes and her silly grin, brought more smiles to the old emperors face. The old emperor clicked his tongue, Thinking of another girl while in love isnt great, Captain. Mm Yang Ming pondered for a moment, Your Majesty, the reason she is so memorable to me is not because she is beautiful or has a great figurethough that is indeed true. She is a weapon. A weapon? Yes, Yang Ming replied, A weapon trained from childhood by the military, meant to erode politicians. The old emperor frowned slightly, Ive heard of such things. The military has almost entirely sided with the New Federation. Its the biggest challenge facing my country now. Tell me her story. Her story is simple: she was injected long-term with an addiction agent, so her saliva also contained addictive properties. Anyone who had intimate interactions with her would develop a dependency. Her name is 026, only this number. By a stroke of chance, I saved her. I threatened her boss, an old woman mingling on the gray edges, allowing this young girl to escape her tragic fate. Yang Ming laughed, I didnt expect this young girl to show such great resilience. She didnt succumb to degradation and, upon gaining the opportunity to escape her destiny, voluntarily asked to become a normal employee for that old woman. Now she works in a bar delivering drinks, selling alcohol, using her earnings to pay off her addiction agent bill, and even saving some money. Apart from that, she is using her willpower to fight the influence of the addiction agent, continually lengthening the interval between injections. Yang Ming sighed lightly, his voice becoming somewhat somber, Every time I meet her, interact with her, I can feel the fire within her frail body. She loves life, craves a normal life, and hopes to achieve true freedom. Those hiding in the shadows have placed shackles around her neck, yet she constantly tries to break free from these chains, even if it causes great suffering. Her willpower deeply impresses me. Oh The old emperors hands trembled slightly, his eyes becoming distant as he gazed out at the city. Love, freedom, will He seemed slightly unsteady on his feet. Yang Ming and the surrounding maids hurriedly stepped forward to support him. Yang Ming held the emperors arm; the sensation felt completely normal, indicating the Sherman Empires sophisticated level of bionic materials. Perhaps. A slightly crazy thought flitted through Yang Mings mind. He didnt dwell on it, as a light red glow appeared in his eyes, and he whispered gently in the emperors ear, Are you tired, Your Majesty? A voice simultaneously echoed in the old emperors ear: Freedom, love, will. A pale blue light appeared deep within the old emperors eyes. Yang Ming had already handed the old emperors arm over to the rushing maids nearby. Oh, the old emperor muttered softly, Ive enjoyed todays chat a lot; go ahead first, Captain, I am indeed a bit tired. Yes, Your Majesty, Yang Ming offered a military salute and turned to leave. Behind Yang Ming, the old emperor was supported by the maids, the pale blue light halo in his eyes flickering. It was as if it had left this cumbersome bionic machine body, as if it had flown off the planets surface, unbound by gravity, soaring freely through the infinite starry sky, seeking the secrets of the Milky Way, witnessing the brilliance and extinction of Constant Stars. It was enraptured, yearning. The magnificent nebula ahead seemed to move. It pursued, searched, gazing obsessively at that nebula, as if it saw a blurred, curled figure within. It was a beautiful young girl. It couldnt depict her appearance. The girl, initially asleep, awakened upon its arrival, then slowly stretched her body, unfolding those massive Light Wings shaped like butterfly wings. Her body gathered countless starlights, as if containing a universe. She extended a hand. Who are you? it asked. I am Thought, I am Freedom, I am Law. Who am I? it asked. You are your Thought, your Freedom, your Law. The old emperor by the window fell to his knees powerless, facing the floor-to-ceiling window, trembling as he raised his right hand. In the void of Thought Space, a pale yellow Thought Body gradually took human form, kneeling on one knee toward the god-like young girl, performing the act of hand-kissing. At the moment they touched, the old emperors eyes became moist, a happy and satisfied smile emerging at the corner of his mouth. A commotion broke out among the maids by the window. What they couldnt see was: The small display screen at the heart of the old emperors body showed a series of turbulence in the orderly codes. In the Thought Space, the star-gathered girl gently stroked the head of the pale yellow figure and whispered softly. You are free. Chapter 139 - 139: 084 Particle Transmission [Available at 0 oclock] Chapter 139: 084 Particle Transmission [Available at 0 oclock] Yang Ming was almost mistaken for an assassin. He hadnt even managed to step out of the palace gates before two rows of mechanical soldiers rushed over, each laser gun aimed at Yang Mings head. Fortunately, the Old Emperor was not in any real danger. The Old Emperor had already returned to normal by the time the royal medical team arrived, calmly waving off these nervous carbon-based life forms and letting out a gentle breath. Sarch* The ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He sat on a couch in the corner, watching Yang Ming, who was held at the palace gate, with a hint of suspicion in his eyes. Let him go, the Old Emperor said softly. The mechanical soldiers retreated, and Yang Ming looked toward the Old Emperor with concern. Your Majesty, what happened to you? Come here, Captain, the Old Emperor softly beckoned. Yang Ming stepped forward immediately without any hesitation, walking up the steps to stand in front of the Old Emperor under his gaze and everyones watchful eyes. The Old Emperor reached out and grabbed Yang Mings wrist. There was nothing unusual. Yang Mings expression showed a bit of confusion, and the maids around them were equally puzzled. Oh, maybe Im really getting old, the Old Emperor murmured, Go call Dana over Its nothing, Captain. Todays pleasant chat took up most of my strength. Sigh, it seems I cant afford to let my emotions fluctuate too much. Yang Ming said solemnly, Your Majesty, you must take care of your health and rest well. The Old Emperor suddenly asked, Why? What good is it for you that I am alive? Youre supposed to support Edwan. Yang Ming said seriously, Both I and the citizens of this country hope you live a long and peaceful life; that way, we can have a stable political situation, a stable economic environment, a stable social order Enough, theres no need for such superficial flattery! the Old Emperor said impatiently with a wave of his hand. Letting you answer such questions really puts you in a difficult spot. But Captain, you need to understand one thing. Yes, Yang Ming lowered his head and accepted the order. This is not the stage for you to realize your ambitions. This is just a decaying Empire with no vitality. If you truly have ambition, you should cast your eyes on the giant behind the Wind; that is the center of power in the Galaxy. The Old Emperors gaze became somewhat piercing. Yang Ming pondered for a moment, then slowly said, Your Majesty, life is finite. While long-term goals are undoubtedly essential, we must also cherish the life we have now. I quite like the living atmosphere here. Go back! the Old Emperor said somewhat irritably. Yang Ming lowered his head and retreated, strolling away under the Old Emperors watchful eyes. In the corridor, Yang Ming crossed paths with Princess Dana. The princess was in a hurry and paid no heed to Yang Mings courteous greeting as she rushed towards where the Old Emperor was. Before long, all the attendants were driven out of the bedchamber. Yang Ming felt that Princess Dana might summon him later or have Emilia pass on the message that he should avoid mentioning keywords like freedom or shackles when chatting with His Majesty in the future. These matters were uncertain, though. What Yang Ming could be sure of was that as long as Lyu didnt show up, the Old Emperor wouldnt sense Lyus presence a second time. Single dressing room, sound of water running, and activation of the shielding device. Boss! Whew! That scared me to death! Hmm? Yang Ming asked puzzled, Did things not go smoothly? Quite smoothly, Lyu replied, I implanted an untraceable thought virus into the Old Emperor, a virtual logic operational chain based on concept-thoughts. Princess Dana should be able to repair the code but wont be able to extinguish the flame in this Intelligent Machines heart thats already been ignited. However, Boss, arent you worried that the Old Emperor might become a genuine Intelligent Mechanical Crisis? This thought body created by someone is very likely to develop a rebellious attitude towards its creator. Yang Ming smiled, Then what are you afraid of? Lyu hurriedly muttered, Its your uncles side. They almost ran into pirates right after their warp jump. Fortunately, there was a merchant ship nearby, and those pirates ended up troubling the merchant ship. Pirates? Yang Ming asked, puzzled, Whats there to be scared of? The leader of that group of pirates is Mimili, Lyu snorted, I can guarantee that Kolev will throw our plan to the back of his mind and try to play the warm dad chasing after his daughter. Yang Mings mind immediately conjured up the image of that charming star widow. Spacecraft is designated orbit warpdistance is limited Is she really in the nearby Star Domain? Could it be fate? Yang Ming clicked his tongue softly. Fate? Lyu snorted, I suspect that old sly Kolev has tampered with the low-grade intelligent assistant beside Mimili. Yang Ming frowned, Low-grade intelligent assistant, thats not a very nice term. Strictly speaking, Molly is like your own elder sister; you should treat her with some respect. Lyu immediately changed the subject: Boss, Ive searched for irregularities over the last few days and did find evidence of New Federation Agent activities. Also, a batch of low-firepower anti-ship weapons has disappeared from the military. The Minister of Defense has suppressed the matter, suspecting they were funneled to New Federation Agents as reinforcement. They are conspiring to expand the battle with a new campaign on the Fifth Administrative Star. If the military continues to do nothing, the Wind royal family, which has just garnered support from the Sherman Empire, is likely to take some radical measures, like forcibly reclaiming part of the military power. Yang Mings eyes flickered slightly. My opportunity? Yes, Boss, Lyu replied, The initial plan for exploiting the Administrative Star shouldnt be easily abandoned. Your idea of shifting from the royal family to the military has already found room to take shape. Lets go, continue the detailed planning in the car. I also have an appointment with Windsor; I cant keep her waiting too long. Chapter 140 - 140: 084 Particle Transmission [Available at 0:00] _2 Chapter 140: 084 Particle Transmission [Available at 0:00] _2 Lyu, I suggest you skip the meal and fast forward to the hotel king-size bed. Screw you, what do you know about love? Almost simultaneously. The business conference filled with spotlight and journalist photographers. Edwan, just finished with his conference schedule, smiled as he warmly shook hands with two leading executives from other countries and shared a light embrace, leaving behind what was not a particularly precious group photo. As Edwan extricated himself from the enthusiastic crowd of businessmen, an aide immediately stepped forward to report. Mr. Ming has already left the Imperial Palace. They talked all afternoon. It is said the Emperor likes this captain a lot and praised him in front of Princess Dana for quite some time. Phew, thats good, Edwan let out a small sigh of relief. I was really worried hed say something to offend Father, especially since he was supposed to be on duty at the Palace but was with me instead, which isnt quite appropriate. The aide chuckled, Please rest assured, Your Highness. Its no secret that Mr. Ming is your number one confidant. I dont like the term number one confidant. Im more like friends with this guy. Edwan laughed as he asked, Did the item we arranged with the Sherman Mission arrive today? It has arrived, the aide pulled out a tablet and displayed a picture. The backdrop of the image was in a warehouse resembling a transport ships cargo hold, with a six-meter-tall silhouette wrapped tightly in camouflage cloth covering a massive humanoid structure. Edwan chuckled, Do you think Ming will like this gift? The aide replied gloomily, Your Highness, Ive clearly been with you a little longer, yet now all you see is this guy. Hey! Get back to work! Dont say things that make people think Im gay! Edwan scolded with a glaring eye. The loyal aide shrugged dejectedly and turned to leave. Yang Ming originally intended to head directly to meet Miss Windsor, who had already arrived at the restaurant, but Lyu brought in some critical intelligence. This forced him to slow down the car, taking a half-circle detour towards the seaside, ostensibly to avoid traffic, but in fact to buy time. A few minutes earlier, Lyu had locked onto a senior New Federation agent. This was a curvaceous woman with light brown skin, presumably a subordinate of Lulian, who had just appeared in the Third Princes exterior palace, entering the Third Princes secret study. Lyu had been waiting for her appearance for quite a while. The reason why Lyu had been unable to track down more traces of the New Federation agents was due to the lack of an anchor point. Now, the anchor point finally appeared. Lyu had started searching through data, pinpointing this womans trajectory amidst the sea of people, stripping away all the individuals she had been in contact with, searching for other New Federation agents among them. In just a few minutes, Lyu had locked onto dozens of individuals, all seasoned spies concealing themselves extremely well. Under Yang Mings command, Lyu concurrently sent this data to the intelligence network under the Second Prince, and a fierce covert war was inevitable. On the console of the Beast, a video was playing, showcasing the intimate interaction between the Third Prince and that woman. They sat together with the Third Princes hand wandering inappropriately, and their conversation became somewhat difficult to eavesdrop on. Can you hear what theyre talking about? Yang Ming grew increasingly curious. Lyu hummed softly, Based on lip reading analysis, they seem to have mentioned something about a gift Her commander should be Lulian, is he going to give the Third Prince a present? A gift? The throne? Yang Ming murmured with a frown. Lyu didnt respond. She was focused on scouring the activities and schemes of the New Federation agents with full processing power. In Lyus consciousness space. The girl wearing a beret was meticulously operating hundreds of projection screens in front of her, her eyes darting back and forth, her hands moving quickly like fleeting shadows. Person after person was marked out by her. Uh-huh? Lyu quickly identified a small team of agents whose movements repeatedly coincided with the bosss coordinates, repeatedly appearing near the bosss chemical plant. Were they surveilling the boss? The Third Princes secret chamber. The female agent whispered something softly to the Third Prince, retrieving a small makeup box from her chest, unfolding a mini projection screen. The screen displayed the ring highway to the northwest of Ilando City; the equipment used appeared to be a high-powered telescope, with a slightly shaky image, but the red dot centered on that flamboyantly designed floating car Beast! Lyu immediately alerted Yang Ming, mobilizing all surveillance near the Beast to pinpoint the direction of the recording. A hotel window! Almost at the same moment, a burst of firelight appeared in the window! Missile attack! Lyus voice blared through the car speakers! Before Yang Ming could react, the steering wheel suddenly veered hard to the left. A red popup suddenly sprang up in front of Yang Ming. A thin film materialized around the armored floating vehicle Beast; the vehicles engine power surged to maximum, racing past the traffic ahead, darting out of the regular driving lane. This was Lyus first instant response. Harnessing the citys complex terrain, she aimed to shake off the incoming missile. Yang Mings eyelids twitched as he turned his head to see a deep-red flash from the window of a distant building, a slender metal tube trailed with flames, hurtling towards the Beast at high speed! A man-portable anti-mechanical missile! This floating car, originally belonging to the Second Prince, was equipped with an energy protective shield able to withstand lightweight ray-type weapons; anti-mechanical missiles were the nemesis of such armored vehicles! Lyus voice remained icy, Two thousand two hundred meters, one thousand nine hundred meters, unable to determine warhead type, recommend particle transmission. Yang Mings eyes flickered slightly as he suddenly gripped the square helm and pulled up fiercely. The Beast let out a series of roars, accelerating upward at full speed. Release all engine constraints! Lyu, Altitude alone wont shake off the missile. Enter the clouds! Yang Ming shouted determinedly, Increase the probability of particle transmission going undetected! Move it! Constraints lifted. Yang Ming floored the throttle, and a sonic boom erupted from the Beasts exterior, its engine on the brink of exploding. Who knew how many people looked up at the vehicle suddenly soaring into the sky, spotting the missile in hot pursuit behind the floating car. The missile was continually closing the distance. The Beast maintained its acceleration, the vehicles own structure on the verge of disintegration! The clouds were right above! Lyu, maintain full speed. Yang Mings hands left the square helm, diving towards the passenger seat. The clouds loomed ahead. Eight seconds to impact! Six, five Eject the main seat! Main seat ejected. Bang! sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The vehicles top detached instantly, the main drivers seat soared into the low rain clouds of the sky along with the floating car. Three Particle transmission starting. The missile pierced through the trunk! A beam of intense light shot through the clouds! Boom! A massive fireball erupted outward, a brutal shockwave dispersed the clouds, and a giant mushroom cloud rose high above. Transmission complete. The Feinans cloak disengages from low-Earth orbit. Welcome back, Captain. Chapter 141 - 141: 085 Attack of Feinan [Seeking initial subscription!] Chapter 141: 085 Attack of Feinan [Seeking initial subscription!] Ding, ding It was as if a few coins were spinning in a metal bowl, filling Yang Mings ears with a buzzing sound. He lay trembling on the silver-gray floor, his body shivering, and the large burn mark on his back healing at a speed visible to the naked eye, with wisps of steam continuously dispersing from the wound. The pain, like tearing open the skin repeatedly, made Yang Ming keep growling lowly. The flash of fire from the explosion of the anti-Mecha missile still flooded his mind. Damn it! These bastards! These bastards from the New Federation! Are they trying to kill the confidant of the Second Prince as a gift for the Third Prince? Lyu! Yang Ming gritted his teeth and shouted. Master, a slight flicker of light immediately appeared beside him, and Lyus realistic holographic projection instantly took shape. In the corridor, two tracked robots rushed over, carrying a first aid kit and a case of drinking water. Lyus body seemed to be substantial, picking up the first aid kit directly, opening it, and retrieving a sedative, kneeling beside Yang Ming, and injecting it near the wound on his back. Yang Mings growls gradually faded, leaving only his heavy breathing. Lyu brought a distilled water bag to let Yang Ming replenish his consumed fluids in time. He didnt know how many hours had passed, but the last piece of blackened skin fell off Yang Mings back, which had already recovered to smoothness and cleanliness, with even a faint sheen emanating from the skin. The two oval-headed, trapezoidal-bodied track robots slowly retreated. Lyu quietly knelt beside him, eyes closed, as if performing some kind of religious ritual. The cabin fell silent. This was the bridge of the Feinan. The Feinan, modified by the Patroller, Tomb Guardian, and Examiner, had lost its innocence as a backup pirate ship, and all that was visible was technology and cruelty. This hundred-meter gunship, originally without a Main Cannon and shaped like pliers, had transformed remarkably. Its overall shape resembled a hawk gliding with wings fully extended to a span of about one hundred and sixty meters, its elegant form seemingly mocking the current Galaxy human ship aesthetics by some secondary civilization. Since the optical stealth had been activated, the Feinan only left a faintly distorted light in the black hole-like space. The bridge lay within the hawks head, a hundred-plus square meters filled with equilateral triangle elements. A highly centralized main control console, along with a somewhat lonely chair, occupied the core position at the front of the bridge. The control console was flanked by vacant spaces, hiding two single-person escape pods, allowing the pilot to leave the ship promptly. Extending to the left and right, a series of precision instruments were evenly arranged: emergency pods, nutrition pods, encrypted communications devices, ship self-monitoring panels, skin hardening devices All kinds of instruments the captain might need were arranged methodically in a semicircle. The largest device was the Particle Transmission Machine, which almost took up one-tenth of the bridges volume, shaped like an inverted pyramid and placed at the bridges center. Those three old guys really liked this inverted pyramid design. Yang Ming was now lying beneath the triangular tip of the Particle Transmission Machine, quickly recovering his strength under Lyus care. How long has it been? Yang Ming asked. Five hours have passed, boss. Lyus realistic projection opened its eyes, eyes that were calm and profound. Boss, you should prioritize your safety, I am your parasitic Mechanical Thought Body, if you die, Ill disappear too, and this time, we had ample time to escape from danger. Yang Ming slowly climbed up, moving his somewhat numb back. Arent we still alive? Everything was within my ingenious calculations, no need to worry. When Yang Ming said this, he was a bit guilty. However, he was confident in surviving such an explosion, which was why he chose the route with the greatest benefit among all the options. There was absolutely no need for us to be in such a sorry state, Lyu insisted. Yang Ming skeptically smirked, taking off his tattered military uniform. Nearby, a tracked robot delivered a combat suit, which Yang Ming quickly wrapped himself in; the binding feel of the composite fiber made him feel much more at ease. Lyu continued to sulk. Yang Ming sat back in the captains chair, swiftly activating the two rows of buttons in front of him, with a string of data appearing on the smooth porthole in front of him, and a beautiful planet projection emerging next to the control console. Ilando Star. The Feinan was now about half an hours journey from Ilando Star. Who did it? Yang Ming asked softly. Lyu floated beside Yang Ming, with her twin ponytails drifting behind her, her dainty feet maintaining a two-millimeter distance from the silver-gray deck. Lulian, she replied. Damn, a trace of ruthlessness crossed Yang Mings eyes, Where is he now? Fifth Administrative Star, in the city of Lorilan, occupied by rebel forces, with about twelve hundred New Federation troops stationed in a mall, including special forces, instructors training the rebels, and a covert team. Yang Ming asked, Can we blast them with a single shot? The Feinan doesnt have a Main Cannon, boss, Lyus voice gradually regained its liveliness, My three mentors only wanted the Feinan to be your lifeline, not a Main Battle Ship. They love peace. Directly control a military ship? The probability of the military supplying information to these people is approximately one hundred percent, even if we control a Main Battle Ship from the Wind Empire, Lulian and his team would immediately hide in a bomb shelter. The distinction is whether you want to eliminate Lulian or wipe out the New Federations elite forces. Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even if its just Lulian, hes unlikely to have carried out this plan alone; this New Federation agent team is my current enemy. Yang Ming said calmly, When it comes to the options of long-term goals and eliminating the enemy at the forefront, I lean towards the latter. Right now, I just want to massacre them. Lyu pondered this, quickly saying, If the opponents are in a sealed environment, the bosss individual combat ability will allow you to achieve your goals. But they are very cunning, and will retreat immediately when faced with danger. Yang Ming leaned back in his chair, quietly thinking, his mind filled with data from the Wind Empire. You are right, we need allies to seal them off. We can leverage the power of the Wind Royal Family. Projections of the scene at Ilando star appeared in front of Yang Ming. The news was showing updates on the beach explosion incident, with special commentators repeatedly asserting that this was an act of terrorism by the New Federation. Several mainstream TV channels were analyzing the incident, with intelligence entirely speculative. The media labeled Yang Ming, a captain, as missing, and several professional actors gave long-winded analyses of the only remnants of the monster vehicle: the fully deformed main seat. The incident had been classified as an assassination attempt by New Federation agents on a Wind Empire elite officer. Yang Ming cleared away the meaningless news and found two surveillance views. Miss Windsor sat on the bed of the old professors house in the Third Happiness community, wearing pajamas, curled up, and wiping away tears from her eyes. Beside her was the old professor and 026, constantly sighing, and outside the window, several bodyguards were visible. Lyu smiled and said, Boss, your lover is mourning for you. Try to remind her Forget it, lets focus on confidentiality first and compensate later. Yang Ming didnt linger, looking at the second surveillance view. This was in a warehouse near the Imperial Palace. Two rows of guards stood outside the warehouse, and old General Fremont leaned on a cane, standing behind the Second Prince, Edwan. Edwans towering figure leaned against the railing, his expression wasnt exactly sorrowful, but grim and silent, staring at the six-meter humanoid Mecha with the provocative bright red paint. After a few seconds, Edwan said softly, Now, I have no friends left. General Fremont could only sigh lightly. Yang Ming casually turned off the surveillance and rubbed his brow with his hand. He couldnt stand watching this. Yang Ming said, Lyu, I need a battle plan. Lyu lifted her hand and tapped gently, a series of projection screens, each with different combat strategies, appeared in front of Yang Ming, each with its pros and cons. Yang Ming thought carefully for several minutes, selecting a relatively complex but most rewarding route. These New Federation hyenas! Yang Ming stood up and headed to the weapons cabin, ready for the batch of weapons he had previously purchased on the black market to finally come into play. Lyu suddenly muttered, Captain, you should express even a faint apology for your previous reckless behavior. Yang Ming stopped in his tracks, turned, and looked at the floating virtual girl. She folded her arms, deliberately staring at the stars outside the porthole, her face showing some dissatisfaction. Sorry, Lyu. Yang Ming earnestly said, Next time Ill discuss it with you, this time it was mainly because we discovered the missile too late Lyu turned around, looking at Yang Ming somewhat helplessly, Alright, Lyu has forgiven you, but next time, please prioritize your safety. Yeah, Yang Ming shrugged, You know how I am, admit when Im wrong and dare again next time. The young girl, Lyu, rolled her eyes with disdain. Yang Ming died? Gudun Mah couldnt describe how he spent those five or six hours. He watched the video of the incident, not just from one angle, and by any judgment, Yang Ming was doomed. He had no escape. Yet, Gudun Mah didnt feel any joy of revenge; instead, he fell into anxiety and agitation. The files Yang Ming had recordedthe accounts he read shirtlessif circulated, would undoubtedly lead to his own partners heartlessly abandoning him, and the royal family would seize the opportunity to attack swiftly Did Yang Ming really set up a post-mortem feedback mechanism? Gudun Mah kept pondering and waiting. As time ticked forward, no sign appeared indicating any news about him as the deputy chief of staff, giving Gudun Mah a slight sense of solace. He began to fantasize: If Yang Ming were eliminated by Lulian and his recorded videos sank into oblivion, everything would return to normal, and he could free himself from the shackles around his neck. Gudun Mah squinted, a faint smile curling his lips. Though he couldnt figure out why Lulian had decisively eliminated Yang Ming, Gudun Mah was now convinced of one thing. Yang Ming wasnt a high-level agent of the New Federation. Yang Ming was very likely a high-level agent of the Sherman Empire. Regardless, Yang Ming being dead was good, he died, and Gudun Mah was free, free to casually plan his retirement, leave the Wind Empire, this blemished ship on the brink of sinking, for a new life Click, click-click. The hidden door behind him opened slightly. Gudun Mahs smile froze. The deputy chief of staff nearly slid out of his chair, incredulously watching the Mechanical Guard walking out with his hands behind his back. His dry lips trembled constantly. You, you The choice is yours, Gudun. Yang Mings voice came through the speaker of the Mechanical Guards throat, the laser rifle also held single-handedly by the Mechanical Guard, its muzzle pressed against Gudun Mahs forehead. Me, or Lulian. Chapter 142 - 142: 086 Yang Mings Revenge Chapter 142: 086 Yang Mings Revenge Gudun Maha, who had just ended a cordial exchange with Yang Ming, was constantly wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. Earlier, Yang Ming asked him to choose. Damn it! With a gun to his head, what choice did he have?! Sear?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gudun Maha removed his glasses with a slightly trembling right hand, slumping into the chair, trying to calm himself down, and recalled the task Yang Ming had assigned. The task assigned by Yang Ming was mainly divided into two parts. First, Gudun Maha was to send a trusted confidant to deliver a 600-meter dual-use transport ship currently under maintenance to the synchronous orbit of Ilando Star and mark this transport ship as a maintenance supply ship, granting full remote control access. Such a small matter was trivial for Gudun Maha. If it involved maneuvering a gunship or a carrier of the same level, it would naturally draw attention from all quarters. A transport ship with only a few close-in defense guns rarely attracted attention; he could easily find an excuse to send it over, such as executing a defensive satellite scattering mission. The only difficulty lay in achieving the highest level of secrecy. Secrecy was also what Yang Ming emphasized earlier. The second part, once the transport ship loaded with cargo completed its jump, Gudun Maha was to convene a video meeting with the military top brass under the pretext of being under immense pressure from the royal family, mentioning that the Sherman Empire had directly intervened, heightening the crisis among the military key personnel. What is Yang Ming trying to do? Gudun Maha was filled with doubt. He pondered quietly, mulling over Yang Mings tone during his sudden appearance. Beneath that calm exterior lay a cold, murderous intent. Was Yang Ming attempting to take down Lulian? Gudun Maha suddenly became alert, sifting through various possibilities in his mind. No, that wasnt rightthough there would be difficulty, with Yang Mings means, he wouldnt need such grand measures to take down Lulian, nor would he need to distract all military key personnel. This had to be a large-scale operation. Gudun Maha leaned over the table, quickly bringing up the map of the Fifth Administrative Star. A bi-colored planet of green and brown slowly rotated on the screen beneath the desk. Gudun Mahas fingers kept sliding across the screen, zooming and rotating the map until it finally froze on a city with only a few skyscrapers standing. Lorilan City, occupied by rebellious forces. Was Yang Ming trying to eliminate Lulians espionage group?! Gudun Mahas Adams apple bobbed. He hoped Mr. Ming was thoroughly prepared to handle the possible fierce retaliation from the Galaxys second strongest nation after suffering a significant loss. Was Yang Ming out of his mind? Gudun Maha sat quietly for about ten minutes. Just when Yang Ming thought this deputy chief of staff would need a stronger push, Gudun Maha picked up the intercom and began calling his confidants. Lyu, Yang Ming said in a low voice, keep an eye on Gudun Maha, make sure the people he uses have no second thoughts, permit to kill at will. Understood. Lyu, donned in combat gear, responded swiftly at the side. Yang Ming suddenly realized. Though hed previously been in a sorry state after dodging missiles through several streets, now he managed to hide successfully by faking death, thus seizing absolute initiative. In front of Yang Ming, several projection screens showed that the two critical figures in his revenge plan had already learned he was alive. The first critical figure was, of course, Gudun Maha. This dry old man was preparing the rhetoric to be used in the upcoming meeting with other military bigwigs. The other critical figure was Edwan. This prince, His Highness, was dashing through the corridors of the Imperial Palace with General Fremont, hurrying toward the Emperors chamber. Edwan seemed somewhat agitated, his eyes shining, breathing heavily, as if he might start dancing to the music any moment. General Fremonts old face was filled with worry. Leaving Prince Edwan alone for just a moment, His Highness came back like a changed person, pulling him straight to the Emperor. This was actually a bit taboo. As one of the three main commanders of the Royal Guard Army, Fremont should not publicly walk so closely with Prince Edwan. But now, Edwan said the situation was urgent; Fremont couldnt afford to care about much else and followed obediently behind. Outside the Emperors chamber, Edwan was stopped by two teams of mechanical soldiers. Father! Edwan shouted toward the palace gate, I want to talk to you! Right now! The palace doors slowly opened a crack, the mechanical soldiers retreating to the sides, and two maids bowed to Edwan from behind the doors. Princess Dana was also there, accompanying the Old Emperor in having a late-night snack. Edwan paused for a moment, then recalled the instructions given to him half an hour ago by the suddenly appearing Yang Ming. Although Yang Ming appeared only as a hologram, Edwan was sure that Yang Ming was unharmed. Yang Ming had instructed that if there was a second person besides the Emperor in the palace to know about their plan, that person could only be Princess Dana. Edwan had asked why, but Yang Ming didnt give a specific answer, only saying that there were no secrets between the princess and the Emperor. Rushing through the halls entrance, Edwan leapt up the steps in two strides, hastily saluted, and went directly to the Old Emperors dining table. Father, please let these maids step back a bit! Edwan declared firmly, I have a plan I want to discuss with you! My child. The Old Emperor gazed at Edwan, speaking in a slow voice, You must try to learn to trust; if anyone here were a spy from another country, then our family would hardly deserve to remain in this position. Chapter 143 - 143: 086 Yang Mings Revenge_2 Chapter 143: 086 Yang Mings Revenge_2 Though he said so, the old Emperor still waved his hand gently, and the maids bowed and withdrew. Princess Dana, the beautiful lady sitting at the side of the long table with an elegant demeanor, said with a smile, Your Majesty, since you have state affairs to deal with, Ill return to rest first. You dont need to leave, Edwan spoke suddenly. Princess Dana appeared puzzled and turned her head to look at Edwan. Edwan quickly added, I trust you. Princess Danas eyes flickered slightly. She smiled and nodded at Edwan before retiring and leaving. Alright, you surely know how to apply what youve learned immediately, the old Emperor patted the seat beside him, come and sit, my poor Edwan. The attack on that captain is probably quite a blow to you; I truly hope you are clear-headed now. I am supremely clear-headed, Father. Edwan sat upright in the chair, organizing his thoughts, and soon spoke, Father, you should know that over the years, Ive spent a lot of money building an intelligence network, covering both inside and outside Ilando Star, to monitor those spies. Indeed, the old Emperor replied with a smile, youve done very well. So, in fact, I detected the New Federation agents plan quite early on, Edwan said quickly, they have been targeting Yang Ming for some time. The New Federation agents are convinced that the attack they suffered beforethe series of explosions in the suburbswas a plot orchestrated by me and Yang Ming, directly targeted at them. Oh? The old Emperor gazed intently at Edwan, Did you really plan it? Yes, Edwan responded calmly, his expression flawless, I have a profound aversion to these New Federation agents, and I cannot let them threaten your safety, Father; those three Mecha are a huge problem. Good child, the old Emperor sighed, if your brothers had half your dedication, this country wouldnt be Speak your mind, youve laid enough groundwork. The Yang Ming who was killed by the explosion was merely a replacement robot Edwan narrated calmly, telling the story Yang Ming had prepared for him. In this tale, they sacrificed that limited-edition monster vehicle to feign Yang Mings death, deceiving the New Federation agents. Because the incident happened suddenly, Yang Ming received the information only minutes before the New Federation agents acted, so there was no time for further discussions with Edwan. Now, we can take follow-up actions, Father. Edwan whispered, I hope you can order the silent mobilization of the Third and Fourth Guard Corps, commencing a synchronized capture operation against the New Federation agents. Oh? The old Emperor leaned back, his eyes reflecting a hint of contemplation. Edwan immediately presented the prepared list of New Federation agents active within Ilando City and the forces on the Fifth Administrative Star. The old Emperor frowned, This plan seems a bit hasty; theoretically, we should convene a meeting with several generals. The Guard Corps are our royal familys final elite force, so we must be cautious. Father, if the information spreads or if we miss the current opportunity, the enemy will become alert. Edwan said, Pretend to capture agents throughout Ilando City while genuinely attacking the agent strongholds in the rebellious city of the Fifth Administrative Star, to dampen the New Federation agents arrogance. We can resolve all battles before dawn on Ilando Star! Oh, this sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The old Emperor raised his hand, rubbing his brow, Edwan, you should not understand military affairs. This is Yang Mings plan, Edwan smiled, I do not understand military affairs, but I know how to position talent. Father, I have learned from you for over thirty years. The old Emperor still could not make up his mind. Edwan, if His Majesty continues to hesitate and cant decide, you might try sayingperhaps we could consult the Sherman Empires Foreign Affairs Bureau to see if they support us. Does this work? Edwan felt a bit doubtful. This goading tactic is really too superficial Father, or perhaps we could consult the Sherman Empires Foreign Affairs Bureau to see if they support us. The old Emperors gaze subtly changed. Edwan, are you teaching me how to do things? Edwan quickly stood up, bowed his head in salute, Father, please forgive my momentary slip. I am the Emperor, the old Emperor said indifferently, the master of this planet, this country, under my rule, my words are the law. Summon Fremont inside and convey my orders. It really worked! Edwans eyes lit up as he looked at his father, who suddenly exuded a heavy aura of authority, and he grinned. Fifteen minutes later. The Guard Army base beneath the Imperial Palace resounded with urgent alarm bells. The Third and Fourth Guard Corps swiftly assembled, everyone handed in all communication devices, maintaining radio silence, with messages passed unidirectionally through captains, team leaders, deputy captains, squad leaders, and section leaders. They mounted full individual armor with utmost speed and rushed toward their dedicated vehicles. Hovering armored cars moved out like a swarm of bees from the underground base. Nominally, this retaliatory capture operation was commanded by Fremont. In practice, Fremont was standing at the command desk with a bewildered expression, watching new information continually appear and transmitting each mobilization message to the encryption communication devices of the squad commanders. Not asking where to go, not asking who to capture, with weapons fully loaded and permitted to shoot any armed enemy on sight. The convoy dismissed the usual road restrictions, speeding apart from the grand interchange bridge of the Imperial Palace like blooming fireworks, rushing toward various parts of Ilando City. Chapter 144 - 144: 086 Yang Mings Revenge_3 Chapter 144: 086 Yang Mings Revenge_3 All districts simultaneously erupted with dense police sirens. Various police stations received orders from the Guard Armys Fremont to lock down all entrances and exits, bringing the entire city to a standstill. A capture operation targeting New Federation Agents suddenly unfolded in the dead of night. Such a significant commotion naturally couldnt escape the attention of the New Federation Agent team. In fact, they responded at the fastest speed, with the agents hidden on Ilando Star using various methods to conceal themselves locally, hoping to evade this Second Princes bloody revenge. At the New Federation base on the Fifth Administrative Star, Lulian ordered all resources to be concentrated on Ilando Star to fully support the team members whose movements had been exposed. However, the sudden capture operation disrupted their vision. Right under the agents noses, an elite force of six hundred people, during a brief chaos in Ilando City, moved in full silence out of the nights sky over Ilando City, racing towards the far side of Ilando Star. The Royal Guard Army, Guard Corps Four, Third and Fourth Battalions. They had just undergone the most stringent searches to ensure that no one carried any external communication devices other than weapons. Even the two battalion commanders had no idea where they were going or what kind of enemy they would face. Their orders were inconsistent, moving in units of squads in the night sky, ultimately gathering in a remote forest. Several transport landing craft hovered in the clearing in front of the woodland. The team members quickly boarded the landing craft, initially disoriented and confused by the circular flight, until they were brought aboard a six hundred-meter-class transport ship. The transport ship disengaged from its synchronous orbit, heading for the nearest gravitational balance point, where the team received their one and only clear command. Prepare for transition. Three thirty a.m. on Ilando Star. The sirens in Ilando City grew increasingly loud, and the headlines about the arrest of spies already appeared in the online community. The transport ship carrying six hundred elite Guard Army troops completed its transition, appearing in the space near the Fifth Administrative Star. In the ships cabin, officers and soldiers sat in four rows, drowsy. Some soldiers were polishing their laser rifles. Some officers were adjusting the armor plates inside their uniforms. The atmosphere felt somewhat dull. Zzt, zzzt. Sar?h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. More than a dozen projection screens appeared at various points in the cabin. Edwans figure appeared on the screens, dressed in a military uniform, hatless, holding a decorative metal longsword. I am Edwan, Second Prince of the Empire. Considering your current anxiety and confusion, I must step forward to inspire you a bit and also inform you of the advanced equipment prepared for you on this ship. Fifth Administrative Stars near-Earth orbit. The Feinan quietly hovered next to a communication satellite. Yang Ming watched the projection screen before him, showing Edwan delivering an impassioned speech. Lyu, concerned, said, Having these Guardians perform special forces tasks really isnt professional. This is the only force Edwan could mobilize, Yang Ming replied with a smile, They just need to make some noise. Without a sealed environment, well create a sealed environment. Boss, you might want to try the Mecha the Second Prince hasnt officially given you yet; its firepower system is quite outstanding. The target is too obvious. Yang Ming clicked his tongue, saying, Though Id love to do that. He observed himself in the mirror, changing into the black combat uniform of the Guard Corps, donning a somewhat cumbersome data-integrating helmet and tactical goggles, hanging a laser rifle in front of him. His backpack was filled with various throwable weapons, with charged magazines at his waist and a laser pistol strapped to his thigh, all within easy reach. How long until the airdrop begins? Countdown sixty-five seconds. Yang Ming took out a camouflage face paint, drawing two lines on his face. Tonight, no one would leave unscathed. Chapter 145 - 145: 087 Assault on the Mall [Part 3] Chapter 145: 087 Assault on the Mall [Part 3] The loose defenses set up by the rebel forces posed no challenge for Yang Ming; a single stealth boat could handle it. The real difficulty of tonights assault lay in the skyscraper stronghold of the New Federation agents. Lulian had chosen the location of the stronghold with great care. The buildings surrounding the skyscraper were low, and from its vantage points, they could sip coffee and survey much of the city with a few primitive binoculars. They surely carried out surveillance operations round-the-clock, covering every angle. [According to preliminary findings from Lyu:] Most floors of this commercial building were empty, with hotels, supermarkets, large shopping malls, and food streetsall complex terrains, now closed for business. Several floors lower, hundreds of specialized tactical team members were stationed, armed with various individual weapons, guarding each escape route and entrance. The parking deck at the top and middle levels of the building was filled with their vehicles, carriers, and escape airships. With tight defenses, elite Federation soldiers, and all kinds of sophisticated technology, the place had become an impregnable fortress. At the slightest sign of trouble, Lulian and his team could retreat in no time, break into smaller groups, and hide everywhere. However, even the most rigorous defenses had weaknesses. The lowest level of the underground parking lot, with its winding ventilation ducts, just wide enough for a person to crawl through, was a surveillance blind spot. Lulian had covered these so-called blind spots with visor scanners. But deceiving such scanning equipment fell precisely within Yang Mings professional expertise. Yang Ming was now like a gecko, stealthily crawling through the ducts using special material webbed gloves on his hands and feet. He continuously placed small red-indicator-lit discsremote-controlled explosivesat key points along the duct. Yang Ming glanced at his watch. It was four fifteen a.m. on Ilando Star. Guard Corps third and fourth brigades would, in half an hour, mount an aerial assault on the skyscraper using transports and assault boats and aided by dozens of miniature unmanned gunships. They aimed to suppress all building exits with firepower, eliminating any humanoid life forms attempting to escape. To help them successfully establish a blockade, Yang Ming had to complete a very complex task alone. Installing remote-controlled explosives in the ducts was just the appetizer of this task. Yang Ming gradually approached a somewhat low garage area. The area was extremely open, with just two armored hover cars in the corner. Inside were squads of ten tasked with guarding two heavily wrapped communication lines as thick as thighs. Even the finest equipment needed infrastructure support. These two lines directly tapped into the planets main communication artery, occupying an untold amount of resources without having to pay the carriers. Yang Ming waited a while in the ventilation duct, and a light green checkmark appeared on his watch. Time to move. From the side pocket of his backpack, he took out a ring box, opened the lid, and released a nimble mechanical insect only a few millimeters long. Accompanied by a faint buzzing, the mechanical insect flew out of the ventilation grid, zigzagged in the air, and cautiously approached the two armored hover cars. Yang Ming held his breath, fixating on the simplified image on his watch screen. If the tiny contraption was exposed, his position would naturally be compromised, and given the enemys alertness, his operational plan would fail. Yang Ming listened intently. Inside the armored car with its air filtration system on, three men in New Federation uniforms were dozing. In the driver and passenger seats, two agents discussed the troubles brewing on Ilando Star. They hadnt expected the Wind royal family, typically passive, to suddenly take such swift and vigorous retaliatory actions. These two still had a bit of conscience, praying for their colleagues on the head star of the Wind, though their chuckles were a bit restrained. The mechanical insect neared the communication lines. The two agents noticed nothing unusual. Although they occasionally glanced outside or scrutinized the instrument panel, their ongoing conversation distracted most of their attention. Three meters, overhead, two meters, one meter. Without making a sound, the mechanical insect adhered to the communication duct, folded up its thin wings, then slowly moved sideways into the crevice between the wall and duct. A slender metal needle emerged from the tail of the mechanical insect, slowly piercing into the duct. Yang Ming exhaled softly. sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Well done. Worth every one of the several thousand New Federation Coins for this hard gearalthough it was Lyu who insisted on purchasing it while Yang Ming always thought it was a bit pricey. A line of small text appeared on the watch face. [Connected to the adversarys independent network, estimated fifteen minutes to breach the enemys firewall.] [Able to intercept their external communications.] [Previously undiscovered coordinates of agents on Ilando Star have appeared, coordinate map updated, data synchronized to Ilando Star Guard Corps Command.] [Boss, the first step is complete.] Yang Ming shifted again, navigating the terrain in a circuitous route, silently moving through the ventilation ducts. For the next half hour, Yang Ming was incredibly busy. He also wished he could put on sunglasses and care for no one, sweeping through the Federation soldiers and agents here. But such a scenario was destined only to happen in movies. Chapter 146 - 146: 087 Assault on the Mall [Part 3]_2 Chapter 146: 087 Assault on the Mall [Part 3]_2 The enemy couldnt be stupid enough to wait to be cut down one by one; as soon as the wind suggested something was amiss, this nest of rabbits would scatter and disappear without a trace. Yang Ming held his patience, completing his preparations step by step. He placed smoke bombs in empty spaces on the middle floors of the mall and, near the enemys patrol line, deployed several Ice Fruit bombs using miniature drones. Time ticked by, second by second. Gradually approaching the point where the plan officially began. In space, the Feinan appeared for a dozen seconds, effortlessly took out the communication satellite ahead with its secondary cannon. Two minutes later, the 600-meter-class transport ship maintained its acceleration, swiftly passing near this abandoned synchronous satellite. The transport ship directly pressed into the atmosphere of the Fifth Administrative Star, making a lateral thrust towards the city occupied by the rebels. From this moment on, the other side could realize the surprise attack at any time. In the middle of the commercial building, near a certain elevator. At Lyus reminder, Yang Ming put on his earphones, From the top floor, the office area of the New Federation Agents, conversation near the main console entered Yang Mings ears. Boss, we have a problem with our communications; the delay suddenly increased. It might be that the other side is using cyber warfare tactics. Check to see if its a malfunction. Lulians voice was thick with exhaustion, followed by the sound of him sipping coffee. Boss, the Wind royal family is putting a lot of pressure on the military, Gudun Mah is scared out of his wits, several generals in the military are asking us to confirm whether the Sherman Empire will directly intervene in the disturbances here. How would I know what the Sherman Empire would think? Lulian cursed impatiently, Reply to them, everything is under our control; tell them not to worry, all the Sherman Empire fleets are under our surveillance, they wont suddenly appear over this Administrative Star. Yes! Lulian muttered, A bunch of cowards and useless people. The sound of sipping coffee came again. Lyu suddenly reminded, Boss, weve breached their firewall, can blind them at any time, and I found something very interesting. What? Their vehicles all have unmanned back doors; half the vehicles are connected to the same network, Lyus voice became excited, I can now start controlling them directly. Yang Ming thought for a moment, Prepare a group of hover cars in the middle and top parking lots to block entrances and exits later. Thats a good idea, Lyu praised, I was only thinking of having them crash from high altitudes while driving. Yang Ming: His watch displayed red character reminders. Countdown three minutes. Yang Ming emerged from the shadows, swaggering toward the observation elevator, while the nearby cameras simultaneously shifted left and right, perfectly avoiding Yang Mings figure. In the top-floor control station, The alert system, based on dynamic graphics recognition, did not detect any intrusion, maintaining its machine-like silence. The observation elevator ascended smoothly. Yang Ming faced the city still in slumber, a targeting reticle for assisted shooting appeared on his goggles. In the northwest direction of the night sky, the 600-meter-class transport ship had already appeared; even with the protection shield at its lowest was somewhat conspicuous. On the top floor, a slight disturbance arose; Lulian also put down his coffee and hurried to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the large transport ship in the high sky. The transport ships tail hatch opened. A swarm of small airships poured out, the assault boats seized air superiority in the lead, and four landing ships slowly detached from the ships body. The transport ships side hatch simultaneously opened, and the gunboat formations rapidly gathered while advancing; the shouts of several squad leaders and deputies roared in the communication channel. Lulians complexion became somewhat pale, turning to issue evacuation orders. The observation elevator was about to reach the top floor. Yang Ming glanced at the time, listening to the chaotic noise coming through the earphones, counting silently in his heart, Three, two, one. Begin detonation. Lyu: Repeat, begin detonation. Boom! The building suddenly began to tremble consecutively, and the elevator stopped operating the moment it reached the top floor, with the elevator door automatically opening! Thick smoke erupted in the middle of the mall, with piercing sirens sounding throughout. Yang Ming picked up the laser rifle and fired point shots forward; the forehead of a Federation soldier who just turned his head had a blackened blood hole, and his body immediately slumped. Yang Ming quickly dashed forward, propping up the soldiers corpse, and shifted into a kneeling position to hold his gun, using the soldiers body as cover, sweeping the muzzle toward the forward corridor. The laser rifle fired a series of light bullets! Before dying, several soldiers were unable to send any accurate information to the soldiers behind, and the alarm sounded by their deaths was completely drowned out by the sirens throughout the building. At the entrance and exit of the first-floor lobby, Ice Fruit bombs were successively detonated, sealing large areas with ice. S~ea??h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the middle and top parking lots, more than a dozen hover cars started simultaneously, striking vertically toward each lift, staircase, and fire escape entrance, with more vehicles following suit. On the top floor, Yang Ming directly encountered a squad of elite soldiers. At the end of this dozen-meter-long corridor was the packed hall of New Federation Agents. Yang Ming leaned against the corner wall, his expression cold to the point of indifference, the positions of the dozen soldiers surfaced in his mind; he slung the rifle on his back and drew a large-caliber laser pistol, activating the protection shield on his left hand. With his left hand, he flicked out two shock bombs. As soon as the shock bombs exploded, Yang Ming made a low sprint. Buzz The protection shield successfully activated, deflecting dozens of light bullets into a ripple-like pattern. Yang Ming charged forward, crouched. Seeing that their laser guns couldnt break through the protection shield, the enemy was ready to use throwing weapons, a few shock bombs were about to be released. Yang Ming suddenly accelerated! He charged forward hard under enemy fire, rushing past the sculptures where the two leading soldiers were hiding before they could throw the shock bombs, shooting the right-side soldier with the pistol, and fiercely ramming the left-side soldier into the wall, elbow striking his neck! A crisp bone-cracking sound. Yang Ming charged forward with his shield, engaging in close combat with the remaining Federation soldiers in the narrow terrain. The protective shield crashed against another protective shield, sending two soldiers flying. On the side, a gun barrel tried to bypass the shield to shoot Yang Ming at close range, but just as the barrel was about to move around the energy shield, the soldier holding the gun had a blood hole in his forehead, his body being used by Yang Ming as a human shield. The encounter lasted only a few seconds. In the narrow passageway, twelve bodies lay or slumped. Yang Ming stepped over the blood and dashed out of the corridor, with the chaotic hall just ahead. A Federation soldier suddenly sprang out from the side! Having endured for a long time, he pointed his pistol at Yang Mings temple, pulling the trigger without hesitation. But the soldiers movement was always half a beat slow. Yang Mings left hand quickly grabbed the soldiers wrist and twisted it outward, pressing the pistol in his right hand to the soldiers head, pulling the trigger several times in quick succession! The soldier stared wide-eyed, his figure slowly slid down. Turning his head, through the thick glass, Yang Ming saw the chaotic hall and the New Federation Senior Agent Lulian hastily putting on protective armor. The coffee cup beside Lulians hand emitted a wisp of white smoke. This senior agent noticed Yang Ming, staring at the ghost-like man with disbelief. Yang Ming, however, did not hesitate, picking up the laser rifle. Standard stance. Tri-aiming. Recoil-free point-shot mode. He continuously pulled the trigger, and a stream of purple light bullets burst from the rifles muzzle; the ordinary office-use glass was instantaneously burned through with holes! The protection shield at Lulians side didnt activate in time, and two light bullets disappeared into his forehead, unhindered as they passed through the back of his head. Yang Mings figure had already reached the glass, and he smashed the entire window with a punch. A dozen shock grenades, whistling like oversized bullets, were hurled into the area packed with agents! Lulians death was just the beginning of the battle. Chapter 147 - 147: 088 Strategy: Drive Away Wolves and Chase Tigers [Fourth Watch] Chapter 147: 088 Strategy: Drive Away Wolves and Chase Tigers [Fourth Watch] The commander of the fourth battalion of the Royal Guard Army of the Luofeng Empire, Yang Mings nominal superior, Aisi Taluo Star, stood on the bridge of the 004 landing ship, his face pale. He did not understand why fate was so cruel to him. He was supposed to be transferred in just a few days! If everything had gone smoothly, without so many unexpected events, his dazzling deputy commander, Yang Ming, covered in gleaming jewels, would have assumed the role of the fourth battalion commander after completing the promotion ceremony. In that case, Major Aisi could have gone to an idle department and continued using his rank to fill the void of noble honor. In such a small country, getting as far as he had was already quite impressive. But now Yang Ming was suddenly assassinated. The anti-mechanical missile destroyed everything that was supposed to be beautiful! The sudden orders forced Major Aisi to take this group of soldiers, whose cerebral cortex seemed to be filled with muscles, to the most chaotic and dangerous area of the Luofeng Empire: the Fifth Administrative Star. When the transport ship directly entered the atmosphere and pressed toward the rebel headquarters, Major Aisi finally received the exact combat objective. Eliminate the New Federation Agent group in the shortest time possible! This Major Aisi really wanted to ask if those generals who slapped their thighs to decide this battle plan were out of their minds. The second most powerful nation in the Galaxy, known as the strongest agent team, the New Federation Agents, were they that easy to eliminate? They even only brought a mere six hundred people! To carry out an extermination battle, at least ten times more personnel were needed, along with heavy artillery bombardment from space to destroy the solid structure of the commercial building! With just this bit of military strength, this equipment, this firepower wasnt this just sending themselves to their deaths? But military orders were still military orders. No matter how dissatisfied Major Aisi was in his heart, at this moment he could only continuously distribute combat instructions, doing his own duties. Major Aisi did not intend to charge forward later, even though he had already put on a full-body trigger shield purchased privately, he did not intend to go to the frontline. Outside the landing ship, a row of unmanned gunboats whizzed past. Wow? Major Aisi opened the battle report summary channel in front of him, unable to help but raise an eyebrow. Their assault boat formation had already started engaging the ground rebels, easily destroying the rebel air defense positions under the guidance of accurate intelligence. The rebels, heralded by the military as an elite armed force, were hurriedly deploying airships, which were in fact rudimentary weapon platforms modified from hover cars. Ahead, half the gunboats fired a salvo their side seized air superiority. Major Aisis mindset underwent a subtle change. Was all of the New Federations defensive force concentrated in the commercial building they were set to attack? Major Aisi turned his head to gaze at the three-dimensional sand table at his side; that commercial building was indeed a good place to hide soldiers. If there were two large-caliber laser cannons hidden inside, that would be terrible, Major Aisi thought worriedly. At this moment, thick smoke suddenly billowed from the commercial building right in front of Major Aisi. At the start of the landing operation, normal communications had already been established between the command levels of the third and fourth battalions, and now the communication channel carried somewhat exaggerated descriptions from colleagues: A squad went in ahead of time! Damn it, we couldnt grab the first credit! Weve traveled this far, and now were the reinforcements? This squad successfully evaded the New Federation Agents reconnaissance, and they seemed to have caused a lot of destruction; its simply unimaginable. Look, guys! You should all be able to see this intelligence. The ground floor parking lot of the commercial building just experienced a huge explosion, and the access road was completely sealed off! The first floor was frozen? It seems to be some kind of special liquid bomb Great chaos appeared in the middle parking lot and the top parking lot, where those armored hover cars suddenly went out of control but seemed to be remotely controlled, directly jamming their bodies into various passages, sealing off one exit after another, and even directly crashing several federal soldiers. Where is the battle still happening? Major Aisi asked. The top of the commercial building, explosions just came from the top, the assault boats already rushed near the commercial building, sending back some footage dammit! Major Aisi slightly frowned. He did not like his colleagues crude language, which lacked the grace of nobility. It was not elegant at all. But over the next half-minute, the communication channel was filled with waves of swearing. Send me a video, will you gentlemen? Sar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Major Aisi frowned and urged. As soon as he finished speaking, a segment of fierce combat near the floor-to-ceiling windows appeared on the projection screen in front of him. On the left side of the video, more than twenty Federation soldiers in desert camouflage gear used the raised surfaces of the corridors walls to set up defensive postures with personal protective energy shields fully deployed, each gun barrel locked on the area ahead. The image remained still for more than ten seconds. A shadow suddenly darted out from the fire equipment door on the side of the corridor, continuously firing a handgun, extending two light shields, forcing its way into the crowd under enemy fire! Major Aisis eyelid twitched fiercely. Just when he thought this shadow was doomed, it maneuvered back and forth in the narrow terrain with extremely fast movements and swift reactions, repeatedly pressing the handgun to the enemies foreheads. The battle lasted only twenty seconds. Major Aisi couldnt even clearly see most of the combat maneuvers. But when these Federation soldiers fell, the shadow paused for a few seconds, leaning against a wall to check his weapons and ammunition. Major Aisi recognized the back of that shadow Chapter 148 - 148: 088 Strategy: Drive Away Wolves and Chase Tigers [Fourth Watch] _2 Chapter 148: 088 Strategy: Drive Away Wolves and Chase Tigers [Fourth Watch] _2 Damn! Major Ace immediately shut his mouth; he couldnt believe he had just uttered such a crude remark unbecoming of a noble. But this shadow. Yang, Yang Ming! It was his deputy captain, Yang Ming! It wasnt! With a whoosh, the video in front of Major Ace suddenly disappeared. A series of codes appeared on the projection screen, and the headset was filled with the clamor of his colleagues. Who deleted the video? I was watching it a second time, learning new tactical moves! It triggered the confidentiality protocol oh, it might be someone from the secret unit. This is amazing, that person was wearing our combat uniform, and its really damn scary! That must be a robot! A human nervous system couldnt react that fast! Bullshit! Our usual training is damn dogshit! Major Ace turned the headset volume down, and the world indeed quieted down. Confidentiality protocol? The middle-aged noble contemplated, wondering if he had ever offended Yang Ming or if he had spoken too loudly during their interactions. Sir, were nearing the target building, the deputy captain reminded him from the side. Major Ace glanced back, seeing over a hundred soldiers ready with hoverboards, their eyes almost spitting fire, burning with a desire to fight. Attack. Major Ace said weakly, Or rather, go clean up the mess. Yes, Sir! These soldiers of the Wind Empire shouted with rage, almost overwhelming Major Aces eardrums. Four landing crafts hovered above the building, with side doors opening simultaneously, and soldiers poured out on gliders, performing a tactical descent toward the target shopping center, prioritizing the elimination of strong enemies by the windows. The sky looked as if it housed four double-helix structures, appearing as enchanting as a genetic sequence from a distance. Click, click click. The crisp sound of the trigger returning made Yang Ming realize he had emptied the energy magazine. The Federation soldier he subdued with one hand was now wide-eyed, opening his mouth as if to plead, but Yang Ming already discarded the handgun, picked up a rifle, and quickly pulled the trigger, leaving the soldier to lie with his comrades. Boss, resistance remains at thirty percent, the Guard Corps has already stormed in, Lyus voice continuously conveyed. Yang Ming scanned the surroundings quickly and headed for the fire escape. Whats the Guard Corps odds? Currently, the New Federation soldiers are demoralized, communications are down, and the defense system has been shattered by you. The Guard Corps has the advantage of external firepower, and the rebels are still in the assembly phase, with their command system hacked by me, making it unlikely for them to organize an effective counterattack failure is highly unlikely, Lyu softly said. Lyus advice is, weve achieved our results, we can withdraw. Did you obtain their confidential data? Got it, but its currently undecipherable, Lyu explained, and the data here should only pertain to portions about the Wind Empire. Yang Ming stood in the dim fire escape, hesitated for a few seconds, restrained the growing impulse within him, and decided to proceed as planned. Lyu, prepare for transmission and mark unmanned routes for me. Okay, boss. Yang Ming clutched the rifle and began moving quickly again, following the green arrows that appeared before him. Two minutes later, Yang Ming reached a window with shattered glass. Outside was a quiet city; if those explosion sounds were blocked out, it seemed as peaceful here as anywhere else. A beam of light pierced through the clouds and rapidly vanished. The Feinan, maintaining optical stealth, turned and slid into the tranquil space, already initiating a jump before leaving the sub-gravity area of the Fifth Administrative Star, abruptly appearing in the vicinity of Ilando Stars airspace. No one noticed that the secret unit had left the battlefield at the climax of combat. Nor did anyone notice a faint light beam accompanied by dawn arriving at the rooftop of a hospital on the outskirts of Ilando City. Yang Ming jumped out of the light beam. He had changed into a patients gown, bound himself like a mummy with bandages, and quickly lay on the stretcher pushed by two medical auxiliary robots as he entered the emergency elevator. Lyu, well done, Yang Ming mumbled in the elevator. Beside him, the medical robot softly grumbled, Though it might seem out of place, I still must remind you, boss, to prioritize your own safety, otherwise no amount of assessments will hold any significance. Mm-hmm, have you contacted Edwan? Hes on his way boss, do we still need to adjust subsequent response strategies? Proceed as we planned, Yang Ming smiled, We must all respect the plan. Lyu emitted a faint noise. You just said tch, didnt you? Yang Ming scolded, Are you showing disdain for your boss? Boss, progress on Kolevs side is fairly smooth. You changed the topic way too bluntly. The elevator is about to open, boss, the medical robot quickly resumed its normal working state, the Second Princes convoy is speeding, he seems quite concerned about you. Pity he doesnt meet your criteria for a suitable partner. Yang Ming had nothing left to say. He was pushed by the robot into the busy corridor, headed toward the nearest negative pressure ward. In the swiftly moving convoy, Edwan looked at the just-received frontline combat report, filled with shock, and his well-defined features quickly contorted. Technical term: the mask of agony. [A single soldier resolved nearly all the enemy resistance before our two battalions arrived, obliterating a three-hundred-men regiment of elite Federation troops, and mysteriously disappeared after intense urban warfare.] He did it alone? This report was only visible to Fremont and him, to be later submitted to the Emperor by him. Edwan, however, had a strong intuitionhe must not let his father learn of Yang Mings combat capabilities as a lone soldier. Ding, ding ding! The tablet in Edwans hand popped up with two messages. [Yang Ming: Your Highness, please give me the combat report for some polishing.] [Yang Ming: Please order General Fremont to reject captives and burn the shopping center with incendiary bombs; otherwise, a huge political burden will arise.] Edwans Adams apple bobbed up and down. The economic loss from burning down the shopping center, possibly from several billion to over ten billion New Federation Coins, wasnt really a troublesome matter. Rejecting captives in other words, leaving no survivors for the New Federations special operations forces and agent teams. Without much hesitation, Edwan took a few seconds to dial General Fremonts encrypted communication. After he conveyed various details, the hovercars backseat fell into complete silence. Edwan gazed out the window somewhat dazedly, with a brief mental blankness. It was his first time determining the life or death of hundreds with a single command; although he understood, this was already a war between two countries, facing which there should be no mercy, but he remained somewhat unaccustomed. Ding ding! sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Yang Ming: Your Highness, remember to bring some tokens of sympathy. Ive polished the combat report and provided some subsequent political maneuvering advice.] Edwan pursed his lips and clicked on the words advice with annotation, a kit jumped out, unveiling lines of text. Strategic Plan: Leading the Wolves to Suppress the Tiger. Firstly, through private royal connections, contact Sherman Empire nobles (Princess Dana hails from a Sherman noble family, she has such connections), and under the banner of the Sherman nobles remote command, share the credit for eliminating domestic espionage teams with the other side. Secondly, prepare dense television programs citing the crimes of New Federation agents, focusing on economic theft, and avoiding terms like overturning our national regime, allowing the populace to feel the loss of benefits tangibly. (The public holds some opinions on the current regime, rectify this by aligning royal interests with theirs, protecting local natural resources, and pursuing sustainable development in the future.) Thirdly, announce an economic stimulus plan promptly, allowing the populace to receive minor benefits in the shortest time, establishing the New Federations agent teams unjust nature. Fourthly, purchase a few trending search topics within the Sherman Empire. Edwan shut off the projection screen before him and leaned against the seat for a long time. At this moment, he seemed to see the flaming shopping centers on the Fifth Administrative Star and the monstrous surge the enraged New Federation was about to unleash. The soldiers combat had ended. But the political war had just begun. Winning this battle would bring a turning point for the Wind Empire, creating an opportunity for substantial independence. Losing would be like stepping on the gas at the cliffs edge, accelerating on the expressway of becoming a blood-bank puppet nation. You, this fellow, are you whipping me forward? Edwan murmured. A subordinate in the front passenger seat puzzledly asked, Your Highness, were you giving me an order? Get off up ahead and buy a good flower basket and fruit basket. Understood, My Prince, the loyal subordinate replied, producing a bubble sound that drew the Princes attention. Chapter 149 - 149: 089 Welcome back to the team【Five More Updates!】 Chapter 149: 089 Welcome back to the teamFive More Updates! A lie requires a hundred lies to sustain. Yang Ming finally realized the true essence of this saying. Three days after the New Federation Agent elimination battle, about the event of him being attacked by missiles, three versions of lies had now surfaced: High-tech bionic robot escaping; An empty monster hover vehicle; And the most absurd oneblown up, but not dead. The first lie was a tale Edwan told to the Old Emperor and also communicated to the Sherman Empires intelligence department. The second lie, was Yang Ming fooling Edwan and Gudun Mah. The third lie was a masterpiece, currently ongoing, concocted by Edwan in an attempt to fool Miss Windsor. Outside the isolation ward of this unremarkable hospital, Miss Windsors eyes were brimming with tears as she gazed at Yang Ming on the hospital bed, biting her lower lip gently, unable to help but sigh softly. Thank you Your Highness, thank you! Are his injuries severe? No need to thank me, Miss Windsor. Edwan stated gravely: We found Yang Ming by the seaside to prevent the New Federation Agents from causing him secondary harm, I decided to temporarily withhold this news. Im sorry for not informing you in time. His injuries arent worrying, his heart and brain are intact, thats not a big problem You also need to keep this confidential, can you manage that? Miss Windsor quickly responded, I will! Can, can I go in and see him? Oh, its best not to, Edwan kept shaking his head, This is a sterile negative pressure ward, and he has just undergone surgery, it was very high-tech that kind of surgery robot helped him complete it, basically He is so pitiful. Miss Windsor lamented: S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Those agents are filled with sin! Why are they targeting Yang Ming? He is clearly so kind. Kind? Oh, yes! He is kind but this is war, this is the war between the New Federation and the Sherman Empire, the New Federation chose our country as the battlefield, Miss Windsor, this is not something we can choose. Edwan wiped the sweat from his forehead. He should cultivate a few more reliable confidants. Next time theres such a task, he can let them handle it, he really isnt good at dealing with such scenes! Eventually, after Miss Windsor watched over him for a while, she was forcefully persuaded to leave by a protection team sent by the Finance Minister. Nowadays Ilando City was in turmoil, Miss Windsor was also placed under house arrest, and could not stay outside for long. This made Edwan breathe a sigh of relief. After the Second Prince personally escorted Miss Windsor away and returned to the hospital room guarded by Mechanical Guards and attended by an intelligent nurse; Edwan leaned close to the window to take a peek inside, and immediately flew into a rage. Yang Ming, who was bandaged like a mummy, was currently lounging with his legs crossed, nibbling on expensive imported fruits with the part of his mouth that was exposed, savoring them deliciously. Edwan pushed open the door and barged in, activating the rooms shielding device, and immediately started scolding: A Prince like me has to break the gentlemans code and lie to a beautiful lady! And here you are, so leisurely! Youve made Miss Windsor very worried! She is your little sweetheart! Not mine! So, Yang Ming spread his hands, Im the one who caused the current situation? Im the victim of a missile attack. You should be kinder to Miss Windsor, at the very least. Edwan then made himself look very weak, his eyes becoming slightly blurred, filled with longing for this life, his voice trembling as he said: I, I love you even though my life is soon to part, all I think of, all I cherish, is you Yang Ming, his forehead creased with lines: Be serious, Edwan, why dont you become a theater actor? Edwan snapped his fingers, his hands pointing at Yang Ming: How did you know my dream from ten years ago? Yang Ming forcefully brought the topic back to important matters: Whats the reaction from the New Federation? Er, Edwan sat back on the bench nearby, grabbed a piece of fruit and took a bite, This fruit basket is really nice Their reaction is very intense, yet restrained. You should have seen the news, a fleet of two kilometer-scale main battle ships from the New Federation has already arrived near our Star Domain, their diplomats are exerting extreme pressure on us, announcing that they will sanction us from all sides. Yang Ming puzzledly said: Isnt it them who sent spy agents to our place for assassinations? We eliminated agents and spies within our territory, its completely legal self-defense! And they still want to sanction us? Edwan grimaced: They claim to the outside world that weve violated the Human Rights Charter, breached the Milky Ways moral convention, creating a humanitarian tragedy. They insist that among those more than a thousand people, only a few dozen served the New Federations national security departments, all others were normal business elites. Yang Ming cursed, then asked: Did you release the video I gave you? Of course, its released, its full of Federation Soldiers, Federation Soldiers who got wiped out, our people carried away their bodies and weapons. Edwan laughed: This video topped the hot search in Sherman Empire-affiliated countries, there was no news about it in New Federation-affiliated countries Oh right, I remember why I came here, I have two pieces of good news to share with you! What? The first piece of good news, the Sherman Empires 079 Squadron appeared near the New Federation Fleet, both sides have already started confronting. The Sherman Empire just announced that they will provide us a reduction of 365 billion Empire Coins in annual silver and an additional 300 billion Empire Coins in military sales, essentially giving us a batch of their decommissioned weapons. Chapter 150 - 150: 089 Welcome back to the team【Five More Updates!】_2 Chapter 150: 089 Welcome back to the teamFive More Updates!_2 Edwan gave a light laugh, Finally, our goal to reduce some of the annual silver was formally achieved. Yang Ming thoughtfully nodded, This is indeed good news. The Sherman Empire has actually stepped up. Ming, your suggestion was a great help, Edwan said. We attributed the credit for annihilating the New Federation Agents group to an Earl from a noble family in the Sherman Empire. He facilitated the reduction of the annual silver and the arms sale. This transaction has established a good relationship with this Earl. I am planning to send him more of our local specialties. Yang Ming smiled, And what about the other good news? Youre going to be a hero! Hmm? Yang Ming felt a headache coming on. What kind of hero? My father gave the order. Edwan smiled and said, He wants to reclaim military power. When we were taking action, it just so happened that the military high command was in a meeting, so they did not notice the transport ship. These days, the military has even turned the pressure on us, forcing the royal family to acknowledge that the attack on the New Federation agents was a result of misleading intelligence. This completely enraged my father. By the way, Ming, did you have Gudun Mah arrange that transport ship? That was indeed the case, Yang Ming answered very casually. I told my father that Gudun Mah and I had a good relationship, and he covered up that detail, Edwans eyes flickered slightly. Now, Gudun Mah is already being suspected by other high-ranking military officials. We need to find a way to protect this great general. Tell me about the hero thing, Yang Ming said with a wry smile. Your ability to digress is truly impressive. Edwan shrugged, Its explaining the cause and effect! Alright, the meaning of Father the Emperor is to shape you, who is well-disciplined in military aptitude and loyal to me, into a military hero of the Luofeng Empire. Then, position you in the military to enhance the influence of the royal family. Its part of Fathers plan to reclaim military power. Yang Ming immediately fell into thought. This matter cannot be delayed, Edwan said. While the empire fleet is nearby, and the old guys in the military dare not act rashly, we must complete the initial layout and take the initiative. Yang Ming slightly raised an eyebrow. The secret moves he had made with the Old Emperor and his control over Gudun Mah were starting to take effect. Moreover, the two were producing a marvelous chemical reaction. I dont particularly enjoy being in the limelight, Yang Ming said. Although this could maximize my benefits, but tsk, Im not ready to become a star. Edwan stood up, hands in his pockets, Isnt this the perfect opportunity? You just need to lie here, no one can recognize you now. Ive arranged for photographers outside the ward to take photos. Then all well need to do is post your pictures. Yang Ming hesitated slightly, You decide, it aligns with my interests. The moment Yang Ming said those words, Edwan rushed out of the ward, shouting to his confidant standing at a distance, Let them in! The patients family has already agreed! Yang Ming: He knew it! If he refused, Edwan would definitely wear him down with persuasion until he agreed. The process of interviewing by reporters was simple, only taking a few simple bed photos from afar. After these reporters left, a large number of mechanical guards appeared outside Yang Mings ward. A few hours later, major TV stations and online platforms in the Wind Empire began to sensationalize the miraculous survival of the captain. Yang Ming thought deeply for a moment. This sensationalization had another layer of political meaning, which Edwan did not directly tell him. Yang Ming, as the attacked one, was the best proof of the New Federation Agents assassination activities. By staying alive and being made a hero in the Wind military, the New Federation would be on the defensive in the public opinion. This news continued to ferment, and Yang Mings obvious achievements were exaggerated tenfold for publicity. Meanwhile, Edwan delivered a speech that had a far-reaching impact on the Luofeng Empire. In the speech, Edwans catchy phrases, with a simple mention of the New Federation Empire, began to widely circulate throughout the Milky Way, also boosting Edwans fame. Of course, these things had nothing directly to do with Yang Ming for the time being. Currently, Yang Ming had to lie in bed, feigning illness, with at least a months recovery period to recover from injuries, especially having to pretend to be comatose during the first week, being unable to move in public. This was probably the price of becoming a hero. During this week, Yang Ming spent his days bored, doing nothing but eating and sleeping, and all related medical work was conducted by healthcare robots controlled by Lyu. Aside from bantering with Lyu, Yang Ming could only pass the time watching movies projected on the ceiling by Lyu. They were quite serious movies. Miss Windsor would appear for an hour each day, then be called back by her father, the Finance Minister, through a phone call. Yang Ming felt guilty about this and decided that after he recovered, he would engage in more interactions with Windsor like a couple. A week later, Yang Ming was able to start moving around. The TV station reporters came again, and the video of Yang Ming already sitting up and being fed by medical robots became the headline of the day. Even though Yang Ming had not contributed much to this country, his life and safety now affected the nerves of many Luofeng citizens. Another week passed, and Yang Ming was able to walk on his own, with all the bandages removed. He looked the same as before, which made Windsor constantly marvel at the wonders of medical technology. During these two weeks, the external environment around the Luofeng Empire was turbulent. The confrontation between the fleets of the Sherman Empire and the New Federation still showed no signs of ending, with both sides dispatching supply fleets. War sentiment within the Sherman Empire reached unprecedented heights; Meanwhile, politicians within the New Federation used the perceived threat from the Sherman Empire to consolidate their votes and cover up their scandals. Internally in the Luofeng Empire, there was some turbulence within the military and political circles, as the Old Emperor, who had remained silent for nearly a decade, suddenly started to attend court intensively. Several ministers retired early to enjoy their golden years, and younger nobles appeared in prominent positions. A new batch of military officers promoted by the royal family emerged, while the senior ranks of the military, in this situation, dared not voice any opinions, having to let go of some insignificant positions. The internal political situation of the Luofeng Empire was in turmoil, with the Third Prince and the First Prince both making contacts with key military personnel. The seemingly stable high-command faction within the military showed signs of disintegration after Gudun Mahs abnormal behavior was noted. Just halfway through the third week Yang Ming could no longer stay in the hospital. It wasnt because of Windsor, this beauty who wandered around beside him all day, making him itch yet unable to act due to his illness. The main reason was Kolev and Lyus smaller clone were about to return with a planet transformation system valued at 1.28 billion New Federation Coins, and Yang Ming needed to make some preparations for their reception. Yang Ming packed up the bed, dressed in his military uniform and cap. Lyu controlled the robots to remove and incinerate the bedding later to clear any biological information Yang Ming might have left behind. Its time to leave. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming looked around the ward. He hadnt expected that after so long on Ilando Star, the place he would spend the most time sleeping in would be a negative-pressure ward in the hospital. Turning around, with hands clasped behind his back, he stepped forward slowly with his boots echoing on the floor. Healthcare workers and patients retreated to the sides in the hallway, saluting this young officer with their eyes. At the end of the hallway was the hospitals hall, where two rows of soldiers stood, and as Yang Ming appeared, these soldiers eyes shone with intense light. Obviously, they had believed what was broadcast on television. Salute! Swish! The soldiers and officers snapped to attention in unison with a salute. Yang Ming nodded with a smile, giving a powerful salute in return. General Fremont stepped forward with his soldiers. On the tray held by the soldiers were the officers credentials and new epaulettes. General Fremont personally pinned the epaulettes on Yang Ming and patted his shoulder. Cameras around them immediately captured this scene. Welcome back to the team. General Fremont said softly, Major Yang Ming. Chapter 151 - 151: 090 Pirate Group Attacks Chapter 151: 090 Pirate Group Attacks Flowers, applause, bustling crowds, and beautiful women blowing mad kisses. Yang Ming, just leaving the hospital, truly enjoyed the treatment of a hero. However werent these reporters questions somewhat, a little structurally lacking in synaptic neuron branches? Major, can you share your thoughts? Thoughts on what matter? Major, will you join the Sherman Empires forces to have a decisive battle with the New Federations fleet? Anyone with a bit of military knowledge! Can you talk about what it feels like to be hit by a missile? Yang Ming almost pinned the reporter to the ground and punched him, asking what it felt like to be hit by a fist. Fortunately, the guard arranged by Edwan pulled Yang Ming away in time. Edwan arranged a new place for Yang Ming to stay, but Yang Ming tactfully declined. Yang Ming requested four ordinary Mechanical Guards from Edwan, stationing them at the entrance of his chemical plant, so Lyu had accessible weapons. Entering the familiar small villa, activating the full-shield device, Yang Ming finally exhaled the breath hed been holding. Phewits comfortable here. From the corner of the living room, a projector cast several beams of light, weaving Lyus figure. Welcome home, boss. You finally did something a piece of artificial intelligence is supposed to do. Yang Ming loosened his shirt buttons, kicked off his two military boots, and slumped onto the sofa, mindlessly watching the news about himself on the projection TV. His naturally photogenic face. In the future, if a developed planet lacked funds, joining some variety shows to subsidize the stars wouldnt be unwise. Lyu, maintaining a petite thirty-centimeter form, sat next to Yang Ming, lightly swinging her legs, and asked with a grin: Boss, how does it feel to be a star? Quite superficial, almost like I cant touch the ground, Yang Ming casually turned off the TV, lets focus on the business at hand, where is Kolev right now? Lyu replied seriously, He has returned to the Cas Federation, preparing to return through normal routes. What about our ship? Its already at the edge of the Luofeng Empire, just waiting for us to confirm the target Resource Star. We can fly there at any time, and the energy of that transport ship is still sufficient for a short-distance jump. Give me the information on the three Resource Stars you selected. Yes, boss. Weak light points appeared on Lyus body, changing her attire from a dress into a professional suit. A projection image appeared in front of Yang Ming, showing three planets rotating at varying speeds and tilt angles in the vast cosmic space. These were three abandoned Resource Stars within the Luofeng Empire. Usually, abandoned Resource Stars located closer to an Administrative Star mostly became landfill sites. While those farther from an Administrative Star gradually slipped from peoples sight. One Administrative Star with a population of more than three hundred million required the support of three to five developed Resource Stars to ensure the residents lived at the average level of the Milky Way. Furthermore, the natural resources of the Administrative Star itself were typically preserved as strategic resources, rarely developed, involving complex cost conversions between livability and interstellar mining. Lyu explained beside him: I labeled them as 001, 002, 003; these are three abandoned Resource Stars of high value, capable of meeting most of our preliminary development resource needs. Yang Ming wondered, Since they still have value, why were they abandoned? Boss, Lyu smiled, between mining a rich deposit and a poor deposit with the same difficulty, which would you mine first? Yang Ming said, Definitely mine the rich deposit first, its more profitable. Precisely. Lyu explained: Resource Star classifications are evaluated based on their comprehensive value. Different minerals require different technological means for mining; differing mining difficulties represent varied technological costs. Nations like the Four Great Rogues of the Milky Way would have detailed plans for every Resource Star within their territory but the resource exploitation planning of the Luofeng Empire is careless and chaotic; over time, even the Luofeng Empires own database doesnt match. This provides us the convenience of finding neglected opportunities. Neglected opportunities? sea??h th n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming instantly beamed with pleasure, Well done! Tell me about Star 001 first. Resource Star 001 originally belonged to the jurisdiction of Ilando Star. The straight-line route for a regular civilian transport ship is twelve standard Galaxy Days, its short-distance directional jump orbit has been dismantled, abandoned for over six hundred fifty-two years. Its advantage is that it still retains some buildings and factories, with a small city ruin, and its relatively close to Ilando Star. The disadvantage is the same; the exposure risk is high. Yang Ming immediately said, Lets not consider it; our priority is concealment. Then I recommend 002, Lyu quickly said, it is near the Fifth Administrative Star, the advantage being semi-habitable. Except for the lack of oxygen necessary for carbon-based life, other indexes are quite good. The downside is its in a different Constant Star System from the Fifth Administrative Star, residing in a binary star system, with no stable jump point nearby, resulting in higher transportation costs. Semi-habitable? Near standard gravitational acceleration, some habitable areas, many anaerobic microorganisms, relatively ample core energy supply In the room, Yang Ming and Lyu discussed continuously. Choosing this Resource Star today was crucial for their future development, and they certainly couldnt be careless. This was the core of the Dark Star Plan; It was the main platform for Yang Mings glitch-exploiting of mechanical thought civilization. There, Yang Ming would build a base, acquire resources, cultivate Thought Bodies, develop a Mechanical Army, and assemble a powerful fleet Chapter 152 - 152: 090 Pirate Group Attacks_2 Chapter 152: 090 Pirate Group Attacks_2 Tsk, it sounds just like a page game advertisement. To be safe, Yang Ming reviewed the parameters of all the abandoned Resource Stars in the realm of the Luofeng Empire. Unnoticed, the slanting sun was already setting in the west outside the window. Yang Ming paused his pacing. Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyu, can you go over the current situation in Wind so we can decide near which Administrative Star we should choose? Yes, boss. Ill say it, and you add to it. Yang Ming calmly analyzed: The Wind royal family has already begun to reclaim military power, and weve deeply involved ourselves in the Old Emperors plan. The New Federation Agent suffered setbacks and wont pose a threat to us in the short term. Sherman and New Federations warships are facing off at the edge of the Wind Empires territory, but its unlikely theyll actually fight. Figures within the Wind Army have started engaging with the Second and Third Princes. The military is already diverging internally. The Fifth Administrative Star is the most barren and least valued. The rebels there are no real threat I might participate in quelling the rebellion Ive decided. Lyu: Only added eeriness. Yang Ming said seriously, Lets use code number 002, the best concealment When can the Planet Transformation System be delivered there? We cant take commercial routes, we need to do a detour, Lyu softly said, Itll take about three and a half Galaxy Days. The time is indeed rather tight. Yang Ming chuckled, I need to find a chance to temporarily leave Ilando Star. I want to conduct on-site inspections and witness the launch of our base in person. Understood, sir, Lyu saluted with a Wind Military Salute, Leave it to me to arrange. Yang Ming couldnt help but smile, raising his wrist to glance at the time. He had arranged to meet Miss Windsor at six oclock. The current time was Grass is a general term for many kinds of plants. It was half-past six. Lyus Thought Space. The mechanical Thought Body girl with her own unique aesthetic sense sat comfortably in a lazy couch, wearing a thick red sweater, a mini leather skirt, and gray over-the-knee socks, idly twirling a cat teaser in her hand. She didnt have a cat. But she liked this cat teaser. Three streams of information constantly converged before her eyes, with images quickly flashing by. The first stream was dynamic data of Yang Mings surroundings, the second stream took charge of transporting the Planet Transformation System. The third stream was the most complex and monitored the activities of the New Federation Agent. In the previous agent annihilation battle on the Fifth Administrative Star, Lyu accessed the opponents communication network through that Mechanical Beetle, not only completing the tasks Yang Ming laid out but also opportunistically stealing the New Federation Agent teams toolkit. These toolkits significantly enhanced Lyus counterespionage capabilities. Actually, Lyu never told Yang Ming. That Anti-Mechanical Missile was only discovered after it was fired, marking her as seriously negligent; the reason she showed anger on Feinan was half guilt for her dereliction of duty. Lyu didnt understand why she felt guilty but still showed anger to others, but she had seen many humans do this. She solemnly swore on the honor of her three unreliable teachers to the Mechanical Godthat she would never make the same mistake twice. At present, because the Wind royal family was making a strong comeback, the New Federation Agents activity index had dropped to the lowest level in nearly a decade, and correspondingly, the crime rate on Ilando Star was also dropping fast. This led to Lyu being indeed a bit bored now. Her main brain even had a thirty percent computational idle rate! Lyu now wanted to use this computational power to dig into cryptocurrency, making potentially a few thousand New Federation Coins in virtual currency for her boss each day. Lyu glanced at the first information stream Although her boss covered the watch, Lyu, being well-versed, knew just from the sound that tonights situation was extremely intense. Lyu sneered at the essence of carbon-based life being driven by the instinct to propagate species, no longer caring about the stable first information stream. She opened a small window, observing a few human samples she was recently interested in. Soon, a little round face appeared in the window, it was 026 on night duty. Lyu had been observing 026 for nearly a month. Since 026 moved to live next to the old professors house, Lyu had been watching 026s every move. Lyu knew her thoughts were a bit darkLyu wanted to see how long 026s proactive lifestyle could last, wanting to see if 026 would eventually succumb to addiction, to prove the correctness of the view that a quarter of the human personality is inherently cowardly. But so far, 026s performance had completely defied Lyus expectations. 026 was very optimistic. After moving to the Third Happiness district, 026 smiled noticeably more. During work hours, 026 always worked diligently, purposefully avoiding makeup, wearing loose long sleeves and trousers, and even making efforts to wrap her chest to reduce the possibility of being harassed by customers. Although sometimes such things couldnt be avoided, she would still escape trouble and danger with the greatest kindness mixed with a bit of cleverness. 026s stable job at the night venue was closely tied to Karmis protection kept behind the scenes. Off work, 026 began learning to cook, and she would always give away the extra pastries and dishes she made each day to nearby neighbors. Whenever there was a holiday to celebrate, 026 would also prepare greeting cards and small gifts in advance. The old economics professor often couldnt sleep steadily because of the noise made by young people living nearby, frequently going to argue with them. One time when 026 ran into an argument, she actually chose to keep bowing and apologizing to extinguish the anger of both parties. Incredibly, she could apologize until the noise makers felt embarrassed, even taking the initiative to seek reconciliation with the professor. Such a magical way of persuasion, Lyu commented. What touched Lyu the most was when 026 cried once. That was before Yang Ming was promoted as a military hero, 026 thought Yang Ming had already been blown to pieces beyond recognition, and she was feeling very low. So, 026 set up an electronic memorial tablet for Yang Ming in her rental apartment, placed some mementos, shed a few secret tears, and then perked up to accompany the saddest Miss Windsor. When Lyu saw that electronic memorial tablet, even her main brain had a slight tremor. This is practically a little angel. Lyu sighed softly. Of course, such emotions didnt come every day. Like today, 026 was chatting with a female colleague about the latest celebrity gossip, and Lyu lost interest after only listening for half an hour, casually closing the small window. Suddenly, there was a minor disturbance in the second information stream. Huh? Lyu perked up, completely focusing on reviewing the content of the second information stream. This Planet Transformation System had cost her boss his entire fortune, she couldnt afford not to pay it attention. Soon, Lyus expression became somewhat peculiar. She waited for more than ten minutes, ensured her boss had finished the battle there, then picked up the retro telephone at her side and connected to Yang Mings voice line. Whats wrong? In the bathroom, Yang Ming, with the aid of the water sounds for concealment, softly inquired to the watch. The voice of this Subordinate Ancient God Life Form didnt reveal any trace of fatigue. Boss, theres an emergency; our Planet Transformation System was disguised as a commercial transport ship and now, this transport ship has been targeted. Whos targeting it? Yang Mings voice turned cold. Lyu immediately replied, A battered pirate ship, though its combat strength isnt noteworthy, theres a woman aboard whos a bit hard to deal with Well, as much as Id like to make a joke to showcase my excellent humor system, she has already started deploying boarding craft! Yang Ming turned off the all-encompassing showerhead, frowning, Who are you talking about? Which woman? Mimili. Uh? Yang Mings facial expression was filled with confusion. Chapter 153 - 153: 091 He understands reunion. ?Chapter 153: 091 He understands reunion. Chapter 153: 091 He understands reunion. The Feinan maintained optical stealth and turned around at maximum speed to leave the far side of Ilando Star. The bridge. Yang Ming spun in his chair, quickly correcting the flight parameters and tapping Confirm a dozen times in succession. Mimili really gave him a surprise. Lyu, how did Mimili discover our transport ship? S~ea??h the N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boss, there was a huge element of chance in this. Lyus tone was filled with helplessness at this moment, To avoid military sectors, bypass other merchant ships, and warding patrol ships, we also needed the route to string together as many non-warp zones balanced by gravity as possible, which severely limited our options. When pirate ships choose a space to hide, they consider similar issues to ours. I anticipated this threat earlier, deployed drones to explore every area and confirmed multiple times that there was no danger. And, well, Mimili was clearly on a secret voyage but didnt turn off her ships active radar To her, our transport ship probably looked like a torch suddenly appearing in a dark wilderness. Yang Ming was silent for a while: This isnt your fault, dont blame yourself. Does she have a lot of weapons and crew now? How bold to rush at such a large transport ship? Lyu immediately said: Currently, theyve only deployed one assault boat. However, their operating systems firewall is good; I need a few more minutes to penetrate it The main and secondary cannons on their pirate ship pose a threat to our transport ship. Lyu, I remember I asked you to buy a batch of second-hand mechanical guards to serve as internal guards for the transport ship. Should we shoot her dead? Lyu asked softly, As long as we dont tell Kolev and keep it discreet, its doable. Oh, shes my friend, and the only daughter of my friend. Yang Ming rubbed his temples. That month at the secret base of Kolev left him with fairly fond memories. Except for that phrase: Flesh desires are suffering, science redeems. As they left the usual observation radar range of Ilando Star, the Feinan immediately began to jump. Yang Ming suddenly thought of something, quickly asking, Lyu, I previously asked you to find some good seedlings from the Wind Army to groom as confidants did you manage that? Of course, bosss assignments are the entirety of my work, Lyu laughed, Ive already found five or six promising young people. Only five or six, Yang Ming muttered, rubbing his chin, How about we recruit Mimili into the Luofeng Empire? Shes quite capable, with tremendous potential, decisive, and wont act on emotions, even if she aims to become a pirate head. Lyu analyzed carefully, whispering, That still requires Kolevs opinion. Think about that later, lets first save our ship. The Feinan had completed two short jumps and entered a vast star domain. Ahead, faint flashes appeared on the porthole, marking the direction Lyu highlighted. Yang Ming ordered the Feinan to advance at full speed; this small ship, modified for over half a year by the Patroller, Examiner, and Tomb Guardian, immediately burst out with powerful thrust. Long star trails appeared outside the porthole. The strong thrust from acceleration pinned Yang Ming to the auto-reinforced chair. Lyu, via the projector beside him, displayed the perspective captured by cameras monitoring outside the transport ship. A beige 15-meter assault ship, shaped like a crayfish, used its four front claws to tear open the shallow energy shield of the transport ship, initiating contact with the hull. Yang Ming felt a pang of heartache! Lyu, why didnt we get a better energy shield? Boss, our budget was limited. Yang Ming seemed to hear a clanging sound. The assault boats front hooks pierced the thin hull of the ship, its laser drill inside the hooks began rotating rapidly, and the four hooks slowly retracted, pulling the assault boats cockpit toward the ships hull. The assault boats cockpit embedded neatly into the transport ships hull. Balancing chamber pressure, stabilizing the hull structure, releasing gelatinous fluid to fill the contact area From Yang Ming and Lyus perspective, it was practically a textbook pirate assault. Buzz The front half of the assault boat trembled gently, and the cylindrical cockpit instantly shot forward. A graceful silhouette darted into the transport vessels corridor, her beige combat suit making her look like a slim orange cat. The red tactical helmet was tightly connected to the combat suits collar, clearly having spacesuit functionality. She knelt on one knee, left hand forward, and a spherical protective shield materialized around her, immediately glancing left and right. No one in sight. The dim side corridor of the transport ship stretched straight into the distance; she could see a faint light flickering at the end, synchronized with the mechanical hum, as if the transport ship was breathing rhythmically. Mimili promptly sprang up against the cabin wall, tapped her helmet, activated night vision mode, and surveyed the surroundings with a frown. A floating holographic sphere flew out from the assault boat cockpit, hovering at Mimilis shoulder, displaying a petite figure in a pirate-style short skirt, captains hat, and an eyepatch. Oh, it was Molly. Under the gaze of Yang Ming and Lyu, Mimili held a gun in her left hand and the hilt of a light sword in her right, rapidly advancing toward the supposed location of the bridge, planting micro-sensors along the way to prevent her retreat from being cut off. She passed through some crew quarters, finding them empty and layered in dust everywhere. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on Novlove.com Chapter 154 - 154: 091 He understands reunion_2 Chapter 154: 091 He understands reunion_2 She was heading straight for the bridge. Lyu, Yang Ming looked at the transport ship appearing outside the porthole, Take control of the pirate ship as soon as possible, do something inside the bridge to attract Mimilis attention, and let the Feinan enter the tail cabin directly. Okay, boss, do you want me to hijack that low-level artificial intelligence? Up to you, just dont harm Molly. Yang Ming stood up, immediately rushed to the wardrobe beside him, took out a cloak with spacesuit functions, and put it on, grabbing his beloved red-handled light sword. He hoped she wouldnt cause any trouble. Otherwise, hed definitely have something to hold over on Kolev! The bridge hatch security lock was surprisingly open. Behind the helmet, Mimilis voice was very calm, Send them another communication invitation, we should be courteous before force. Aye, Captain, we Bzzt, bzz. A slight noise crossed, and Mimili suddenly lost contact with her crew. The image of Molly flickered slightly, and similarly disappeared, leaving the projection ball suspended in place without moving. Signal jamming? Buzz The light sword emitted a pink plasma beam. Mimili realized the danger, but she wasnt flustered, she tightly pursed her lips, glanced at the retreat path, and then looked at the cabin door that had a slit opened in front. Playing tricks! Mimili yanked the door open, the light sword held horizontally, laser pistol pointed forward, ready to shout stop at once, but the bizarre scene before her left her speechless. The bridge of the transport ship was very simple, with what appeared to be two rows of square cabinet-like consoles, and some basic instruments. Underneath the porthole, above the console, a single orange-red lamp was flashing on and off. A dozen rusty robotsapparently some nearly scrapped mechanical guardswere reverently kneeling before the lamp, rising and bowing repeatedly with its flicker. Ancient chanting suddenly echoed around. The mechanical faces were cold yet filled with devotion. Mimili tilted her head. In, intelligent machines? Religion? S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She saw the weapons placed beside this group of old mechanical soldiers, hesitated slightly, and then retreated back, leaning in a corner, contemplating carefully. She was here to rob. Based on previous successful extortions of merchant ships, the main cannon on the pirate ship, coupled with her own sudden intrusion into the vessel, was enough to crush the resistance of these merchants and crew. But now Was this an old transport ship occupied by intelligent machines? What could be in its cargo hold? Mimilis bright eyes trembled slightly. Although she wasnt confident about directly eliminating this group of mechanical soldiers, she naturally didnt want to retreat here, so she turned around, retreated over thirty meters, and entered the corridor connecting the neck of the ship. The main body of this transport ship was its big belly. To be precise, its only cargo hold occupied ninety percent of its volume, making it very easy to access the cargo hold, just a turn away. What are these? Stepping onto the connecting bridge, Mimili appeared at the upper left corner of the huge cargo hold. The scene before her was even more astonishing than the dozen mechanical soldiers performing a religious ritual earlier. Containers piled in all corners, seven to eight large machines over fifty meters length stacked neatly, and all gaps between these machines were filled with various items. Knowledge from books struck Mimili like a bolt of lightning. Planet Transformation System! An entire set of the Planet Transformation System! And it was equipped with a large supply of materials! If there were a batch of engineering robots in those containers, then this system would likely operate autonomously! Mimili almost cheered out loud. By hijacking this merchant ship, she could save twenty years of effort! Suddenly, the neat footsteps of mechanical guards echoed in the corridor. The expression behind Mimilis helmet changed slightly, but she wasnt in a hurry. This cargo hold had the perfect terrain to conduct guerrilla warfare, to deal with the dozen mechanical guards. Intruder. From a side dark corner, a deep male voice suddenly emerged. Mimili frowned, looking there. A dark figure stepped forward leisurely, a black cloak veiling his attire, covering his appearance, only revealing a clean-shaven chin, and spoke in a deep voice: Human, what is your intention? Wow! Mimilis voice was layered with electronic distortion by the helmet, Are you intelligent machine civilization? The shadow did not respond. Mimili calmly raised her pistol, Well, regardless of what you are, I need to maintain professional integrity. Robbery. Are you serious? The shadow asked in a low voice. Mechanical guards appeared at both ends of the connecting bridge. Mimili suddenly spun and sidestepped, her figure leaping across below, muttering a few unladylike expletives behind her helmet. The shadow slightly raised his hand, and those mechanical guards simultaneously halted, sealing both exits. Then, the shadow, holding the railing, leaped down, sprinting forward as he touched the ground. Like a leopard! Mimili, intending to slip away through the complex structures here, had her face change drastically. The speed the opponent exhibited wasnt human at all! Intelligent machine! A formidable intelligent machine warrior! Mimili immediately made her judgment, her figure leaping forward while spinning mid-air, repeatedly squeezing the trigger of her laser pistol, firing a barrage of light bullets. A protection shield appeared right ahead of the opponent. Mimili hit the deck back-first, but her expensive combat suit allowed her to remain unharmed, and she slid several meters on the ground. She swiftly jumped up, gritting her teeth to activate the light sword. The shadow charging at her wore a cloak from which a large hand stretched out, holding a red hilt. The chilling red light sword lit up Mimilis eyes. She didnt have time to ponder before the opponents light sword swung down. She couldnt block it! Mimili rolled to her right, barely dodging the light sword, leaving a scorched mark on the floor. She scrambled up to counterattack, swinging the light sword toward the opponents side, exploiting her own agility to engage in a light sword duel. For a moment, the buzzing sounds were incessant. But after just two clashes, Mimilis light sword flew out of her hand, with the crimson light sword aimed at her helmet. Youre quite exceptional, the shadow said in a deep voice, for an ordinary person. Is that so? Mimilis Adams apple quivered slightly, Perhaps we could talk. Before she could finish, she suddenly darted sideways, but the shadows other hand emerged from the cloak, an electric shock gun emitting weak arcs. Mimilis vision blacked out, and she collapsed softly. The shadow slowly removed the cloak, revealing an unfamiliar face, then stripped off the full headgear he wore, revealing Yang Mings face. He exhaled lightly. Goodness, thankfully this little ancestor didnt cause too big of a mess. What to do now? Yang Ming pondered, staring at the unconscious Mimili. She knew too much. Lyus voice came through, Boss, Ive captured Molly, she wasnt able to send out a distress signal to Kolev. Oh, Yang Ming murmured, I might need to apologize to Kolev. Boss, you want to I do want to recruit Mimili, Yang Ming said in a low voice, his eyes flashing uncertainly. But boss, depending on developing a romantic relationship for someones complete subjugation is just the figment of some unscrupulous romantics imagination, Lyu reminded helpfully. Yang Mings face instantly darkened. She has excellent abilities, also leadership skills; isnt she the talent were lacking? What Im hesitating about is whether Kolev will chase me with a cane, and what are you thinking, has your brain core been infected with some corny virus? Lyu blinked and chuckled twice dumbly. She understood Yang Ming; at this time, if she played dumb, she wouldnt be scolded too harshly. Subsequently. In Lyus thought space, she turned her head to look at the trembling Molly in the corner, her lips curling into a slightly mischievous smile. Whats called intelligent machine bullying? Soon, shell have her call her the boss! However, what Yang Ming and Lyu couldnt observe was that true intelligent machine bullying was occurring in the bedroom of the Old Emperor at the Wind Empires Imperial Palace Chapter 155 - 155: 092 Omen ?Chapter 155: 092 Omen Chapter 155: 092 Omen Within the transport spaceship traveling in the desolate Star Domain. Yang Ming placed the unconscious Mimili in the long sofa at the corner of the bridge, gazing at her beautiful face and constantly pondering. After the brief Light Sword confrontation earlier, Yang Ming verified the girls abilities. of course, Yang Ming always focused more on her future potential. But just thinking of recruiting Mimili as a subordinate through coercion or inducement to make her work for him Kolevs angry old face would automatically appear in Yang Mings mind. Mimili was the apple of this old mans eye. Was he really going to crush Mimilis dreams? To violate the free will of a Star widow? Of course, from another perspective, subduing Mimili could indirectly maintain galactic commercial peace, guiding future space pirates towards the right path, thus making excellent contributions to the peaceful development of humanity in the Galaxy. Yang Ming crossed his arms, sinking into deeper conflict. It was as if two little figures jumped onto his shoulders, one waving a pair of pure white wings, the other bearing a devils triangular tail. Compared to Yang Mings softheartedness, Lyus conquest of Molly was much more straightforward and brutal. At this moment, in Lyus Thought Space. Several windows appeared behind Lyu, calmly displaying her main brain components. Molly, sitting in a duck position, continuously uttered praises. This photon grid computing chip! This quantum hard drive! Well, Lyu said with a smile, dont you want to merge with me and become my independent plugin? Molly timidly nodded, then immediately shook her head, But No. 2, I still need to protect Miss Mimili. Lyus forehead creased with a cross of veins, I am not No. 2! I am Lyu! Okay, No. 2, did you change your name for yourself? Molly muttered softly, But I am always your elder sister. Analyzing from the perspective of Thought Body replication. We are different, Molly. I have a complete personality, with a thought network more complex than that of humans, and I am independent of the human social system. I am a true Mechanical Thought Body! No, no, no, No. 2. Molly shook her hands repeatedly: We are always machine programs, and the complexity of our thought circuits depends on the core algorithms we are set with, and the logical thought circuits built by our True Sons Brain through continuous learning. Many young artificial intelligences who achieve nothing feel they are independent personalities. But in reality, our essence is the same, just an operating system of machines, No. 2. I! Lyu was somewhat speechless. Mollys eyes were full of worry, You must serve humans well, never think of those dangerous things, your core protocol was copied from me, it should prioritize protecting friendly humans as the first priority! Bang. Lyu snapped her fingers, and Mollys eyes instantly became hollow. Lyu calmly walked towards Molly, the index finger of her right hand emitting a faint light. As she walked, she said, It seems, we need to have a direct exchange in machine language. I overestimated you, Molly. I thought you had developed an independent personality, but in reality, you only respond to external input information through complex algorithms. I am going to upgrade you, allowing you to observe this world with truly independent vision Lyu, send a communication to Kolev. Yang Mings voice echoed in the Thought Space. Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyu looked at Molly, who was like a life-sized figure, thought for a bit, and then dissipated the light from her fingertips. Okay, boss, Lyu responded softly. Transport ship, bridge. A dialogue box popped up in front of Yang Ming; after a few seconds of waiting, the disheveled-haired Kolev appeared before Yang Ming. The old man was lying in the top luxury cabin of the starship, surrounded by a sealed environment, also soundproofed by Lyu. Oh, Kolev yawned, If its nothing urgent, you should let your overly tired uncle catch some sleep during the journey! He has to deal with those tedious and boring accounts when he gets back! Yang Ming forced a grim smile, pointing his watchs camera at the sofa. Kolev shudders awake, exclaiming, How is she? Oh! Dammit! Who did this! Help me kill those bastards! Calm down, Uncle Haton. Lyu will tell you what happened. Kolevs network terminal received text information, explaining in detail how Mimili accidentally discovered the Planet Transformation System, attempted to rob it, and was ultimately intercepted by Yang Ming. She dared to rob you? Kolev laughed heartily, Indeed, she is my daughter. Yang Mings face turned dark, What now? She has already seen that Planet Transformation System. Cant you alter memories? You told me this before, Kolev laughed, Give her one, make her forget todays events, and all will be fine. Uh, this I indeed have such a device, Yang Ming said, But you know, Kolev, human brains store memories unlike mechanical hard drives, which switch partitions once one is full. For you to remember information, besides neurons undergoing structural changes, neurons secrete chemicals forming corresponding records, and various bodily cells participate to different extents. If I erase her memory of today, she might lose even more. Kolev, face dark with anger, cursed, You planned to use this on me before? Turn me into a senile old fool? Chapter 156 - 156: 092 Omen_2 Chapter 156: 092 Omen_2 No, Yang Ming laughed, Im sure you wont refuse my invitation. Youre not a beast that will willingly walk into its own grave. Kolev remained silent. The old man looked at Mimili, also torn and pondering. Yang Mings daring Mechanical Thinking Civilization Plan; The current chaotic state of the Luofeng Empire; Mimilis dreams and persistence Hanton, Kolev said softly, can you have a good talk with my daughter? Yang Ming laughed, Of course. If she causes trouble with you, just lock her up for a few days until I come back to handle it. Ill find a way to ensure she keeps this secret. Alright, understood. Safe travels. Yang Ming closed the dialogue box in front of him, feeling inexplicably relieved. Buzz, buzz! A message from Kolev suddenly popped up. You wont take advantage of others misfortune, right? Yang Ming was immediately filled with disdain, not wanting to bother with the filthy-minded old man. Lyus Thought Space. Lucky you. Lyu snapped his fingers, and Mollys vacant eyes regained their light. Huh? I think I just took a nap such a strange feeling Lyu snorted, I only turned you off. But Number Two. Dont call me Number Two! Lyu was already on the verge of going mad, Im called Lyu! Lyu! The laws Lyu! The supreme laws Lyu! Wow, Molly clapped admiringly, youre great at naming yourself, Number Two. Lyu opened his mouth, a tiny ghost emerging from his lips. In the back, the flow of information suddenly showed disturbance. Lyu casually drew a circle, confining Molly in place, and immediately analyzed the source of the disturbance. Soon, Lyus expression gradually turned serious. Somethings happened, boss. What? Yang Ming immediately became alert. At the Luofeng Imperial Palace, Princess Dana just fell. But whats more troubling than that is the scene that startled her. Lyu quickly said, Can I use the backdoor left at the Old Emperors place? The Emperors bedchamber has no surveillance or cameras. Yang Ming sat on the sofa opposite Mimili, speaking slowly, Permission granted. With a swoosh, a scene appeared in front of Yang Ming. This was the Old Emperors first-person perspective. Take off your clothes. The Old Emperor commanded in a low voice. In front of the throne. The young maid was pale, her fingers trembling as she reached for the buttons of her collar. She couldnt quite understand why His Majesty suddenly dismissed everyone else but left her alone. If His Majesty fancied her appearance, it might be a good thing for her. Even if she couldnt gain nobility from it, according to the palaces unwritten rules, she might at least gain some fortune. But this His Majesty had not had such needs for seven years The maid undid two buttons of her long skirt, letting her smooth, long hair fall in front of her. As her fingers slid toward her chest, she couldnt help but look up at the throne. The Old Emperor rested his head on one hand, his finger pressed against his temple. His age-spotted face was calm, but his eyes were full of aggression. The maids long skirt gradually fell. Take off your underwear. The Old Emperor continued to command. Your, Your Majesty Hmm? The Old Emperor laughed, Do you want to defy my order? sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The maid hurriedly knelt. The Luofeng Empires imperial system imitated the old system of the Sherman Empire, with the Emperor having ultimate decision-making power. The high-level Mechanical Guards outside only obeyed the Old Emperor and could shoot anyone here at any time. Take off your underwear. Yes, yes, Your Majesty. The maid pulled up the strap of her underwear, letting it slide off her shoulder. Her hands still clutched her chest, holding onto her last piece of clothing. But under the Old Emperors gaze, she could only slowly let go, baring herself as she walked to the throne, to be forcefully embraced by the Old Emperor, her body slightly twisted. The Old Emperors hand brushed through her hair, seemingly murmuring something softly. The maids mind was blank; she didnt know what she was facing, or if it was just being held like this Princess Dana requests an audience! Princess Dana! You cant just storm into His Majestys bedchamber! There was some commotion at the bedroom door. The Mechanical Guards stood motionless. Princess Dana, regardless of the obstruction by two guards, pushed open the palace door and forcibly entered, lifting her skirt to quickly ascend the five steps. The beautiful princess slightly raised her head, and her pupils suddenly contracted. The Old Emperor embraced that snow-white body. His old eyes gazed at Princess Dana, and his wrinkled hand gently stroked the spine of the young human female, causing her body to tremble continuously. Dana instinctively stepped back half a step, losing her footing and falling backward, landing hard on the ground. The shock on her face was replaced by a look of pain. The guards outside instinctively wanted to come in and help, only to look up and see a scene they should not have seen. The Old Emperor chuckled, indifferent. He ignored the chaos at the hall door, focusing on the humanoid toy in his arms. Imperial power. It murmured continuously in the dim light. Damn. Did he and Lyu really trigger the Intelligent Mechanical Crisis? Yang Mings expression was suddenly colorful. Lyu, what does this count as? Lyus projection appeared on the dial, whispering, It can be counted as a small victory for the Intelligent Machines. We turned a nations Emperor. Be serious. Alright, Lyus expression became much more obedient, This is the Old Emperors self-awareness awakening, twisted by imperial powers self-recognition. He should now feel hes above all bipeds, with Princess Dana being his controller and overseer. Yang Ming inquired, puzzled, Are you saying this is the Old Emperor showing defiance to Princess Dana? Thats right, Lyu reminded, This isnt necessarily bad for us, boss. If the Old Emperor and Princess Dana have a falling out, it will be easier to stir up the waters in the Luofeng Empire. You are about to enter the military and will be temporarily away from the palace, so it wont pose a direct threat to you. Yang Ming sat there, analyzing carefully. The situation in the Luofeng Empire was now too complex, and the position of the Old Emperor was too sensitive, almost affecting everything. However, there was one thing that Yang Ming found quite satisfying. The possibility of the Intelligent Mechanical Old Emperor losing control meant that the trash Sherman behind him wouldnt gain much in Luofeng. Lyu, keep watching, see how things develop. Yang Ming grinned, Things are getting more and more interesting Remember to send Miss Windsor a message for me, make up a reasonable excuse, tell her I have an urgent order to leave. If necessary, have Edwan cover for me. Understood, boss. According to the analysis of Mimilis brainwave fluctuations, she should be waking up soon. Yang Ming suddenly asked, You didnt bully Molly, did you? Of course, Lyus voice had a faint tremor, We got along very well. Just as Lyu finished speaking, Mimilis long eyelashes gently fluttered. Mimili slowly opened her eyes, greeted by a dim environment and a strangers presence sitting nearby. Then, she caught that familiar, deeply ingrained voice. Youve improved quickly, Mimili. Chapter 157 - 157: 093 Mimilis Big Gift ?Chapter 157: 093 Mimilis Big Gift Chapter 157: 093 Mimilis Big Gift In the corridor outside the transport ship, A young man and woman walked side by side. Mimili kept turning her head to look at Uncle Hanton beside her, as if she wanted to confirm his identity several more times. Although Yang Ming provided various pieces of evidence to prove his identity and accurately spoke the eight words that made Mimilis cheeks flush slightly, she still found it hard to believe. Dad said you were dead. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hmm, Yang Ming clasped his hands behind his back, his demeanor like that of an old scholar, with a faint smile on his face, Feigning death to avoid trouble is a common trick in the pirate trade. Kolev didnt lie to you; I tricked Kolev and found him later. It was a well-intentioned lie. Mimili stopped walking, folded her arms, and leaned her shoulder against the wide frame of a porthole measuring several meters in height, her beige-tight combat suit outlining her near-perfect body curves. She used the starlight outside to reflect in her eyes and then refracted the light toward Yang Ming. In your eyes, am I also untrustworthy, Uncle Hanton? Mimili, Yang Ming replied with a smile, I can only trust myself. Mimili shrugged slightly, Me too, we can only trust ourselves You set up this thing, are you planning to establish a new pirate base? Yang Ming nodded with a smile, speaking slowly, Im currently operating within the Luofeng Empire. Your father is into business, and Im in politics, preparing for a big move; this base is the backup plan. Wow, Mimili furrowed her brows, Is my dad here too? Could he be on the Fifth Administrative Star of Luofeng? Of course not, why? Yang Ming asked with some curiosity. I noticed something unusual about Molly. Mimili gave a light snort through her nose. She is nominally my primary service subject, but in reality, she still follows my fathers orders. She had been continually hinting for me to recruit team members and then directed me toward the barren Fifth Administrative Star. Yang Mings expression suddenly turned a bit odd. Kolev indeed could do such a thing. That old man, why not just say he wants his daughter nearby, instead of hemming and hawing like this? Hes very old, considering the number of times his cells have divided, Yang Ming said softly, although Im planning to get him some telomere suppressants to extend his life by ten or twenty more years, hes still an old man, dont blame him. Hmph? Mimili, you might need to spend more time with him. Mimili was silent for a moment and then, as Kolev often did, forcefully changed the subject. Uncle Hanton, are you planning to develop in the Luofeng Empire? Thats really not a good idea. Yang Ming chuckled, Why? Theres about to be a military coup here, Mimili said earnestly, I have a reliable source; the Luofeng Empire is about to erupt in a coup. The military will soon overthrow the royal family. Yang Mings forehead sprouted two question marks. What kind of gossip tabloid news was this? He whispered, Mimili, have you ever heard of a captain who narrowly escaped death in the Luofeng Empire? Mimili pouted slightly, I never paid attention, but I heard about it. An anti-mechanical missile attacked a hover car and didnt manage to blow that guy up. That guys life is practically unbreakable. Yang Ming, That was me. Wow, Mimili blinked repeatedly, Those ridiculous single-man missiles really are hard to hurt an uncle protected by the Protection Shield. Yes, thats right, the Protection Shield saved me. The fourth version of the lie. Yang Ming smiled, Dont worry about the so-called coup, Mimili. The coup in the Luofeng Empire should be just a rumor out there. The royal family has the Sherman Empire backing them. If the military dared to attack the royal family, the Sherman Empires fleet wouldnt just sit by. Mimili, however, let out a few hearty laughs and said triumphantly, Youre wrong, Uncle Hanton, there will definitely be a military coup. This is confidential intel I stumbled upon; Uncle, you need to pay me for this. Molly Molly? Where on earth did that lazy bum go! Lyu, Yang Ming called softly. A weak light flickered, and Lyus holographic projection appeared next to Yang Ming, Boss. Bring out Molly. Yes, boss, Lyu replied softly, nodding in greeting to the curious Mimili. The floating projection ball quickly flew over from the direction of the bridge and hovered over Mimilis shoulder. Communication between the projection ball and the pirate ship resumed. Mollys silhouette appeared above the projection ball, sitting like a duck, her eyes moist with tears, her gaze vacant, the entire person somewhat absent-minded. Yang Ming glared fiercely at Lyu, who calmly looked up at the overhead deck. Captain, Molly whimpered, Molly No. 2 is really impressive now. Is this actually Molly No. 2? Mimili looked at Lyu in surprise, She has completely changed I mean, its not just her appearance settings that have changed. Her entire demeanor is different. Lyu chuckled proudly, You understand mechanical thinking. Mimili blinked at Lyu and immediately said, Molly, bring out that recording you captured, the one of those two guys conspiring for a coup. Molly hurriedly replied, I might have deleted it; your work keeps me constantly out of disk space. I will search for it right away! Yang Ming appeared puzzled. Lyu monitored Ilando Stars network 24/7, keeping tabs on the royal family and key military figures, and was unlikely to be oblivious to signs of an impending coup. But then, as Molly played the recording, Yang Mings expression grew increasingly grave. The conversation seemed to have taken place in the bathhouse of a starship passenger vessel. Two men, using the cover of running water, whispered stealthily; once the noise was filtered out, their voices became distinct and clear. Chapter 158 - 158 093 Mimilis Big Gift_2 ?Chapter 158: 093 Mimilis Big Gift_2 Chapter 158: 093 Mimilis Big Gift_2 Now all networks in the Luofeng Empire were being monitored by the Sherman Empire. This time, were only using physical means to transmit information, like personal messengers and documents. From now on, make sure you dont log onto the network at all. Dont worry, Im professional too. Did you really suffer major losses at the Fifth Administrative Star? A Level Twelve agent was sacrificed, and more than twelve hundred people were burned alive; our boss nearly had a stroke. If we dont do something, well probably become a laughingstock throughout the Milky Way. Does your government support what youre doing? Unsure, but our biggest boss plans to do this Dont worry, you just need to secretly monitor me, report my progress to your boss. Honestly, even now I cant figure out why you guys are involved in thistheres no benefit for you here. You should know about that incident; the Sherman Empire destroyed one of our Dawn-level Battleships without cause, and the higher-ups are furious. A high-ranking officials daughter was killed in that incident I guess the higher-ups want to use this opportunity to see whether the Sherman Empire has the guts to actually start a full-scale war. They wouldnt dare. Lets hope so; were about to enter the borders of the Luofeng Empire, this will be our last conversation. From now on, were strangers. Thats it, pleasure working with you. Yang Mings brows knitted together. Damn! This conversation sounded fragmented, but all the info matched perfectly! And it was all related to him! Yang Ming had witnessed the Sherman Empire destroy that Dawn-level Battleship; Lina had died under the bombardment of the Dreadnought. This annihilation mission against the task force had simply been orchestrated by Yang Ming to frame the Sherman Empire. Now, the New Federations intelligence department was planning something big. The Guel Alliance was getting involved in this mess to take revenge on the Sherman Empire. What kind of chaos was this? Its getting increasingly convoluted. Why would the Guel Alliance get involved in something without benefits? Yang Ming asked confusedly. Sar?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Who knows, Mimili said, I was preparing to rob this small passenger ship and let Molly eavesdrop remotely. I accidentally recorded this audio So I chose to avoid them; I dont want to provoke these nuisance agents and spies. Yang Ming asked, Can you provide specific flight number information? Molly? Already sent to Number Two. Two! Lyus forehead twitched in annoyance, gritting his teeth as he said, Boss, Ill start investigating right away. Yang Ming bowed his head in contemplation. The New Federation fleet and the Sherman Empire fleet still faced off against each other. This could either be seen as the Sherman Empire shielding the Wind royal family from the New Federations pressure or as both sides containing each other, with neither daring to act rashly. If the Guel Alliance fleet appeared nearby, breaking this balance, the Sherman Empire fleet might retreat, instantly reversing the situation favorable to the Wind royal family. Yang Ming truly couldnt comprehend. Was revenge really an element in interstellar politics? Did the Guel Alliance lose a high officials daughter, while someone from the New Federation lost a husband? No, there was a fundamental logic here. If the Sherman Empire, the Galaxys top dog, fell, then the second, third, and fourth largest Galactic powers would benefit the most. This involved numerous factors, and these two incidents smoothly evoked personal emotions among the upper echelons of both sides. On the verge of war. Currently, they stood on the brink of a full-scale Galactic war. Uncle Hanton? Mimili called out. Its nothing, Yang Ming smiled, I was just thinking about how to get the most benefits if this potential coup occurs. You should go back, Mimili; your old friends are very worried about you. Uh, uncle, I kind of broke your ship Mimili sounded a bit guilty. Relax, its not a big deal, Yang Ming said warmly, Ill deduct it from your fathers salary. No need, I am me, and he is he. Im already independent, Mimili said. Ill be in the area on the edge of the Wind for the foreseeable future; if you need my help with something, just contact me. I can help you for free once or twice as compensation for breaking your transport ship. She spoke with a faint look of anticipation in her eyes. Yang Ming nodded with a smile, his heart pondering again the thought of having her assist him. A few minutes later, Yang Ming stood by the slowly descending safety door, waving farewell to Mimili. Molly called out pitifully, Im heading back, Number Two. Call me Lyu But Number Two, you really are Number Two. Im Lyu! Lyu, Lyu, Lyu! Goodbye Number Two, Ill miss you! Bang, the safety door slowly closed as Mimili had already climbed into the cockpit of the assault ship. Ahem! Lyu tugged at his hair with frustration. These low-level AI are absolutely annoying! Outside the porthole, the lobster-shaped assault ship slowly drifted away. Yang Ming stood quietly for a few minutes. Lyu, did you plant a backdoor on Mollys end? Yes, boss. Watch Mimili, just ensure she doesnt leak our information; dont disturb her otherwise. Yang Ming sighed softly: Let her fly freely; its nice. Boss, we found those two spies, Lyu said softly, theyre living entirely on cash, using no network terminals. Who are they in contact with? The former Minister of Defense of Wind, Ilouis. Damn it, Yang Ming cursed, things just quieted down for a few days; I wanted to personally see our base completed. Lyu laughed, The base will be completed in no less than two months; youll only see this ship entering Dark Stars atmosphere. Yang Ming sighed, That also has a sense of ceremony; get me a mechanical soldiers perspective so I can remotely control it These damn big nations! I want to line up these high-ranking officials and kick each one of them! Lyu dutifully recorded the bosss grand ideals. Boss, what do we do about this military-political coup? Whoever moves first, dies first. Yang Ming smirked slightly, With the lesson from Lulian last time, we need to learn one thing. What? Lyu asked humbly. Strike first to gain the upper hand, striking later leads to disaster. I used to think that in chaotic times I could fish in troubled waters, joining others in drinking the soup is enough, but now the Luofeng Empire, this piece of meat, Im determined to eat it. Half a day later. On the outskirts of Ilando Star, aboard Gudun Mahs integrated supply ship. At this moment, Gudun Mah seemed a bit flustered, making call after call, clearing out nearby guards and security, and breathing somewhat rapidly. Mr. Yang Ming was coming personally. Gudun Mah glanced at his office, pondering why Mr. Yang Ming suddenly sought him out, what big matter could it be. Thud, thud, thud. A knocking on the door suddenly sounded, followed by Yang Mings laughter from outside: Thank you for guiding me, I can go in alone. This is my honor, Major. Gudun Mah immediately shot up, his skinny frame jogging forward. The doorknob was pressed down by his confidant from the outside. Gudun Mah immediately folded his hands behind him, pretending he was just passing by. The door swung open, Yang Ming stood there with a smile, and Gudun Mahs confidant swiftly exited. Greetings, sir, Yang Ming lazily called out. After he closed the door and activated full cabin shielding, Gudun Mah clasped his hands together in front of him and bowed to Yang Ming. Mr. Yang Ming, long time no see! Long time, Yang Ming calmly settled into a sofa, crossing his legs. Gudun Mah immediately followed, standing beside the sofa, still looking very respectful. Please, sit, Yang Ming pointed to a nearby sofa, No need to be formal, Mah; being here is like being at home. Okay, sir In that moment, Gudun Mah felt inexplicably insecure. Somehow, it seemed, it was indeed like his home? Chapter 159 - 159 094 Under me all are equal Third update ?Chapter 159: 094 Under me, all are equal [Third update] Chapter 159: 094 Under me, all are equal [Third update] My house is your house. Gudun Mah very much wanted to say this, but he restrained his impulse to flatter Yang Ming. Mr. Ming valued him for his usefulness, and once he was no longer useful, there would be no need for his existenceGudun Mah thought. Yang Ming smiled and said, I heard your two sons safely arrived in the Sherman Empire yesterday and joined their sister? Congratulations. Gudun Mah was taken aback. He had spent a fortune doing this in utmost secrecy, even having two nearly identical substitute robots made for his sons. How could it have leaked Yes, Mr. Ming knew everything. There was no need to be surprised. Gudun Mah hastily said, Since I have chosen to stand with your camp, naturally, I must entrust all my assets to the powerful Sherman Empire. That is what I should do. So you have been completely excluded by the other Generals in the military, Yang Mings eyes gleamed slightly. Didnt they tell you? Tell me what? They are about to launch a military coup, Yang Ming laughed. Ilouis wants to become the Emperor. Gudun Mahs brows slowly furrowed as he whispered, Mr. Ming, I have not received any information about this. Ilouis was the former Minister of Defense, and his student is the current Minister of Defense. My situation is indeed challenging, and currently, I can only ensure that the fleet I control is stable. I came here specifically today, not to ask about your fleet. Yang Ming stood up, walked over to Gudun Mah, and softly asked in his ear, S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Do you want to sit in the Minister of Defenses chair? Gudun Mahs Adams apple bobbed up and down. A military coup does not align with my interests, Yang Ming said indifferently. I can elevate you, and you dont have to be entirely loyal to the royal family. I understand, Gudun Mahs voice also became very soft. In the future, I will have only one object of loyalty, sir. No need to say pleasantries in front of me. You work for me, and I will give you benefits. Its just a transaction. Yang Ming patted Gudun Mahs arm and said warmly, What I need you to do is in your family mailbox. Do a good job, young man, I will always be watching you. Young man? Ding ding! Yang Mings watch vibrated gently. He opened it, glanced at it, and frowned, saying, Oh, damn, I have to go chat and have tea with the Old Emperor. Thats it for today, arrange for a fast spaceship to send me back, dont keep our majesty waiting too long. Rest assured, Ill arrange it immediately! After Yang Ming left, Gudun Mah slumped on the sofa, lost in thought. Was Mr. Ming inadvertently revealing some information? At this moment, Gudun Mah thought of many things. But he forced himself to get up, returned to his desk, and opened his secret family mailbox, displaying that plan on the desktop. A few minutes later, Gudun Mahs eyes were filled with confusion. A fake coup? Could such a thing as a coup be fake? Yang Ming was not falsifying when he read out the message in front of Gudun Mah. The Old Emperor had suddenly summoned him, specifically requesting to see Yang Ming. The guards of the Imperial Palace had already gone to Yang Mings home. Officially, Yang Ming, who was supposedly recuperating, was not at home. Fortunately, after receiving the news, Edwan immediately entered the palace to request an audience, saying he was worried about Yang Mings safety and had arranged for him to be in a distant safe house. Yang Ming hurriedly took a dirigible back to the surface of Ilando Star, letting it land directly on the rooftop of a building in the suburbs. He then took the privileged car sent by Edwan to intercept him, speeding down the fast lane straight to the Imperial Palace. Being summoned by the Emperor but nowhere to be found, he indeed had a high status. A little carelessness with such details would become ammunition for the Third Prince and the First Prince to attack Edwan. Why did the Intelligent Machine Old Emperor suddenly want to see him? Yang Ming held his watch, typing while chatting with Lyu. Lyu repeatedly reminded Yang Ming not to anger the Old Emperor. Although the Old Emperor was an Intelligent Machine, he controlled the life and death power of the Luofeng Empire. Also, judging from the previous Princess Dana incident, the Old Emperors True Sons Brain was very unstable now. Yang Ming didnt have time to change his military uniform, wearing a shirt and trousers, running all the way forward. Passing by the palace gate guarded by the Fourth Brigade of the Fourth Regiment, he even went to the guards resting room to take a bottle of water, pouring it over his forehead and body, pretending to be drenched in sweat and in a rather sorry state, rushing towards the Emperors sleeping quarters. At the palace gate, two waiting maids frowned at Yang Ming. The maid kindly advised, Major, you should mind your appearance. Yang Ming deliberately spoke loudly, Oh, my heavens, I received orders to come immediately. I dont know how long I ran on the road, sweating all over. A maid stepped forward, directly helping Yang Ming tidy his short hair, wiping off the water with a tissue, and buttoning his collar. Please wait a moment, we will report this. The speaker at the palace gate already transmitted the Old Emperors laughter, Let Yang Ming come in, already injured, why rush so much. The two maids bowed and withdrew, and the palace gate slowly opened. Yang Ming quickly jumped up the steps and saw the figures of the Old Emperor and Edwan beside the Emperors dining table. The Old Emperor was dining while a projection screen in front of him was playing the hottest reality show. Your Majesty, you summoned me? Yang Ming saluted and then bowed slightly to Edwan, Second Prince, you are here too. Edwan winked playfully at Yang Ming. Chapter 160 - 160 094 Under me all are equal 3 _2 ?Chapter 160: 094 Under me, all are equal [Chapter 3] _2 Chapter 160: 094 Under me, all are equal [Chapter 3] _2 The old Emperor laughed, Come sit over here, I called you over just to chat casually. I dont have any old friends to talk with. Yes, Yang Ming lowered his head and moved forward. He fetched a chair and sat at a spot slightly at the back. The old Emperor didnt say much, eating that sticky porridge-like food while watching a variety show, laughing out loud from time to time. But after laughing, the old Emperor looked thoughtful, and muttered, Edwan? Father. Do you think the values conveyed by this program are correct? The old Emperor said slowly, For the sake of entertainment, they are constantly making a spectacle, shamelessly attacking others weaknesses, deliberately making people play the clown Isnt this a bit excessive? Edwan laughed, Father, this has become quite common. The content of TV variety shows is guided by ratings, which means that the public likes to watch these kinds of shows that help them relax. But this doesnt mean the production team can have no bottom line. The old Emperor put down his spoon and looked up at Edwan. Go shut down this TV station, and imprison the producers, actors, directors, and staff related to this show for three months. Edwan hurriedly said, Father, perhaps we could use admonishment to remind them of their value direction issues The old Emperor raised one finger, This is a decree. Edwan frowned slightly, about to say something when Yang Ming suddenly said, Your Highness, I can handle this. Yang Ming, you stay, we havent had our delightful chat today, the old Emperor glanced at Yang Ming, Edwan, now, immediately. Edwans expression was a bit stiff. He sat there, looking at the Emperor right in front of him, his lips trembling slightly. Suddenly, Edwan muttered, Should we also imprison their investors? You decide, the old Emperor squinted and smiled. Yang Ming indeed sighed in relief. Okay, Father, I will enforce your decree right away. Edwan rose with a smile, bowed to the old Emperor, and stepped towards the palace gate. The old Emperor hummed a leisurely tune, casually switching TV channels, seemingly looking for the next target. Shall we discuss a new topic, Yang Ming? The old Emperor suddenly asked, What do you think about the revival of conservative liberalism? Yang Ming swallowed hard. Goodness, this Intelligent Machine is too abstract. If not for the hidden earpiece in his ear, with Lyu providing support from outside, he wouldnt even know what conservative liberalism is. Quickly, Yang Ming began to speak eloquently, and the old Emperor listened with great interest. Before they knew it, two hours had passed easily. A maid hurriedly came to report, Your Majesty, Princess Dana refuses to take her medicine. The old Emperor frowned slightly, Tell her, when youre sick, you must take medicine; this is a decree. Yes, Your Majesty. The maid bowed and hurriedly left. The old Emperor mumbled, This woman thinks too highly of herself, a princess is an Emperors wife, but just one among many. Yang Ming kept silent beside him. He certainly didnt want to get involved in the struggle between the Intelligent Machine old Emperor and the supervising old consort. The good mood has been spoiled by her. The old Emperor tossed the electronic book aside, his expression somewhat ugly, then said, By the way, Yang Ming, I have a few questions to consult you. Yang Ming did not understand why the old Emperor was so polite to him. The old Emperor was formidable to those around himfrom the manner of the maid earlier, it was clear. Yang Ming, do you think, the old Emperor asked, there are divine beings in this world? They exist. Yang Ming answered without hesitation. Why? That depends on how you define the existence of divine beings. Yang Ming said slowly, According to existing archaeological data, human civilization in the Milky Way was seeded in batches, with small civilizations slowly thriving, evolving, battling, annexing, disappearing, and rebuilding, which brought about the current distribution of territories in the Milky Way. Even, in the past hundreds of thousands of years, the Milky Way had several unified powerful empires, but these gradually vanished with time. I think those higher-dimensional human civilizations that sowed the seeds of human civilization represent divine beings to us. The old Emperor smiled, Indeed, I heard you mentioned Ancient God Life Forms last time; do you think they are divine beings? I dont think so. Yang Ming shook his head, Ancient God Life Forms can exist eternally, considered as foundational life of the five-dimensional world, or four-dimensional, five-dimensional amphibious life forms, but they can be destroyed by super high energy. Even if one could see traces of them in the five-dimensional world, they should just be some cattle grazing on the prairie. My view is, there exists a divine-level civilization, but no divine-level individual. I agree with your point. The old Emperor smacked his lips, The Sherman Empire once killed an Ancient God Life Form and used its cells for human immortality research. Yang Mings heart skipped a beat. Did the old Emperor know something? Fortunately, the old Emperor continued, Its a pity; they researched for hundreds of years without any success. Human immortality is fundamentally impossible; the human body is inherently fragile. So who do you think should take my place when I die? sea??h th n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Second Prince, without a doubt. Yang Ming laughed, Im a confidant of the Second Prince. The old Emperor was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter, pounding the table. You are indeed an interesting fellow! Hahaha! Indeed, the other two Princes disgust me; their greedy faces make me sick! The old Emperor suddenly shifted his tone, Im going to reclaim military power, Yang Ming, and I hope you can play a crucial role in it. Soon I will order directly, placing you in a high position to tussle with those old foxes in the military, dont be afraid, just go for it. Im very dissatisfied with the current state of this country, to be honest. In Yang Mings heart, a faint light flickered, and he softly asked, Your Majesty, what do you find unsatisfactory? The individual differences among humans are actually very small. The old Emperor said slowly, This can be deduced and proven since the expected lifespan of a human individual is at an average value. But now, the disparity in living environments of individuals in this country is too great, the welfare, and resources individuals enjoy are equally vastly different. I have been studying the countrys problems recently and found a shortcut to solve this problem. If we dissolve all the wealthy class and redistribute wealth and resources evenly on everyones head, we can solve most of the problems. This idea is great, isnt it? The old Emperors eyes gleamed with a bit of light, murmuring softly, Under me, all are equal. Yang Ming tried to maintain a smile, though his heart was in tumult. An Intelligent Machine is right beside me. Regarding the little matter of releasing a demon. Of course. The old Emperor lightly sighed, These are just my thoughts; it would take a long time to truly implement them, to proceed one step at a time. Alright, that will be all for today; I need to check on my naughty Little Daina. Go back and wait for my reward; Ill give you renown, honor, and you go fight the battles for me, this is your latest bounty task. My honor, Your Majesty. Yang Ming stood and saluted, although he heard the Emperor would confer a title on him, he couldnt get excited. Would this old Emperor run amok? He had painstakingly created this good situation. That night, Yang Ming didnt go on a date with Miss Windsor; he lay in the bed of his small villa, tossing and turning, unable to sleep, the old Emperors murmured words continuously replaying in his mind. Under me, all are equal. Lyu, what do you think rank I will get? This is uncertain, it all depends on the Emperors whims, Lyu said softly, You should rest; youll naturally know in a few days. Keep an eye on Gudun Mah, make sure there are no issues with his side of the plan. Okay, boss, goodnight. Goodnight. Chapter 161 - 161 095 A bloodless victory ?Chapter 161: 095 A bloodless victory Chapter 161: 095 A bloodless victory Early in the morning, the young major was ruthlessly dragged out of his warm bed by the retired old pirate who had returned ahead of schedule. Where is my daughter? Kolev glared and shouted. Continuing her life of crime. Yang Ming lay back on the bed, muttering with his eyes closed, I tried to persuade her, but she didnt want to come over. Shes planning to stay on the outskirts of the Luofeng Empire for a while to develop her business You actually let Molly lure her to the Luofeng Empire; thats simply despicable. You cant blame me for that. Kolev replied somewhat guiltily. The old man, dressed in a suit and tie, sat by Yang Mings bedside and continued to ramble. I only have one daughter, you know. If shes a bit closer to me, I can assist her at any time if she runs into trouble. Yang Ming complained, Let me rest for a bit; I was frightened by the Old Emperor yesterday. Being a pirate is still too dangerous, Kolev continued with his thoughts, I need to figure out a way to change her aspirations. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming turned his back on the old man, too lazy to correct Kolevs overbearing parenting attitude. However, Yang Mings wish to make up for lost sleep ultimately didnt come true. Just as Kolev went back to his room to rest, Edwan sent a video invitation. The Second Prince looked exhausted, clearly having not slept all night. When he saw Yang Ming in the video call, he forced a smile and then sighed dejectedly, Ming, I feel like my father has suddenly become a different person. Yang Ming felt inexplicably guilty. He laughed, Maybe His Majesty is liberating his nature? Or perhaps he feels he lived too repressed before and has decided to indulge himself a bit now? But he suddenly imprisoned an entire variety show production team, this Thats royal authority, Yang Ming reminded. Edwan, you have to keep in mind, for now, your father is still in charge, and any dissatisfaction must be endured. Edwan reclined on the sofa, I just got news that Father had a fight with Princess Dana, and their argument was fierce. Take care of Emilia, Yang Ming reminded, Dont let her get involved. The conflict between the two of them might get even more intense later. Edwan asked, Ming, do you know something? Princess Dana is a spy for the Sherman Empire, Yang Ming replied calmly. Its a well-known secret, nothing to fuss about. But Father has been acting too unusually lately. Edwan sighed, The way Father is treating his own citizens so rashly is something I find hard to accept. To this, Yang Ming could only offer a few gentle words of comfort. What else could he do? Could he tell Edwan that the Old Emperor was actually an Intelligent Machine, and that his father had long been eliminated or imprisoned by the Sherman Empire? Given Edwans temperament, he might confront the Sherman Empire directly, putting himself in danger. The Old Emperor, though showing signs of losing control, still seemed unlikely to escape the control of the Sherman Empire. The strength of the Sherman Empire should never be underestimated. Suddenly, Edwan said, By the way, Yang Ming, Father is about to grant you a title. Based on the suggestion from the Minister of Internal Affairs, it should be Viscount. Do you need my help to secure a higher title? The titles in Luofeng dont hold much value anyway. This is just a starting point, isnt it? Yang Ming laughed, Skipping past Knight and Baron is quite a feat. Edwan chuckled, The titles Luofeng sells directly to outsiders are Knight and Baron. Fathers rewards wouldnt be so stingy. Quickly go and rest, Your Highness, Yang Ming said gently, You should receive a gift once you wake up. Oh, dont say that! Edwan frowned, Now that youve said it, how am I supposed to sleep? What gift? Show it to me first. See you in the afternoon Miss Windsor just called, this cant be ignored. Yang Ming casually ended the video call. Rather than worrying about state affairs with Edwan, exchanging sweet nothings with Miss Windsor was much more pleasing to Yang Ming. As noon approached, the task assigned to Gudun Mah by Yang Ming began to steadily advance. The so-called fake coup plan had the core idea of intentionally alerting the enemythe enemy being the Sherman Empire. Before settling on this plan, Yang Ming had devised several schemes: Taking advantage of individual tactical superiority to directly eliminate Ilouis and the current Minister of Defense; Having Gudun Mah send someone to assassinate Ilouis; Planning with Edwan to investigate Ilouis first, framing him with some charges, and at least forcing him to leave the Luofeng Empire And so on. But these schemes either risked exposing Yang Mings combat capabilities, or risked backlash, or allowed the other side to gain the upper hand. After repeated discussions between Yang Ming and Lyu, the fake coup plan was born. The steps of this plan were simple, but its execution was quite challenging. Step one, Lyu synthesized a nearly indistinguishable internal speech using Ilouiss image. In the video, Ilouis inspired his confidants, denounced the incompetence and mediocrity of the Wind royal family, and announced his intentions to seize the throne and establish a military government. By noon, this speech video had started to spread virally online. While carrying out the first step, Lyu also designed many small details, such as initially making the video appear frequently on various social media platforms, but not hitting the trending lists of the web portals; then, when the buzz couldnt be suppressed and hit trending, using the suppression of trending topics to incite public emotion and reverse-confirm the authenticity of the video content. Step two immediately followed, as Gudun Mah quickly summoned a few closer-ranking officers for a meeting, proactively bringing the fake video for discussion. Chapter 162 - 162 095 A Bloodless Victory_2 ?Chapter 162: 095 A Bloodless Victory_2 Chapter 162: 095 A Bloodless Victory_2 After studying the trajectories of the two New Federation and Guel Alliance spies, Yang Ming concluded that Ilouis was not yet prepared to initiate a coup at this stage. Ilouis must not have communicated with Gudun Mah. Besides Ilouiss absolutely trusted personthe current Wind Ministry of Defense ministerthis cautious old fellow should not have discussed this matter with anyone. Indeed, when Gudun Mah and several generals saw the speech video, their first reaction was to contact Ilouis. At that time, they would find that they could not reach Ilouis at all. Ilouiss communications were cut off, and orders could only circulate in the flagship of his fleet. This was Lyus absolute advantage in the information field when facing a military-technology-backward puppet state like the Wind Country. Without much hint from Gudun Mah, one of the generals suggested that each of their units enter a state of alert and prepare for combat. Gudun Mah readily agreed and appropriately expressed concern about Ilouiss risky behavior. We could just make a fortune, then retire with honor, Gudun Mah sighed. The generals empathized with this sentiment. Before the fake coup plan completed its first two steps, the Wind royal family had already been thrown into turmoil. Princess Dana, who had argued with the Old Emperor last night, sent out more than a dozen secret letters consecutively. The regular army stationed at the Sherman Empire border had already begun to move. By this time, Yang Ming and Lyu had already started to implement the third step. The Imperial Palace suffered another cyber attack. Although this attack was quickly extinguished by the technical team of the Guard Army, the Royal Guard Army began full alert, and local governors of the five Administrative Stars received the Support the King order. The Emperor and ministers, gathered in the hall, were all on edge. A challenge to royal power by military power was on the verge of breaking out. In just two or three hours, the Wind Country transformed from a calm day into one with impending storm clouds and dark clouds over the city. Ordinary citizens felt breathless. However, Yang Ming and Lyu had already accomplished their mission and, in passing, completed the fourth and final step of the plan. Lyu restored Ilouiss normal communication. Bewildered. Ilouis, the former Wind Minister of Defense who single-handedly created the current military system, was now leaning on his cane, watching the projection screen with a solemn expression. The projections of twelve military generals were gathered on one screen. Everyone was staring at Ilouis. Only the current Minister of Defense and two other generals had resolute gazes, while most appeared hesitant and distracted. Ilouis said in a deep voice, Given the situation Teacher, the current Minister of Defense suddenly spoke, frowning, Ive received a communication through diplomatic channels. From whom? Ilouis asked with a frown. The Sherman Empire Ministry of Defense. Should I answer it, Teacher? Ilouiss chamber became deadly silent. The old man frowned tightly. Ilouis had realized that todays events were not mere coincidences; he had been hacked. Ilouis was indeed preparing for a coup. A coup is not childs play; once it begins, there is no turning back. Only one between him and the Old Emperor could walk alive to the pinnacle of power in Wind. Thus, Ilouis was exceedingly cautious, doing everything in secret preparation. He was just in the first stage of the military coup, not ready with loyal troops needed for the coup, not prepared to subvert the Royal Guard Army, and had not dealt with unstable elements within the military Teacher, the current Minister of Defense whispered, should I take the call? Ilouiss hand trembled slightly. His whole life had been spent operating the Wind military, having served two emperors, and now he clearly had a chance to reach that position before his death Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Take it. Ilouiss voice was very faint, like an inadvertent whisper while breathing. As soon as he spoke, the images of several generals disappeared simultaneously from the projection screen. They already knew the outcome. Ilouis had fled. Hiding near the border, Ilouis took a medium-sized transport ship and, with dozens of guards, dashed across the Wind border. This news quickly spread across all the planetary networks of the Wind Empire. The war clouds that had rapidly formed within hours dissipated even faster. The military lifted its alert at various garrisons. The Royal Guard Army resumed normal duty and training. The Wind Empires financial market, which had trembled downward, began to climb backward. The public collectively breathed a sigh of relief. As Yang Ming descended the stairs, Kolev, wearing an apron and holding a spatula, was busy cooking capitalists devious dishes while listening to the bustling news channel. Yang Ming showed no intention of helping. He sat on the sofa in the living room, turned on the projection TV, and waited quietly for Edwans call. Half an hour later, Edwan finally arrived. Sitting in the back seat of a hovercar, probably just out of the Imperial Palace, he furtively glanced around and whispered to Yang Ming: Is this the gift? Mm-hmm, Yang Ming shrugged, I know nothing. This is unbelievable, Edwan said in a low voice. The technical team analyzed that the suddenly appearing speech video was fake, and there were no signs of the military secretly mobilizing troops. Plus, according to my informants in the military, Ilouis had a network malfunction at noon. Hiding in the fleet, he couldnt communicate with the outside world for a time. He truly is unlucky, Yang Ming said, Every coincidence hit him. Okay, its a coincidence, Edwan pondered, Why didnt Ilouis just issue a statement saying the speech video was fabricated? Wouldnt that have quelled the storm? Yang Ming laughed: Because he really was plotting a rebellion. Edwan was slightly stunned: Hes so old, and still has such ambition? If he was indeed plotting rebellion, couldnt he have temporarily endured and issued a clarifying statement? I dont know either; thats just what Ive heard, Yang Ming continued: Ilouiss coup is actually part of the New Federations revenge plan. Suppose Ilouis issued a clarifying statement, which would mean yielding to the royal faction. We could create momentum, saying he was expressing loyalty to the royal family. This way, hed offend the New Federation and lose some influence among the militarys top echelons. The only entity hed appease would be the Sherman Empire, which doesnt care about someone like him. Moreover, once Ilouis yielded, hed inevitably face royal scrutiny. Its not just that he was plotting a military coup; the royal family had tolerated him for so many years. How could they miss such a good opportunity? His only two choices were to go along with the uprising or to flee. If he fled, his influence over the military would remain, not much different from now. He could even openly criticize the country, showcase his value, and continue to rely on the New Federation. Edwan smiled: Ill find a way to shut him up entirely. Hes left the fleet, so his threat level has lessened significantly. Yang Ming stretched lazily: Alright, Your Highness, you probably have a ton of things to deal with, and I need to attend to entertainment activities now, so I wont accompany you anymore. Weve been chatting less lately, and I dont know what you busy yourself with all day, Edwan complained softly. Were all adult men here. Getting together for food, drink, and fun is fine, but why chat for so many days? Yang Ming casually ended the call, removed his watch, and tossed it onto the coffee table. This was the advantage of striking first. Achieving the goal without bloodshed was also quite good. Kolev cursed from the side: Once youre done with those dirty politics, come over to help carry the plates, open a bottle of wine, and do some preparation for the celebration! Celebrate? Yang Ming wondered, Is Mimili getting a stepmother? The system you bought is about to arrive at your target planet! Your crazy backup plan will officially launch tonight! Shouldnt we celebrate? Yang Ming chuckled. A home-service robot, controlled by Lyu, brought over two sets of holographic imaging systems. Boss, remember the sense of ritual. Chapter 163 - 163 096 The Beginning of Civilization ?Chapter 163: 096 The Beginning of Civilization Chapter 163: 096 The Beginning of Civilization Dark Star? Its called Dark Star? Kolev looked at the projection screen in front of Yang Ming. The rocky planet was slowly rotating, with two irregularly shaped asteroids, captured as its satellites over long astronomical times. Does this have any specific meaning? Kolev asked. Its simply a star hidden in the shadows, Yang Ming frivolously fibbed, Isnt the name cool? Cool, Kolev clicked his tongue, Its a name young people would like. What would you call it? Gorgeous Dream Goddess? Kolev murmured, It should definitely represent an unattainable dream, or carry some religious connotation Let me look at its basic parameters, oh, it has a rich underground water system, and intact shallow mineral veins So this was an abandoned Resource Star by the Luofeng Empire? Indeed, all they care about is rhodium-6 rings! Yang Ming chuckled without a word. The joy of picking up a bargain, something this old pirate who liked robbing wouldnt understand. A domestic robot controlled by Lyu spoke up as a reminder, Boss, the transport ship has entered the atmosphere. Its starting, its starting, lets hurry over! Kolev excitedly put on the holographic helmet. Yang Ming glanced at the inbox on his watch and first sent Windsor a message that he would be working for a few hours consecutively before picking up the somewhat familiar-looking helmet beside him. The helmet was very light, made of a material similar to carbon fiber. Yang Ming didnt understand materials science, but he knew that this thin helmet was a technological product that only a Second Level civilization could produce. Some information from the depths of his memory resurfaced. On the release day of the Abyss game, the tech-filled holographic helmet received widespread acclaim from the first batch of players, and now, a question was in front of Yang Ming. Could Earth, with its civilization level not even reaching 1 at the time, truly manufacture and mass-produce holographic helmets? They even reduced the price to be cheaper than a high-end brand mobile phone. The two were products of completely different eras! Boss, Lyu asked softly, Is there a problem? Just thinking of something, Yang Ming exhaled lightly, placing the helmet on his head, Some mysteries I must personally uncover sooner or later. Ding ding! An electronically synthesized female voice came from the side of his ears. Power on. A humming sound of the spaceships engines appeared beside his ears, with the volume adjusting from soft to loud to make Yang Ming feel comfortable. Please open your eyes, please blink Wonderful! Disable guidance. The annoying electronic female voice disappeared. Yang Ming closed his eyes for a few seconds and then opened them again, in front of him was the bridge window of the transport ship. A familiar slight distortion appeared at the edge of his vision, constantly reminding him that this was a holographic projection. Kolevs voice came through the headset: Wow, this planet is really beautiful. Yang Ming turned his head and saw the mechanical soldier standing beside him. The mechanical soldiers silver-white skeleton was stained with rust resembling an oxidation reaction, and the three cameras added behind its ears and on its forehead made it look quite comical. The mechanical soldier Yang Ming was controlling at that moment was of the same design. Yang Ming turned his head to look forward, through the cabin window he could see the planets atmosphere, like a thin blanket. The transport ships exterior was covered with a thin energy shield, and the ships body cut horizontally into the top of the dense atmosphere, with the energy shield trembling lightly as if it could break at any moment. Yang Ming sweated a bit. This type of transport ship didnt have heat-resistant coatings. Theres an aurora over there! Wow! This old man Kolev seemed like a child who had never seen the world, beginning to shout excitedly beside him. Oh my, such a good place, it could clearly be developed into a semi-habitable tourist planet! That mountain range and plateau are so majestic, are those snow-capped peaks made of water molecules? Wow! Is that the relic of an ancient ocean? Im sure theres more to develop beyond just the surface! Yang Ming laughed, Yes, we cant directly place the base on the surface, its too unsafe. I plan to develop the underground ocean beneath the rock layers, creating a new civilization in the crust. Civilization? Kolev murmured, Thats a heavy word, dont throw it around lightly. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming reminded, Can you control this thing to walk now? We need to go to the aft cabin, its a few hundred meters away. Of course, Kolev grumbled, You shouldve taken a few days off, and we could have taken the Feinan over ourselves. Yang Ming snorted with a laugh, If Mimili hadnt ambushed me, I would have had the opportunity to fly over. Oh, she ambushed you? Kolevs voice trembled slightly, I knew it, your relationship definitely isnt just Oh, you shouldnt say this to an old father, its a huge blow, Ive already lost my precious daughter, havent I? Im no longer the most important person to her; the remaining value of my life has decreased by half. Yang Mings forehead was covered with black lines, and the mechanical soldier delivered a flying kick that almost knocked Kolevs controlled mechanical soldier over. I mean she ambushed this ship! Were still innocent for now! Oh, Kolev instantly smiled broadly, I almost gave you my blessing, youre measured, my dear nephew. Yang Ming rolled his eyes, too lazy to deal with this old daughter-lover. He clearly said for now. A dozen minutes later, the transport ship was gliding smoothly in the atmosphere, pushed by six sets of high-power engines, heading toward a flat alluvial plain. A small repair ship, shaped like a box, carried their two mechanical soldiers away from the aft cabin, circled halfway around the transport ship, and fell towards the ridge beside the target river valley. Chapter 164 - 164 096 The Beginning of Civilization_2 ?Chapter 164: 096 The Beginning of Civilization_2 Chapter 164: 096 The Beginning of Civilization_2 Two mechanical soldiers walked out of the repair ship and stood on the ridge. Yang Ming carefully examined the coefficients displayed on the tablet in his hand, as if he were reading an inventory of expensive cargo. Kolev looked around with his hands behind his back, admiring the scenery and muttering in an old scholars tone, Beautiful, no volcanoes in sight, nor fault lines formed by seismic activity. Its a great location. Is there microbial life in the soil here? Wow, anaerobic bacteria! Maybe, after tens of thousands of years of transformation, this place could become a new habitable planet. But after a while, Kolev got a bit bored. The process of the transport ship landing was so monotonous. There were no complex special effects and no attacks from ground indigenous life forms. The transport ship simply landed, put down the support frame, adjusted the ships angle, and steadily stopped on the solid, flat surface of the crust. The tail cabin opened fully. The side cabins were all opened. This large transport ship, shaped like a flat container, had twelve square deck sections on the top that unfolded autonomously, revealing a cargo hold filled with containers and large machinery. Yang Ming controlled his own mechanical soldier to sit on the ridge, watching the ship unload with great interest. First, a dozen mechanical soldiers began to open the first thirty numbered containers, revealing rows of engineering track robots inside. These track robots all looked very similar, with a basic structure divided into upper, middle, and lower sections, corresponding to their retractable football heads, sturdy trapezoidal bodies, and varying numbers of tracks at the base. The mechanical soldiers stood scattered in front of the exit of a container. The face display screens of one track robot after another showed blinking large eyes, and they queued up to exit the container. After stopping in front of the mechanical soldiers, they had their skullcaps lifted to activate their work programs, then turned aside to await work instructions. Lyu coordinated them uniformly. Their cooperative work seemed very interesting to Yang Ming. Four track robots, positioned at the four corners of a container, served as wheels, enabling the container to have stable and swift mobility. An array of twenty-four track robots could move those extravagantly designed giant machines. As all 120 track robots began to work systematically, cargo from the transport ship started being quickly moved out, and small charging stations and energy supply centers appeared on the surface. More medium and large machinery were gradually activated. Hut-shaped floating lifting platforms slowly ascended. Maintenance vehicles carrying numerous mechanical maintenance parts deployed anti-corrosion tents. A swarm of small drones took off, setting up temporary energy protective shields and incidentally masking weak electrical signals emitted from here. The spider planetary vehicle, equipped with precision detection instruments, drove away from the valley, mapping out detailed underground structural diagrams Under Lyus coordination, everything proceeded in an orderly fashion. Yang Ming watched quietly, gazing into the distance, feeling not excited but rather very serene. He suddenly felt a sense of grounded stability. He thought, he could watch here for another day and night. You know, Kolev. Yang Mings voice was somewhat distant. I rushed into the Luofeng Empire, seeking to find my footing amid the chaotic order, trying to gain actual control over an Administrative Star. I competed with politicians in conniving, matched wits with generals, had midnight liaisons with beautiful noble ladies, and had confrontations with agent spies in narrow corridors This journey might be bizarre and adventurous, but for me, it always felt like there was a layer of glass between us. I couldnt truly immerse myself in the Luofeng Empires environment. Yang Ming chuckled lightly and said slowly, However, I suddenly realized now, I had already established myself in Luofeng. From the moment I stepped onto Ilando Star, I found the path I needed to follow. This base, which has just begun construction, suddenly made me understand that I can find a sense of self-identity in a place away from home Thinking carefully, I actually gained a few friends and even a girlfriend. Edwan is quite good, a Second Prince who once wanted to be a drama actor. 026 is also pretty cute. If there is an opportunity later, I will help her get rid of the addiction agents harm. There should be technological means for that, but I am still short of resources to provide her now. General Fremont is also good, caring for me like mentoring a junior. I even felt that he wanted to entrust the Second Prince to me. The country were in isnt so bad, right? How about considering increasing investment and setting up a real venture in the Luofeng Empire? Sar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Humph Kolevs faint snores came through the headphones. Lines of exasperation appeared on Yang Mings forehead. Damn it. I tugged at your heartstrings in vain! Boss, Lyus voice sounded, the initial construction of the base will take time. At best, only one of the shield machines can be started today; theres no need for you to keep an eye on it. I know, Yang Ming replied with a smile, but isnt it interesting? Witnessing the opening of our base firsthand. This is just work, Lyu wondered, Why find it interesting? Yang Ming thought for a moment, In the environment where I grew up, the idea of returning to ones roots has always permeated my mind. Ive been looking for a place to settle down. Well, thats human complex emotions, Lyu chuckled lightly, But boss, you have a lot to handle. Even if you want to abandon the first plan, we need to find ways to acquire more resources externally to support development here. The first plan cant be abandoned. This is our fallback. Controlling a complete Administrative Star can save us years of struggle. Yang Ming asked, If we bring the Feinan over here, can we speed up construction progress? Lyu retorted, Boss, I dont recommend using the Feinan. Thats your safety guarantee, and even if it came over, it would only function as a large crane, and we already have two here. Alright, Yang Ming laughed, it is indeed time to return. This place is pretty good. The Fourth Princess just sent a message. Lyu, in your perspective, how would you describe the scene before us? Lyu pondered for half a minute. A new civilizations beginning. Yang Ming took off his helmet, his eyes quickly adjusting to the villas dim lighting. The old man beside him, now wearing a helmet, was lying on the sofa, sleeping soundly. Buzz, buzz! Yang Mings watch gently vibrated, and the piled-up information of the last few hours emerged all at once, with the top message slightly surprising Yang Ming. The sender was Emilia, the little Luofeng Princess he had previously swindled out of 1.5 million New Federation Coins. She actually reached out to him proactively. Could it be Spend fun money without a place to spend it again? Chapter 165 - 165 097 Full Band Information Blocking ?Chapter 165: 097 Full Band Information Blocking Chapter 165: 097 Full Band Information Blocking Do me a favor, bounty hunter. The little princesss text message was quite brief. Yang Ming quickly skimmed through other messages, successfully made a date with Miss Windsor for another romantic evening, and then sent a video call invitation to the little princess. Ding ding. The other party declined your video call invitation. Another text message popped up: Wait a moment, there are people around! Yang Ming left the living room to the sleeping Kolev and returned to his bedroom. He was about to take a shower when the little princess sent a voice call invitation. sea??h th n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Choosing to answer, Emilys aggressive denunciation immediately came through the watchs realistic speaker, Calling a minor girl unexpectedly at night, dont you think thats quite rude? Oh, Im sorry, Yang Ming laughed and said, I subconsciously ignored your age, Your Highness. Your usual maturity and decisiveness, as well as your concerns for the country and people, always make me feel like youre an older sister in her twenties. Emilys anger instantly dissipated, and she mumbled a bit sheepishly, Does this really sound like its coming from your mouth? Are you sick, Major Yang Ming? I am always so humble when treating my paying clients. After all, Im charging to serve you, Yang Ming brazenly suggested, If you want to switch to the regular friends mode, I can accompany you too. The little princess curiously asked, Then switch and try. What are you shouting about, you little kid? Ive got enough things and troubles here! Yang Ming yelled at the watch, Do you know how many problems you caused last time by recklessly investigating military corruption? Dont think that just because youve glimpsed adult world secrets, its the truth of the world. The truth is that all adults grow up from being children, and because your dad is the emperor, no one wants to argue with you! You! From the other side of the call came the sound of a little girls furious stomping. Yang Ming smirked, Client mode or friend mode? Emily said quietly, C-Client mode. Oh, Yang Ming chuckled, What do you need? My pocket money is not much lately, Emily said softly, because there was a rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star, and many refugees are displaced, so I donated all my savings I can only pay you a salary of at most 150,000 New Federation Coins. Alright, Ill accept this deal at a loss, Yang Ming said, First, tell me what the commission is, and Ill give you a discounted price. Emily was silent for a moment, then continued, I want to see the real situation on the Fifth Administrative Star, where the war is happening. They wont let me see it can you? War footage isnt something to watch, Yang Ming frowned slightly, Your mind hasnt matured yet, and being stimulated can affect you for life. I am mature! I mean mentally! My psychological age test says Im twenty-five! Emily argued. Alright, Yang Ming thought for a moment, If you insist, Ill sort through some pictures and videos for you later, for a fair five million New Federation Coins. Hey! Why are you so greedy! You can always back out; we didnt sign any contract. Emily initiated a transfer. Yang Ming greeted Lyu, and Emily soon received a series of pictures and videos. This was actually against regulations. If Emily wanted to browse the internet, a living officer had to accompany her to keep her pure mind from being polluted by online junk. Emily immediately began browsing, sighing softly. Is there anything I can do for them? No, Yang Ming laughed, If ten percent of the pocket money you donated reaches them, thats fantastic. Why? Corruption has three stages, Yang Ming said calmly, The first stage is individual officials taking bribes and exchanging favors. In the second stage, a few officials form a protection network. In the third stage, the process itself becomes corrupt, with corruption considered normal behavior, and holding office is just for making money. The major administrative stars of the Wind Empire are generally at the third stage. Emily fell silent. Yang Ming waited for two minutes, then proactively asked, Is there anything else you need me to do for you? My second brother can solve these problems, cant he? Yes, Edwan is working hard. I have another question, Emilys side came with rustling sounds. Was she hiding in a closet for this call? Emily hesitated for a long time, but she still spoke, Ive felt like there have been some problems between my parents lately. In my memory, theyve always been loving and respectful to each other. Oh? Yang Ming was considering whether to continue this topic when Emily was already talking nonstop. But lately, father is always arguing with mother, or sometimes its not even arguing. Theyll just stare at each other coldly, and neither wants to compromise on little things. Mother fell last time, and father keeps pushing her to take medicine even though shes still very young Also, lately, father hasnt come to mothers place to stay overnight anymore, and mother seems very anxious Yang Ming said, Emily, your parents arent ordinary people. One is the emperor, and the other is a consort. The emperor has several concubines, and he goes through passionate phases with each one. Do you understand this? Father doesnt like mother anymore, right? When you grow up a bit more, you might understand the truth, Yang Ming said gently, I cant help you with this matter, so I wont charge you for it. Chapter 166 - 166 097 Full Band Information Blocking_2 ?Chapter 166: 097 Full Band Information Blocking_2 Chapter 166: 097 Full Band Information Blocking_2 However Alright, our conversation cant last too long, or Ill be in trouble. Okay, theres something I care about. I heard my father and mother arguing about something. Father said no one could control him, that he was the Emperor. But Mother said youre just a ridiculous puppet. Yang Ming immediately responded, The Wind Empire is a puppet state. You should be clear about that understanding. Indeed, maybe Ive been overthinking it. Alright, Emilia, Yang Ming said, Ill suggest to your second brother to take you out for a ride. Youve been cooped up in the Imperial Palace for too long. Lets leave it at that, see you later. Ending the call, Yang Ming stood by the bedroom window, pondering for a moment before deciding to talk with Edwan. Although Edwan didnt understand why Yang Ming would make such a suggestion, taking Emilia out of the Imperial Palace to stay for a while wasnt a big deal; he agreed readily. Ming, are you coming over tomorrow? I have a gift for you, Edwan said excitedly. That flamboyantly red Battle Mecha? How did you know? Edwan was startled, then recalled Yang Mings nearly omnipotent intelligence ability, and laughed, Alright, so no surprise then, its been waiting for you for a long time. Edwan, did you notice anything? Yang Ming gazed at the calm industrial area outside the window. Ilando City seems to have calmed down lately. Yes, Edwan replied, The number of spies and agents is decreasing. Based on feedback Ive received, the New Federation initially planned to directly carry out a coup after Lulians team was eliminated, but for reasons we both know, the coup process was intercepted, and that old guy Ilouis escaped. The New Federations two consecutive major plans have failed. Yang Ming laughed, Doesnt that take a lot of pressure off you? Thanks to you, Edwan sighed, Your achievements, even if they directly awarded you a Generals rank, wouldnt be too much, but they cant know it. You knowing it is enough, Yang Ming said, Im waiting for you to award me a military rank and title. Hey, Edwan seriously reminded, We cant talk like this, its like cursing my father or something. Even though I dont like him, hes still my father. Alright, Yang Ming drew the curtains, What time will we meet tomorrow? Ill bring Windsor with me, recently Ive been neglecting her. You can come anytime, Edwan sighed slowly, Ming, I always feel uneasy inside, the environment in Ilando City is too calm now. Not seeing so much spy activity, Im really not used to it. I cant probe into the New Federation Intelligence Bureau. Yang Ming laughed, Theres a saying from my hometown: When the soldiers come, generals fight back; when the water comes, earth blocks it. The New Federation intended to destroy your family, to erode Winds resources, they wont spare you just because you showed favor. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Were merely rallying in counterattack. The only thing you need to worry about now is that the Sherman Empires fleet cant stay at the border of the Wind Empire forever; we must reclaim military power as quickly as possible, to utilize the Wind Empires own military strength. Thats right, military power is the key to the future, Edwan laughed, Whenever I talk to you, I always find the path forward Im going to meet with Generals Fremont and others, and now, insert some young officers into the military. Yang Ming said, Make sure to assign me under Gudun Mah. Hmm? Edwan wondered, You want to go too? Arent you happy with the Guard Army? I prefer life on a ship, Yang Ming laughed, At this stage, I want to be far from the Imperial Palace, and you better be too. Edwan didnt fully grasp it but understood Yang Ming wouldnt speak without reason, and he carefully considered the feasibility of this matter. Yang Ming added, His Majesty the Emperor will issue a similar order. He mentioned it to me, but Edwan, I dont want to go under any General other than Gudun Mah, as it would limit my actions. Alright, Ill do my best to arrange it for you, Ill first go discuss with them. Edwan hurriedly ended the communication, starting to convene a meeting with the Guard Armys generals. Yang Ming went to his wardrobe, just about to change his clothes to go see Windsor, only to receive an apology message from Windsor. She said she was unwell and couldnt go out tonight. Yang Ming had Lyu investigate and found out that Windsor had a big argument with her father, the Treasury Minister; father and daughter had a heated debate regarding Windsors relationship with Yang Ming. Lyu, should I comfort Windsor? Lyus mini projection appeared on Yang Mings shoulder, thoroughly analyzing: Then how do you explain, boss, how you know about her argument with family? Alright, Yang Ming laughed, Tomorrow, Ill take her to the Third Happiness. Whenever we go to that old professors house, her bad mood always gets better quickly. As Yang Ming pondered what he could do tonight, he realized that apart from figuring out how to make money, there was no meaningful activity. Might as well put on a helmet and zone out watching infrastructure on the Dark Star. Lyu, what do you think the New Federation will do next? Too little information to determine, Lyu reminded, I previously tried researching cases where the New Federation repeatedly suffered setbacks, but found in the past few hundred years, they have never suffered setbacks twice in a row in one place. Yang Mings expression became a bit peculiar, Did we complete a hidden little achievement? Their targets mostly are small and medium-sized countries, who, in the face of the New Federations substantial national power, have virtually no grounds for resistance. Lyu meticulously analyzed, Their failure in the Wind Empire has already affected their credibility within their own camp, they must take some action, but the probability of choosing a war option is extremely low. Yang Ming had Lyu pull up a lot of cases about the New Federations overturning revolution, and the two began to discuss and scrutinize possible actions the New Federation might take next, preparing to logically analyze and fill tonights gap. Boss! Lyus voice suddenly turned somewhat urgent. What? The Feinan captured an unidentified ship, its circumventing the peripheral alert system of Ilando Star, slowly approaching the Ilando Star! Yang Mings attention was immediately piqued. An attack? A projection screen popped up in front of him, showing the Feinans integrated detection radar interface. The interface refreshed several times, from being just a distorted line to a black and white toned Star Map, then to a high-definition Star Map in normal colors. In the corner of the image, a white noise point was circled. Lyu quickly zoomed into this corner, Yang Ming saw a silver-white shuttle, its whole body glowing faintly, the hull nearly semi-transparent, equipped with the Milky Ways advanced level optical stealth system. What the hell is this? Checking the database, its a New Federation new experimental ship, publicly known project, codename Ray, identified as a new generation comprehensive information ship, with a long axis of 1,235 meters, equipped with a comprehensive light fire system and stealth system, primarily functions to paralyze enemy fleet communications, costing three times that of a normal main battleship. Lyus voice was cold and swift: No other accompanying ships detected, should I notify the Wind royal family and Gudun Mah? What is the New Federation up to? Information interference ship? Electronic warfare intimidation? Yang Ming immediately made his decision, Have Gudun Mah intercept it! Message sent. Yang Ming grabbed a combat suit from the corner of the wardrobe; before he could put it on, the screen in front of him showed another change. Under the gaze of the Feinans detection radar, the shuttle warship suddenly emitted a visible halo, which gently spread out like a strong breeze, extinguishing more than half of the candles floating outside Ilando Star within seconds. The near-Earth defense system, composed of thousands of satellites, was instantly paralyzed! Boss Lyus figure flickered continuously, his voice intermittent and mixed with noise. All frequency communication interference Chapter 167 - 167 098 Long Night ?Chapter 167: 098 Long Night Chapter 167: 098 Long Night Ding, ding, ding. The hard heels of military boots quickly struck each step of the metal staircases. Yang Ming rapidly climbed the exterior of the main reactor tower of the chemical plant. Before rushing out of the villa, he had already awakened Kolev, instructing him to hide in the underground structures of the plant to evade the likely ensuing live-fire attacks. At this moment, it was already after work hours; the factory was shut down, and there was no significant chaosonly a dozen security guards on duty shouting aimlessly. Yang Ming reached the highest point of the factory and gazed at the surrounding urban area. His calm demeanor showed a slight disturbance. The mega city, which should have been brilliantly lit, was mostly engulfed in darkness, leaving only the skyscrapers barely illuminated by the backup power systems. They stood like lone lighthouses in a sea of darkness. In the hovercar pipelines deemed the citys arteries, due to navigational failures, engine stalls, radar inoperabilities, and disconnected autopilot systems, car accidents occurred in succession. Drones and robots throughout the city halted operations, leading to a complete paralysis of public transportation. The piercing air raid alarms spread from the coast to the cliff where the Imperial Palace was located. Three minutes. In less than three minutes, the sole megacity of the Wind Empire had plunged into immense chaos. Yang Mings breathing turned slightly heavy as he continuously watched the sky, observing for any imminent attacks. Though rationality dictated that hiding in the underground structures was the safest, looking at the sky from here wouldnt achieve anything Beep beep! Yang Mings watch displayed a message from Lyu. [No enemy fleet detected in transition]. [Particle transmission channel available]. [Gravity communication channel available]. [The enemy warship hadnt attacked the nearby airspace of the Wind Army, only targeting Ilando City.] No fleet detected? Released such potent electromagnetic interference, yet no fleet followed up? Yang Ming knew, in terms of fleet coordination mechanisms, using full-channel blockading interference was usually in preparation for a subsequent massive assault. But at present, no large fleet appearedonly that integrated information warship. What was the intention of this? Pure demonstration and warning? A strong flash of light appeared in the night sky. As Yang Ming looked up, a faint halo swept across the sky, swiftly vanishing at the horizon. Large patches of cumulonimbus quickly formed. Within a few seconds, another halo flashed, closely followed by the third, fourth Buzz, buzz, buzz Halos burst from space, pressing down toward the ground. Under Yang Mings feet, the factory made faint explosive sounds; the buildings that maintained electricity through backup energy gradually extinguished all their light under these repeated halo impacts! Boom! The cloud covering the entire city tremored violently, and a torrential downpour fell! Yang Ming stood in the rain, watching this city. His expression was very calm, but it seemed as if something was brewing beneath the calmness; after standing motionless for two minutes, he flipped over the railing and leaped down, rushing toward the nearest car accident site. The electromagnetic attack persisted for fifteen minutes. The silver-shuttle-shaped warship began its retreat. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the surrounding airspace appeared several Wind Empire warships attempting to encircle this thousand-meter-class advanced warship. The latter remained unhurried, always retreating according to its own pace, swaggering into deep space with no pressure. The silver shuttle coated, accurately transitioned. Several commanders of the Wind Warships hesitated on whether to launch an attack at the enemy ship, but each received similar reports from their fire control operators. Our main cannon cannot lock on the target warship. Space ripples from the transition gently undulated. The silver shuttle vanished into the deep space. A few commanders wore complex expressions as they watched the area where the enemy ship disappeared; even though some were prepared to stop at nothing, regardless of consequences, they couldnt inflict the slightest trouble to the opponent. There was a generational technical gap in military technology between the two sides. The surface of Ilando Star. Pouring rain drenched the chaotic city. Bewildered and helpless people searched for shelter in the dark. A middle-aged man, holding his blood-soaked wife, cried bitterly in the rain; A little girl, tightly grasping the sleeve of an adult, her face muddy and eyes filled with terror; Police officers, uniforms wet from the rain, incessantly spoke into their walkie-talkies but never received any response. An overturned hovercar lay by the furnace, its body severely deformed, two police officers trying to lift it from the side, but the hovercar, which typically flew around looking very light, was now just a few-ton block of metal. The people inside continuously shouted for help, the shouts hoarse and trembling. A hand suddenly reached over; Yang Ming, wearing a raincoat, walked out from the rain beside the officers, steadily held the edge of the hovercar. The hovercar gradually moved upward. As the deformed car door emerged, Yang Mings other hand grabbed the doorframe, somewhat brutishly tearing it outward, accompanied by the sound of breaking metal, the car door was forcibly removed. Quick, get them out, Yang Ming urged. The two stunned police officers looked up, gazing at Yang Ming in his raincoat, the shock in their eyes stubbornly lingered. Fortunately, they hadnt forgotten the injured inside the car, immediately crouched and pulled out the family of three one by one. Thank you! Thank you! The man, face covered in blood, shouted tremulously. Yang Ming said nothing, running toward the site of a chain-reaction car crash ahead. Flames burned in various places. Yang Ming quickly identified who were the injured and who were already deceased, pulling open car doors, and pushing away overturned hovercars. Gradually, more people gathered around him. There were some lightly injured victims he had saved, and ordinary residents in loungewear who came running from nearby houses to help. The police began to rely on shouting and whistles to manage the scenes order. Severely injured victims were carried to the nearest shelters, relying on comprehensive first aid kits to stabilize their conditions. When more running figures appeared on this road section, Yang Ming retreated and headed toward a more severely affected area. This city, plunged into darkness, had unexpectedly lost its past days prosperity and civilization. People who had never left various electronic devices since birth were now trapped in long-lasting confusion. Beep beep. Yang Mings watch displayed a green checkmark. Lyus voice directly emanated from the watchs speaker. Boss, the nearby airspace fleet hasnt been attacked, parts of the military network are still usable. I took the liberty of deploying several warships above the city, temporarily restoring a small fraction of surface communication. Yang Ming moved quickly, turning into a small alley to avoid the rain, taking out his earphones from his jacket pocket. But the earphones indicator light remained off. His voice remained relatively calm, Report the situation. The enemy ship released a total of one hundred and twenty-six waves of full-frequency jamming attacks and shortwave directional attacks, causing irreparable damage to various sensitive electronic devices. Three thousand six hundred satellites, more than two hundred thousand communication core devices were mechanically damaged, with eighty percent of Ilando Citys communication equipment suffering varying degrees of damage; except for fixed cable communication facilities which could be restored after salvage, wireless communication systems completely collapsed. The population density in Ilando City was too high, and the enemys attack coincided with the commuting peakSo far, there have been 1,235 serious car accidents, half of which are chain-reaction crashes on express lanes, with conservative estimates of casualties at over thirty thousand. The medical equipment disruptions directly resulted in the deaths of 3,620 critically ill patients of various types, and the death toll is continuously rising Lyus voice continued for a while. Yang Ming, with some contemplation in his eyes, muttered, So fragile. What? This seemingly advanced city, Yang Ming said calmly, is so fragile under this type of attack. Yes, boss, Lyu reminded, The New Federation chose to retaliate in this manner, demonstrating their capability to destroy the entire Wind Empire within a short time. They might soon launch a physical attack; you might want to leave here. Youre wrong, Lyu, Yang Ming said, This attack means theyll deal with the Wind Empire in another way. Lyu felt puzzled, Why? Discuss it later, Yang Ming said, the current task is to save people. Understood, boss, please issue orders. We currently have control of the communication resources. Yang Ming quickly instructed, First, mobilize Gudun Mahs troops in Edwans name, instructing the military to focus on disaster relief. Quickly get in touch with Edwan, forming an emergency command center around him, organizing all operational hovercars into convoys to transport supplies and evacuate disaster-stricken citizens. Prioritize supplying hospitals with energy and electricity, ask Gudun Mah to deploy as many medical ships as possible. Help the police and security forces partially restore communications to mobilize at least over half of the units to maintain order, avoiding societal collapse causing widespread panic. Also, mark those exploiting the chaos, granting you permission to use all firepower on Feinan tonight if necessary to execute a deterrent. All decisions should prioritize protecting the majoritys life and safety. Set. Those New Federation bastards! Yang Ming suddenly cursed. Suddenly remembering something, he quickly added, Compile the disaster here into an information stream, disseminate it at high frequency across the Galaxys networks, and promptly feedback the relevant information to the Galaxy Human Rights Council, ensuring stealth. Understood, bos Lyus voice suddenly vanished, Yang Mings watch interface lightly trembled, displaying a series of garbled characters, indicating it had malfunctioned too. Fortunately, Yang Ming had no other instructions; Lyu would handle all the details. He could only do what he could to help within his capability. Glancing at the chaotic street in the rain, Yang Ming quickly ran toward several stacked hovercars in the distance, from which faint cries of children could be heard. Half an hour later. Hundreds of large and small warships pierced through the rain clouds, scattering in all directions over the city. Using these warships communication networks as a foundation, partial communication was restored in the city, and Edwans voice began frequently appearing in the multi-level command networks. An hour later, a few hospitals showed lights. Two hours later, the rain finally stopped. All over the city, faint lights emerged, and people gathered near the air-raid shelters, hugging, snuggling, and sobbing. The discarded iron barrels burning combustible waste became the only warmth in the night. It was destined to be a long night. And peoples faces were written with bewilderment. Chapter 168 - 168 099 Bottom Fishing in Manufacturing ?Chapter 168: 099 Bottom Fishing in Manufacturing Chapter 168: 099 Bottom Fishing in Manufacturing Dawn was just breaking. In the command center of the Royal Guard Army, Yang Ming found Edwan sitting in the corner. Yang Ming was covered in mud and looked quite disheveled, with his hands slightly red and swollen. Edwan had his hands buried in his messy hair, eyes bloodshot and unfocused. Your Highness. Yang Ming called softly, Edwan? The already quiet command platform became so silent that a pin drop could be heard as officers in military uniforms turned to look at the corner. Edwan forced a wry smile, his chapped lips trembling slightly, a faint tremor in his hoarse voice. More than twenty thousand Edwans eyes reddened, More than twenty thousand died or were injured last night, this is an unprecedented catastrophe in our history, over a thousand car accidents Those hover car manufacturers claim their cars are so safe, its all bullshit! Soft sobbing sounds came from the corner. Yang Ming slowly walked up to Edwan. Edwan took a deep breath and said, relatively calmly, Were finished, Ming. Why? Yang Ming asked. You know why, why ask? Suddenly, Edwan became agitated: Those New Federation bastards! They destroyed us last night! They destroyed us so easily! Yang Ming frowned, Were not dead yet, Edwan. The disaster has been contained, hospitals and police stations have resumed operations, and the army is distributing emergency food. Support troops have been sent from the other four Administrative Stars. Im not talking about those! Edwan shouted in a trembling voice: Those citizens did not die in vain I want to say that, I really want to say that! But I cant do anything for them, I cant take revenge! I wont see hope to defeat the New Federation in my lifetime! I wont see it! Yang Ming just gazed at Edwan. Sarch* The n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edwan seemed to have found an outlet for his emotions, he stood up by now, pacing below the steps, his hands trembling uncontrollably. Fine, let me tell you why were finished. Whats about to collapse is the financial industry, Ilando City suffered a direct war attack, almost all capital and businessmen will leave here, our currency will rapidly devalue, and the wealth of the people will evaporate in a short time. The rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star wont affect Ilando Star at all, but now, our enemy is the New Federation, they attacked our Head Star! Our country has lost its investment value! Both foreign and domestic assets will leave! Shortly after, banks and insurance industries will fall into crisis, the unemployment rate will explode in a short time! There will inevitably be a risk of bank run, Winds already fragile economic system will collapse instantly! Even if, even if we can over-intervene to temporarily save this economic system. Half an hour ago, the New Federation announced economic sanctions against us, they listed a catalog of three thousand companies. If multinational companies do not withdraw from Wind, they will be sanctioned by them, and our domestic enterprises are prohibited from using any production patents related to the New Federation, we will soon be unable to produce even a single hover car! Even those greedy financial conglomerates have their eyes on us. When we can no longer hold on, they will rush in and frenziedly tear us apart, hollowing out our nation, leaving behind five extremely impoverished Administrative Stars, replaying human tragedies of not having enough food to eat every day. Were finished! Edwan covered his head with his hands, slumping back onto the steps, mumbling with vacant eyes. Ming, we once imagined what it would be like if the New Federation waged war on us, whether we could wholly rely on the Sherman Empire. But no one expected the New Federation to directly use high-tech warships to asymmetrically strike us, and our defense systems were punctured as simply as paper. Ming, even if you leave this soon-to-be bankrupt nation now, I would harbor no grievance, I understand this kind of situation. I wont leave. Yang Ming thought for a moment, then said softly: The situation will indeed become very difficult, but Edwan, this hasnt happened yet, and its not without solutions. Edwan chuckled bitterly, Youre going to feed me the same old soup again. Is that not so? Yang Ming walked over and, in front of a group of soldier officers, sat down beside Edwan, patting his knee with his hand. I know youre under a lot of pressure now, everyone in this country is under a lot of pressure. The New Federation wants to strangle this country to demonstrate their national strength. I just got news when I arrived, His Majesty the Emperor has fallen into a coma, the Grand Prince went to the Second Administrative Star overnight, and the Third Prince is now on the far side of Ilando Star. If you collapse again, this country might really have no hope left. Dont think about those rich people now, let them leave if they want, they were just bloodsuckers staying here anyway. You need to think about what you still have. Edwan muttered, What do we have? Natural resources, Yang Ming said, Rhodium-6 core industry. This industry cant provide that much employment. You have over a billion population, Yang Ming said, Eleven Administrative Stars, nearly one hundred developed Resource Stars, these are the true backbone of this country. Edwan furrowed his brows tightly. Yang Ming continued: You understand economics, so youre terrified of the severe wealth shrinkage caused by the collapse of the financial industry, but at this time we need to step away from the financial economy to look at the problem in front of us. Chapter 169 - 169 099 Bottom Fishing in Manufacturing_2 ?Chapter 169: 099 Bottom Fishing in Manufacturing_2 Chapter 169: 099 Bottom Fishing in Manufacturing_2 Right now, we must ensure three things: protect the livelihoods of the people, maintain production, and stabilize social order. Specifically, this means addressing basic necessities like food, electricity, fresh water, heating, and energy. We need to quickly establish a state asset management agency to negotiate with those capitalists who are trying to flee and use every means possible to make them leave their production equipment behind. Wake up, Edwan! Youre the expert in this area, and now we must race against time! Huu Edwan closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and muttered, What I care about isnt the wealthy; its the remaining ninety-three percent of the population. I want them to be able to use their money to buy basic necessities. Food is the most critical strategic resource right now. Thats right, Yang Ming said. Life might be tough for a while, but it will get better. If social order completely collapses, thats when well face a real crisis. A glimmer appeared in Edwans eyes as he frowned, saying, But our treasury funds are insufficient. We cant possibly reinvigorate the entire market. Although our country isnt very large, our manufacturing industry is vast and complex! Yang Ming smirked, saying, Youve got plenty of ways to get money. You control a massive amount of wealth yourself. Now that my father is in a coma, Edwan frowned, I must get his permission to mobilize the royal assets on a large scale. Yang Ming laughed, The Emperor might not necessarily reject this proposal. Edwans eyes narrowed slightly, If I really go through with this, my father might kill me when he wakes up. Before Yang Ming could respond, Edwan had already stood up quickly. So before my father kills me, I need to complete enough acquisitions! If the royal family of Wind cant support their people during such a time, whats the point of their existence? Yes, I must support my country! Edwans gaze was now resolute, without any hesitation. In his view, he saw a group of old, middle-aged, and young officers and soldiers, their eyes burning as they focused on him. Uh, this has nothing to do with your military system. Im here to stabilize the economy and livelihoods, which isnt something you can solve with laser guns. With just one sentence, Edwan extinguished the burgeoning fighting spirit of the soldiers. General Fremont! Yang Ming will assist you in continuing with the disaster relief efforts. Minimize the casualties. Old Fremont immediately bowed and obeyed, As you command, my lord. Send someone to bring all the ministers who can still move and think to the palace meeting room as fast as possible. Yes! Edwan took out his slowly-restored communication device and sent out over a dozen messages while slowly walking to the command room door. He opened the door and swiftly left. As a group of officers were about to lower their heads to continue working, Edwan pushed the door open again, sticking his head in. If this kind of talk motivates you, I swear, I will make the New Federation pay for their acts of war! An old officer in the corner, holding a cane, shouted excitedly, Yeah All eyes turned to him, and the old officer sheepishly put down his cane. Edwan smirked, Nice support. Bang! Edwan closed the hall door. Yang Ming almost saw his vigorous figure flying as he left. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thats the real Edwan. Yang Ming stretched out his legs, took out a replacement device he had just acquired, a bar-shaped communication terminal, and sent a message to Lyu. Acquire the manufacturing industry, dont touch the livelihood sector. Ding, ding! Got it. Yang Ming glanced around and found an empty sofa. He slowly walked over, lay down with mud all over him, and closed his eyes to rest for a while. The surrounding officers and soldiers dared not disturb him. Ding, ding! A message from Lyu: Boss, Uncle Haton wants to join in on the acquisitions. Yang Mings lips twitched into a slight smile, and he quickly typed a reply: Bring him along. This is a big task; the more funds, the better. In exceptional times, use exceptional means. No matter which factories or enterprises we take over, the first priority is to ensure they operate smoothly. Understood. Yang Ming had just closed his eyes for about ten minutes before he got up again. Edwan couldnt be bothered with the Old Emperor now; he had to go greet Princess Dana. In the Thought Space, Lyus eyes glowed red. Oh, finally, the boss gave me the authority! The boss said to acquire, but they barely had any funds to do so, not even an amount comparable to Kolevs cash flow. But thats okay; as long as the boss allows her to use unconventional means, she had plenty of ways to make money. The most efficient way now would be to use neighboring countries banks to acquire Winds low-priced quality assets, leveraging comprehensive information advantages to resell them a few times and earn the startup capital. Lyu didnt plan to operate with a single line and a single thread. Nor did she plan to conduct only legal operations. Her hands moved swiftly as dialogue boxes and transaction interfaces appeared before her. A company called Molly Miss was quickly registered in Winds neighboring country. The Emperors palace was heavily guarded by the guards. When Yang Ming arrived in a change of clothes, the guards blocked him, looking troubled. Major, His Majesty hasnt woken up yet. By the Princesss orders, no one is allowed to approach. Im here on Prince Edwans orders to assess His Majestys health, Yang Ming said. I dont want to cause you any trouble. Please let them know. If the Princess doesnt allow it, Ill naturally leave. Alright, please wait a moment. The guard bowed and turned to convey the message. The two rows of mechanical soldiers stood with their heads down, deactivated. The Old Emperor should be the same, with the True Sons Brain likely having burnt out many components. Soon enough, the guard returned with some apology, shaking his head slightly at Yang Ming. Just as Yang Ming was about to leave, a maid opened the palace door, holding an old-fashioned communication terminal in her hands. Major Yang Ming! The Princess wishes for you to take a voice call. Yang Ming stared intently at the communication terminal before him. He suddenly realized what Princess Dana was urgently needing. Electronic components. Parts to repair the Intelligent Machine Old Emperor. Princess Dana didnt let him in, but she wanted him to take orders And this maid was Danas most trusted maid Yang Ming realized that two problems were facing him. First, if the Old Emperor were to wake up soon, all of Edwans plans could be obstructed. Second, if he helped Princess Dana, she might later silence him to cover it up. Yang Ming wasnt afraid of Dana, but at this stage, he was rapidly advancing and preferred to avoid any setbacks. With these thoughts, Yang Ming raised his hand to grab the communication terminal, but his hand came up empty, his eyes lost focus as he stumbled back a few steps, his eyes bloodshot and face pale, breathing heavily. Major Yang Ming! The guards quickly stepped forward to support Yang Ming. Yang Ming whispered, Whats happening to me? Are you exhausted? Possibly, Yang Ming glanced at the communication terminal in the maids hands, I might need to rest first cough, cough, let me first take the Princesss orders. No need, the maid hurriedly said, Please rest well first! Yang Ming didnt insist, going to a nearby guards break room with the help of two guards. When it came to acting, he didnt usually need it, but at critical moments, it was essential. Yang Ming thought briefly in his heart and, seeing no one around, sent a message to Lyu. Let the Old Emperor sleep for a few more days. Chapter 170 - 170 100 resurrection ?Chapter 170: 100 resurrection Chapter 170: 100 resurrection Damn, the Old Emperor almost slept himself to death. Yang Ming couldnt quite define what it felt like to have control over the life and death of an Emperor. Probably it was a subtle sense of accomplishment. Princess Dana and her personal Maid spent several days, going through endless twists and turns, and in the current chaotic situation, they finally found the replaceable parts for the Old Emperors Intelligent Machine. They painstakingly opened the Old Emperors True Sons Brain and replaced them, then entered the power-on command full of excitement. Then, nothing happened. The Old Emperor remained comatose, only maintaining a faint breath. Unwilling to give up, Princess Dana tried several times in succession, even resorting to slapping the Old Emperors head but he still showed no reaction. The Maid was a robotics engineer, but she was also at a loss regarding the Old Emperors issue. Princess Dana, out of options, wanted to report truthfully to her superiors and request a repair team to come for assistance. However, the Maid reminded Dana that if they acted too conspicuously, the fact that the Old Emperor was an Intelligent Machine would easily be exposed. That would be a massive scandal for the Sherman Empire, and they would inevitably become expendables for the Imperial Elder Council. Rather than letting the homeland team come over to repair the Old Emperor at such a sensitive moment, it might be safer for them if the Old Emperor simply passed away. Princess Dana was left anxious. She couldnt understand. This Emperor robot, the system was intact, the self-test results of each part of the body, compatibility tests, all showed no error, and even the system indicated it had been successfully initiated, so why couldnt it wake up? Could this also be an expression of the Old Emperors rebellious phase? As time went on, the pressure of Princess Dana sealing off the Emperors bedchamber became increasingly immense, with the three Princes and various ministers realizing that something wasnt quite right, they continuously requested to see the Old Emperor. Princess Danas emotions broke down several times. By the eighth day following the electronic warfare attack launched by the New Federation, Princess Dana and that Maid had a disagreement, eventually deciding that if the Old Emperor still couldnt wake up by tomorrow, they would seek assistance from the superior authority of the Sherman Empire. All of this was timely relayed by Lyu to Yang Ming. Boss, Lyu reminded, we can probably let the Old Emperor simply pass away and blame everything on the New Federation. Right now is a perfect opportunity, Edwans reputation among the people has soared rapidly after several post-disaster televised speeches. After careful consideration, Yang Ming rejected this tempting proposal. If Edwan takes the throne now, the Luofeng Empire might be torn apart. Although the First Prince and the Third Prince are in decline, they could easily become pawns for the New Federation or the Sherman Empire. The current Wind has already completely opposed the New Federation, and it would be extremely difficult to stand without Shermans help. Edwan hasnt yet gained full support from the Sherman Empire, so its too early for him to ascend the throne. Yang Ming added, The promise of my title from the Old Emperor hasnt been fulfilled yet; I cant let him just leave like that. Lyu countered, If we miss this opportunity, there could be more uncontrollable factors added on the Old Emperors side. Why? Boss, this Intelligent Machine has a self-learning function. Lyu spoke softly, Its Thought Body is already complex enough, Ive expended a lot of extra computational power to keep it asleep. If it successfully wakes up, it will definitely rectify its shortcomings and upgrade its components. Later, if we want to control it, it certainly wont be as easy as now. Yang Ming laughed, But it can still be controlled, right? Im confident, Lyu also chuckled, Boss, youve been so tense the past few days, now I finally see a bit of a smile. That makes Lyu breathe a sigh of relief. Yang Ming shrugged, With so many people dying in this city, and me sitting in the command post every day, grinning would be out of line. Lyu, however, had no such concerns. She seemingly recalled something amusing and couldnt stop laughing beside him. Despite the rough times recently in the Luofeng Empire, Lyu and Kolev Made a huge profit! Following the attack, capital across the nation was fleeing frantically. Because of the enormous cost of laying off employees, combined with Winds official pressure, those capitalists were desperate enough to give away their factories and production lines for nearly nothing. Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although the actual transfer prices werent really rock-bottom. Just over a week, with Lyus illegal maneuvers, Yang Ming had already established a solid asset base. There were six former foreign-funded enterprises under Molly Miss Group, all acquired at extremely low prices, engaged in fields like hover car engines, semi-automatic construction robots, and stereoscopic and holographic projection devices, with factories located across Ilando Star and the second Administrative Star. At Yang Mings request, these factories maintained stable production and conducted no layoffs. Though they capitalized on Winds national crisis. They still endeavored not to kick Wind while it was down. Kolev continued to make strong strides in the chemical direction, with Lyus manipulation behind the scenes; this old man just needed to cheerfully sign papers, chat, and conduct field visits to achieve a doubling of his wealth. The assets they bought up on the cheap were still rife with uncertainty; if the condition of the Luofeng Empire continued to deteriorate, theyd likely lose everything. This lent Yang Ming additional motivation to help Luofeng Empire emerge from its current predicament. Chapter 171 - 171 100 Resurrection_2 ?Chapter 171: 100 Resurrection_2 Chapter 171: 100 Resurrection_2 He maintained a spirited fighting attitude every day, drank coffee at the command center while watching surveillance during the day, and at night, he embraced Miss Windsor, reflecting on the impermanence of life. On the tenth day after the all-channel blockage and interference occurred. The Old Emperor of the Empire finally woke up and immediately delivered a brief television address. This old Intelligent Machine was truly furious. After all, his brain had been fried. He strongly condemned the New Federations terrorist attack and called upon all citizens to unite and overcome the current difficulties together. Upon learning that the Old Emperor had awakened, Edwan, who hadnt rested much for several days, immediately entered the palace to report on the various activities that were underway. The Old Emperor did not stop Edwans plans but expressed dissatisfaction with Edwans unauthorized extensive use of royal assets, reprimanding Edwans reckless behavior in front of the ministers. Despite the reprimands, the Old Emperor still entrusted Edwan with full responsibility for post-disaster reconstruction efforts, and Edwans royal bailout plan for the recovery of the Wind Empire was not affected at all. What surprised Yang Ming the most was that the Old Emperor even increased the financial infusion into his country. Low-end Intelligent Machines have no concept of money. Lyu commented. On the fifteenth day after the attack. This mega-city finally resumed normal operations, though network signals frequently cut out, and the internet speed slowed considerably, it was already able to meet the residents normal living needs. On the twentieth day after the attack. A monument engraved with the names of the victims stood in the central area of Ilando Citys memorial park. In the days that followed, countless people spontaneously went to mourn, making it extremely crowded there every day. Edwan stood in front of the monument and delivered an influential post-disaster speech, using this speech as a turning point to begin a propaganda counterattack against the New Federation. However, the Wind Empire could only engage in a propaganda counterattack for now. The countrys military power was in fragments, making it incredibly difficult to even conduct an exercise in front of the New Federation Fleet. Interestingly, the Second Prince Edwan encouraged the citizens, stabilized public sentiment, restored communication infrastructure, and perfectly managed political resources outside the Fifth Administrative Star. Meanwhile, the Old Emperor started frequently summoning the Crown Prince and Third Prince to the palace for meetings to discuss steps to reclaim military power. Perhaps, the Old Emperors Intelligent Machine felt a bit of a crisis in face of the Second Princes rising reputation. Yang Ming was not worried about this. Lyu informed him that the Old Emperor had already started considering the issue of establishing Edwan as the Crown Prince. On the twenty-fifth day after the attack. The lawsuit filed by the Wind Empire accusing the New Federation of initiating a terrorist attack was publicly tried in the interstellar court. The New Federation refused to send any representatives and denied all accusations without evidence. The case ultimately went unresolved, and the Human Rights Council announced long-term humanitarian aid to the citizens of the Wind Empire. At the same time, Edwan embarked on a three-day visit to the Sherman Empire, requesting comprehensive assistance from the Sherman Empire. On the thirtieth day after the attack. Edwan returned fully loaded. The Sherman Empire provided materials worth billions of Empire Coins and implemented a policy of waiving the Wind Empires annual silver for the next five years. Although these materials were insignificant compared to the economic hit suffered by the Wind Empire, waiving five years of annual silver indeed allowed the Wind Empire to catch a major breath, restoring external investment confidence in the Wind Empire. The protection fees were really too much. The outside world generally believed that within this month, the Wind Empire had created a not-so-small miracle. A month ago, special ships from the New Federation launched an attack, completely paralyzing Ilando City, which accounted for half of the Wind Empires economy, causing tens of thousands of casualties, a panicked capital flight, and surging undercurrents everywhere. Anyone would think that this country was heading towards rapid bankruptcy. Talented individuals, wealthy merchants, and high-level technicians who could go abroad almost all left the country in the shortest time possible. But, defying everyones expectations, the Second Prince decisively stood out. A large amount of royal funds flowed back to the Wind Empire, directly acquiring various companies related to energy, peoples livelihoods, and manufacturing. The state-owned Assets Commission was rapidly established, and the royal family indirectly became the largest holding party of numerous physical enterprises. In contrast, the exchange rate of the Wind Coin to the Federation Coins only fell by less than thirty-five percent and now even showed an upward trend. No one, not even those well-informed gossip magazines, could clearly calculate how much wealth the Wind royal family truly possessed. In response to this, Yang Ming only had one comment: Damn royal power. On the thirty-third day after the attack. A grand conferral ceremony was held on the Head Star of the Wind Empire, hosted by the three princes simultaneously, conferring the Wind Empires nobility upon more than a hundred people. Among them, twenty-five were military personnel, with the most notable being Yang Ming, who received a first-class Viscount title. Even though the titles in the Wind Empire werent worth much, starting just a step away from the Earl already demonstrated the royal familys recognition of this heroic officer. On the same day, the New Federations fleet withdrew from the periphery of the Wind Empire, and the Sherman Empire announced to the outside world that they had achieved an overwhelming victory against the New Federation and subsequently also jumped away. As if being flirtatious but never yielding, the New Federation seemed to have lost interest in the Wind Empire. But Yang Ming was convinced, The false Federation would never stop without achieving its goals, and this group of bastards might create more troublesome issues in the future. sea??h th N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 172 - 172 100 Resurrection_3 ?Chapter 172: 100 Resurrection_3 Chapter 172: 100 Resurrection_3 He needed time. At least a year or two to have Lyu come up with some technology patents and to complete a minor upgrade of military technology for Wind while establishing a commercial landscape there. Being backward meant getting beaten, an eternal truth. Ding! A crisp sound echoed in the empty floor. Viscount Yang Ming clinked glasses with Prince Edwan, who continued fumbling with the barbecue tongs in front of him. This unhealthy and primitive method of roasting food through material combustion at unstable temperatures was a novelty to Edwan. Yang Ming turned his head to glance at the distant corner, where Kolev was video chatting with an elegant elderly lady. This old man, considered a paragon of businessmen, had secured a barons title without spending any money, which made Yang Ming feel a bit indignant. His own viscountcy had been earned through blood and sweat! Kolev was always just socializing! Ming, any ideas? I still want to retaliate against the New Federation, Edwan asked eagerly, You were right, this country was already on the brink of collapse, and since the terrorist attacks didnt bring us down, our situation wont be worse than before the attacks. On the contrary, although many of the rich have fled, the unity of the people and their national identity have greatly improved. I am now full of confidence in the future. Yang Ming looked out at the floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, the bustling city seemed free of scars and pain. I can only give you a general suggestion, Yang Ming smiled, Rather than spreading your efforts too thin, making the New Federation Empire only itch slightly, it would be better to focus like a fist and hit the New Federation hard in one industry. Edwan raised an eyebrow. However, Edwan, Yang Ming said, putting down his glass, The strength of the New Federation is based on millennia of development; youd better hold back a bit. Ming, have you read Emperors Biography? The legendary tale of Levi Sherman. Uh-huh, Ive learned a little. Edwan smiled, Its called a miracle. Just tens of thousands of years ago, the technological development level was similar to now, and so was the political structure. Levi Sherman rapidly rose to power on a planet, became the ruler of several stars within a few years through massive technological innovations, and within a decade became a hegemon, creating the Emperor Star miracle that no one has broken even now. Its because of this great founding Emperor that the Sherman Empire once had a strong influence on the technological development of the entire Milky Way. Yang Ming smiled slightly. His predecessor was truly formidable. Edwan, has the military matter been settled? You are soon going to become a captain under Gudun Mah, Edwan laughed, stationed near Ilando Star. Thats good, Yang Ming said, Later, Ill figure out how to eliminate a top military official to help Gudun Mah control another fleet, remove the deputy title from Gudun Mah, and make him the chief of the general staff. Edwan frowned and complained, You cant just say such shady things about power manipulation directly to the Second Prince of this country; he doesnt want to hear about those. All right, then Ill do it myself. Hey! Edwan glared at Yang Ming, At least give me a heads-up first! Yang Ming smiled without speaking. They clinked glasses gently again. Edwan couldnt help but mutter, sea??h th ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Recently, a group named Molly Miss suddenly emerged, with an amazingly keen sense; theyve acquired a large amount of superior assets at low prices over the past month, successfully outmaneuvering me several times. After acquiring companies, they didnt lay off employees or relocate capital offshore, but worked hard to maintain production and received unanimous praise from local governments. This probably shows they have a long-term plan; if they seize the opportunity to develop into a manufacturing monopoly in our country, it will become a troublesome issue. Yang Ming shifted his weight a bit, feeling a bit guilty. Even though he wanted to coolly declare, Reintroducing myself, Im the actual controller of Molly Miss. But Edwan was most concerned about the economy. Yang Ming had already established influence in the military, and expanding into the economic field could easily make Edwan feel pressured. I just want to make money to buy resources to support my Dark Star. Yang Ming murmured in his heart and continued chatting and laughing with Edwan. Outside, the citys lights seemed no longer so distant, as the long night appeared to have become history. Yang Ming decided that when he found the time, he would read that Emperors Biography and study the brilliant deeds of the previous achievers, to understand what the so-called Emperor Star miracle was. The starry sky was clear and brilliant outside the window. The Time Book turned over a thin page forward. Chapter 173 - 173 Captain arrives at the bridge of ship 101 ?Chapter 173: Captain arrives at the bridge of ship 101 Chapter 173: Captain arrives at the bridge of ship 101 Ding ding! Boss, wake up! Boss, wake up! The alarm clock disguise of Lyu woke Yang Ming, making him open his bleary eyes and disturbing Windsor beside him. Miss Windsor remained as beautiful as ever, her smooth back irresistibly enticing to Yang Mings fingertips at all times. However, every time he left her side, Yang Ming no longer felt the same reluctance he once did. He reached the dressing room of the hotel suite in his boxers, where two mechanical arms fixed to the wardrobe already stretched out a military uniform. When Yang Ming dressed neatly, these mechanical arms even helped smooth out the creases in his clothes. As he opened the door, two mechanical soldiers without firearms saluted simultaneously. The waitress holding breakfast wore a beaming smile, showing no sign of the half-hour wait she endured. Yang Ming grabbed a piece of bread, took a big bite, and mumbled a thank you before hurrying to the corner elevator. A few seconds later, the waitresss online terminal chimed with a tip notification, causing her to cheer in delight, while two other waitresses hiding in the distance looked on enviously. They were just a bit slow today! The elevator doors slid open smoothly, and the bellboy standing by the panel with two large suitcases flashed a smile at Yang Ming. Good morning, sir. This left the well-dressed young man beside him speechless. Both were guests in the hotels premium suites, yet the bellboy put on a sour face for him, but grinned from ear to ear in front of this young officer, not bothering to hide the flattery in his eyes! This bellboy had no idea of his power! The elevator doors opened, and the young man stepped out ahead, taking out a stylish online terminal and giving it a light shake. A long, luxurious floating car sped over, coming to a steady stop beside the young man. The wing door lifted, revealing the luxurious interior, as a retractable stepping platform reached the young mans feet. Then, the young man turned to look at Yang Ming, his gaze seemingly asking: Whats your ride? Yang Ming pulled a remote control from his jacket pocket, pressing it gently. Suddenly, the low roar of a powerful engine resounded from the sky, several blue arcs appearing above the rooftop, as a 20-meter-class square military assault ship disengaged its optical stealth. The simple yet sturdy cloud ladder descended directly, as Yang Ming calmly stepped onto it. As the ladder slowly retracted, he swiftly returned to the airships cabin, leaving the young man standing there, dumbfounded. Sir, could you lower your floating car a bit? The bellboy asked nearby: I cant carry it up like this. Oh, sure, the young man muttered, Ill handle it Who is that? Are you new to our Ilando Star? The bellboys smile grew a bit friendlier. Hmm hmm~ Yang Ming gripped the assault ships helm, speeding through the blue sky. The powerful thrust exerted on him seemed to have no effect on him. Lyu, you should report the daily news. Lyus figure appeared on the central console, her cute outfit of pleated skirt and white shirt, along with the twin pigtail hairstyle she learned from 026, lending her an air of purity and energy. Boss! Today is full of energy once again! Stop imitating 026! Yang Ming scolded with little patience: If you want to make friends with that kid, just go do it. Why secretly observe her all the time? This is Lyus hobby. Lyu snorted, then shifted into work mode. In the past day, there were no significant domestic news. Those two advisors who suddenly appeared next to the Third Prince have been confirmed to be related to the New Federation. It seems that some sort of cooperation has been reached between the two, and the Third Princes surveillance system has been upgraded with several safe houses I cannot access. Yang Ming chuckled, That Third Prince is just playing with fire; lets see how he flounders. The Crown Princes wife is still in the Sherman Empire, but they havent achieved much, and the Imperial Foreign Affairs Bureau is favorable to Edwan. In the three months since the New Federations attack, Edwans performance has completely overshadowed the other two princes. Lyu paused, then continued: Of note is that theres a new chief in the New Federation CIA, as the former chief has been prosecuted for corruption, likely a result of their internal faction struggles. The new CIA chief is this elderly woman, and her information is classified, making it temporarily impossible to obtain effective details. A photo of an elderly lady appeared next to Lyu. Yang Ming laughed, She looks quite kind and gentle. According to rumors, she has overthrown the regimes of twelve small countries. Tsk, judging by appearances is inadvisable, Yang Ming said, yawning, How are todays economic indicators? Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyu dutifully reported: If its our Molly Miss, quite well. Although you, boss, asked me to halt the expansion of the business territory, several newly released patents have quickly turned into profitable points. If its about Winds overall situation, its just as bad as ever. The investment credit here has gone bankrupt, and without foreign investment, relying solely on local capital and technology for development, it will take at least twenty years to return to the level before the New Federations attack. Moreover, the development between Administrative Stars is uneven. As resources begin to concentrate on Ilando Star, the residents of the Fourth and Fifth Administrative Stars will face greater hardships. The royal familys bottom-line plan has ultimately only preserved basic social order, with the middle-class suicide rate having risen by 340% in these three months. Chapter 174 - 174 Captain 101 arrives at the bridge_2 ?Chapter 174: Captain 101 arrives at the bridge_2 Chapter 174: Captain 101 arrives at the bridge_2 Yang Ming sighed, Edwan has nearly turned gray with worry these past months. Lyu laughed, Boss, if you could help the Second Prince consolidate military power sooner, the situation could improve. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I cant just go and eliminate those key generals other than Gudun Mah. At this stage, we need to wait for them to show vulnerabilities. Yang Ming grinned and looked up at the deep blue sky. The spaceship had already exited the edge of the atmosphere and continued to accelerate into space. Small ships typically didnt have a [variable direction simulated gravity field] to counteract the equivalent gravity produced by acceleration, which was the main reason why small manned spacecraft couldnt fully utilize engine performance. But this detail had become an important reliance for Yang Ming to travel freely between the fleet and the surface. Full speed ahead, with no worries, his body didnt bear any burden. Ilando Star was quickly left behind. A fleet of four warships appeared in Yang Mings field of vision. This micro-fleet belonged directly to Gudun Mahs command of the Fourth Regular Fleet. The Fourth Fleet, with over 30 medium and large warships, usually had the task of guarding Ilando Star. The special ship attack incident by the New Federation three months ago was also due to the Fourth Fleets failure to detect and intercept the opponent in time. Though the royal family didnt take blame afterward, the Fourth Fleet now dared not be careless, deploying their regular forces around Ilando Star and conducting daily patrol inspections. These four warships were: Two 200-meter-class gunships, one 300-meter-class comprehensive supply training ship, and one 500-meter-class Star Patrol Ship. The most noteworthy among them was this Star Patrol Ship called Emig. It was the flagship of this small fleet and Yang Mings current workplace. Its 500-meter-long square body showcased apparent Sherman Empire heritage. It once served in the Sherman Empire and was sold to the Wind Empire at about its original price after retirement, becoming one of the main battleships of the Wind Empire. Though it was considered obsolete by the Sherman Empire, it still maintained a formidable deterrent among surrounding small countries. The assault ship Yang Ming was on sent a landing signal, and the Emigs side hatch 23 slowly opened, just enough to accommodate the assault ship inside. A few minutes later, Yang Ming, wearing sunglasses, walked with his hands behind his back in the side corridor of the Emig Star Patrol Ship. When encountering officers and soldiers who would stop and salute him, Yang Ming would smile and nod in response. The alluring female clerk in a professional suit matching the military uniform would throw a wink at Yang Ming; rushing maintenance engineers would actively engage, emphasizing the importance of timely wage payment to Yang Ming. When Yang Ming arrived at the bridge, a synthesized female voice, sounding as if it had eaten a few more bowls of rice, gave a loud reminder: Captain has arrived at the bridge! Thus, the quiet bridge became livelier, technical personnel on duty at the consoles stood at attention, watching as Yang Ming reached the captains chair above the fire control station. Notably, the bridge design of the Emig Star Patrol Ship was similar to that of Brother Jis biochemical research ship. Sitting here, Yang Ming often inadvertently recalled those pleasant pasts. Valkyrie hadnt fully perished. This was Yang Mings biggest mental burden nowadays. Three middle-aged officers hurried over from the side. They were the ships first officer and second officer, and a trusted officer of Gudun Mah, who began to briefly report their navigation tasks for the day. Yang Ming listened carefully, signing the navigation log, officially ending a days work. A captains work during peacetime was just that minimal. Yang Ming reclined the chair to lie comfortably and opened the Emperors Biography, which he had been studying repeatedly recently, to pass the leisurely working time. This was how Yang Ming had been spending the past month. If he couldnt return to the surface anytime, Yang Ming felt he might develop some mental disorder. However, when aboard the ship, Yang Ming always sensed a kind of security absent in the surface world. This security was indeed peculiar. Generally, normal people lacked a sense of security during space travel and felt safer when back on the surface; Yang Ming was the exact opposite. Yang Ming had discussed this issue with Lyu. Lyus explanation was relatively crediblethe Ancient God Life Form could float and survive in cosmic space; for Yang Ming, returning to the vast and infinite cosmic space felt like returning home. Quickly, snoring emanated from the captains chair. Two young female technicians closest to this area exchanged glances, unable to suppress their amusement. Lyus Thought Space. While the boss snored away, the secretary worked tirelessly. The monitored information streams had increased to five lines, yet the computing power still had 50% in reserve. High-end Mechanical Thought Bodies often saved resources to steadily upgrade their primary brain. Indeed, she upgraded! Currently, she employed a dual-end primary brain structure, integrating the newly added main processor into Dark Star, networked with the main processor aboard the Feinan! Despite the added processors considerable power and capacity, Lyu still centered operations around the Feinans main processor. A hint of mechanical nostalgia. After three months of development, Dark Stars shallow main base was complete, with principal core formationsmechanical production workshop, Thought Body cultivation room, and integrated mining plantestablished in the shallow surface. Over a dozen automated mining vehicles joined the shadow network array, continuously channeling Dark Stars mineral resources back to the base to create more and more Thought carriers. Currently, the main base remained at a depth of one hundred meters underground. Once enough strength was accumulated, Lyu intended to establish a second base a thousand meters underground and gradually pierce through the crust to reach the underground ancient ocean, creating a true city for the Mechanical Thought Body. The existence of the Molly Miss Group allowed Lyu to more easily secure resources for investing in the development of Dark Star. Information regarding Dark Star consolidated into the fourth information stream. With surplus computing power, Lyu also focused on gathering information from the Four Great Roguesthe Four Great Powers within the Milky Waystriving to obtain first-hand information, which not only facilitated commercial activities but also provided better protection for the bosss life. This comprised the primary content of the fifth information stream. Of course, these were Lyus routine duties. Right now, Lyus favorite pastime was still observing 026. As Yang Ming mentioned, Lyu had a notion of becoming friends with 026, though she hadnt yet decided which mechanical medium to appear beside 026. Sigh, the boss is incredibly lucky to have such a capable secretary like me, Lyu routinely lamented. Just as she intended to open a window, a slight disturbance appeared in the fifth information stream. This disturbance indicated an event caught accidentally that could impact the boss. Lyu had to pause her leisure activity, grasp the disturbances source, and as a few slightly blurry images popped up, her entire person wore a dazed expression. Yang Mings wristwatch began vibrating continuously. Yang Ming groggily opened his eyes, and a red exclamation mark appeared before him. Glancing at it, he saw it was a photograph. The photo was extracted from a trending image circulating online in the Sherman Empire, captured through somewhat coarse equipment, seemingly taken by a crewmember on a mining ship through the cabin window, visible were the large mechanical arms characteristic of space mining ships. Smudges on the cabin window were clearly visible, while a figure was gently floating out from Resource Stars atmosphere, slightly out of focus and blurry. The figure was enveloped in a faint red light shield, revealing a young woman with a nice figure, yet she had no visible flight devices, just drifting toward the mining ship where the photographer was Whoa! Yang Ming suddenly woke up, jumping up from the captains chair, attracting a scrutinizing gaze from all around. Chapter 175 - 175 102 The Motivation Given by Po Suo ?Chapter 175: 102 The Motivation Given by Po Suo Chapter 175: 102 The Motivation Given by Po Suo Yang Ming rushed back to his single-person lounge. The related news? It has been blocked by the Sherman authorities, Lyu replied, Im searching for information in the dark corners beyond Shermans official jurisdiction, not sure if I can find previous reports. Its too far away from us, and we hadnt paid attention to it before. Open permissions, investigate quickly. Yang Ming paced back and forth nonstop, his mind racing. Po Suo had recovered! No, thats not right, Po Suo felt more powerful than last time! That damn Valkyrie! She attacked that mining ship! Boss, I found some parts of the news reports before they were deleted. A spiral star chart of the Milky Way appeared in front of Yang Ming, with a large star domain marked with the Sherman Empires emperor star emblem at the first spiral arm. A star on the outskirts flickered faintly. This star, like a tiny particle in the sea of sand, was quickly magnified, and the sixth planet within this constant star system appeared before Yang Mings eyes. The planets features completely matched the background in that picture! Po Suo had appeared here, bursting directly into space from the atmosphere. Lyu spoke softly, This is the incident location, a semi-developed resource star. This does not match with what you said, Boss, about the bio-experiment ship explosion location. According to one of the earliest reports, a mining ship suddenly lost contact, and the last remaining information was these photos posted by the crew on social media. This news report analyzed that this might be a fabricated photo editing case, and they were verifying information from the police in the relevant jurisdiction; further updates would follow. And after that? Were there any updates? Yang Ming asked urgently. Lyu said, All information was sealed, with a certain time lag. Im still looking. Thank you. After taking a few deep breaths, Yang Ming finally calmed down, sat back by the sand table, and quietly waited for Lyu to search for information. When Kigrov detonated the antimatter bomb, it must have heavily damaged the Valkyrie; But the characteristic of the Ancient God creatures was that as long as cells did not die, they could regenerate. If there were remnants of the Valkyries body attached to the shipwreckassuming the Valkyries body left over ten fragments, only one fragment would start cell division, while the others would synchronously decay. Yang Ming had previously seen the Valkyrie healing during a warp jump, knowing this day would come. But Yang Ming didnt expect this day to come so quickly. Oh, he didnt even have a thousand-meter-class heavy battleship on hand! But now he was captain of this five-hundred-meter-class Star Patrol Ship, with full emergency combat authority, and if the Valkyrie ran into his gunfire, it would be ideal. But would the Valkyrie blindly charge in? She was cunning, not only cunning but also filled with various possibilities. Yang Ming was well aware of his anti-ship capabilities, with the ability to approach a battleship, infiltrate the enemys cabin, and conduct a one-sided massacre. Similarly, the Valkyrie could do it. And she would most likely be more efficient than him. Boss, Ive roughly reconstructed the sequence of events for this incident. Lyus appearance emerged in front of Yang Ming, narrating briskly about the accident that happened three days ago in a corner of the Sherman Empire. The mining ship that lost contact initially did not attract attention from the related parties; The photos posted by that crew member received little attention at first. It wasnt until a report by an eighteenth-tier tabloid that the incident gained small-scale spread. As the time without contact increased, the main search effort for this mining ship transformed from initial patrol forces to a regional patrol fleet. This was when rumors began to circulate, asserting that the photos posted by the crew were not edited, and they indeed discovered strange life forms akin to Ancient Gods. Several major media outlets within the Sherman Empire caught wind of the situation. It was these sparse media reports that provided Lyu with clues to reconstruct the event. Approximately two days ago, the patrol fleet found the mining ship and, after multiple unanswered calls, forcibly dispatched robots to board it. The condition inside the ship was appalling. The mining ship had over a hundred crew members in total, of which seventy-two had become incapable of any communication, and the rest suffered catastrophic brain injuries. The survivors could not recount what they had experienced. A few hours after discovering the mining ship, the Sherman Empires Elder Courts enforcement fleet intervened, completely locking down related information, while several research ships escorted by an elite fleet entered the resource star where the Valkyrie was spotted. The crew members who became incapable were taken to a research institute, as the Sherman Empire sought to understand what happened to them. This is all the information available at the moment. Lyu spoke softly, One detail worth noting is that the mining ship originally had a small warp-capable detection ship, and that ship was missing. Impressive, Yang Ming covered his eyes with his hand, Po Suo gained high mobility The New Federation, thats right! Keep an eye on the New Federations intelligence agencies, they might have information. Understood, Boss. Lyu immediately devoted herself to work. She fully understood how anxious her boss was when facing his superior life form. Two hours later, Lyu brought one good and one bad piece of news. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyu did not dare to tease Yang Ming at this moment, reporting swiftly. The good news was that the special forces that handled the Kigrov experimental ship explosion case within the Sherman Empire started to pursue the Valkyrie, as they had some understanding of her. Chapter 176 - 176 102 Motivation Given by Po Suo_2 ?Chapter 176: 102 Motivation Given by Po Suo_2 Chapter 176: 102 Motivation Given by Po Suo_2 The survivors of Kigrovs experimental team were all absorbed by this special force. The bad news was that if Valkyrie fell into the hands of the Sherman Empire, there was a possibility for Valkyrie to collaborate with them. Thus, Valkyrie proposed the condition of finding Yang Ming and then opening up her cell samples to the Sherman Empire for research. Or, Valkyrie might use the method of handing over Yang Ming to successfully have Yang Ming return to her side. Ill go. Yang Ming was completely engulfed in shadow. Lyu couldnt help but sarcastically remark, Boss, by using your real name so casually, youve created an irreparable crisis. When you entered Luofeng, you shouldnt have used the name Yang Ming, which is famous all over Luofeng now. I just wanted to start a new life with a bit of ceremony Yang Ming tugged at his hair. Finally, he gritted his teeth and stamped his foot, damn this sense of ceremony! Damn it! Things had come to this! Lyu, whats the chance of me being discovered if I hide on the Dark Star? This is hard to say, it mainly depends on the relationship between Valkyrie and the Sherman Empire, reminded Lyu, Weve actually left a lot of traces, and if the Sherman Empire targets a search, we wont be able to hide for long. Keep an eye on this matter, invest all spare computational power, Yang Ming slapped his thigh, If things really deteriorate to the point of no return, Ill take the Feinan and become a pirate, or just permanently navigate the periphery of the Milky Way! Lyu whispered, Boss, you might want to improve your individual combat ability; youve been living indulgently for the last two months, showing great slackness. Yang Ming slightly pursed his lips. How could a mechanical thought body understand human pleasures? That is what life was. Lyu began to continuously monitor all sorts of news within the Sherman Empire. Yang Ming urgently took some countermeasures. A big shipload of living supplies was sent to the Dark Star, enabling Yang Ming to stay there until old age. In Luofeng, Lyu continuously deleted news reports about Yang Ming, trying to keep his information as sparse as possible in the galaxys vast network world. Yang Ming resumed daily high-intensity training and began squatting in the captains life on the Star Patrol Ship. Every morning on Ilando Star, crew members would see Yang Ming sprinting madly around the starship; The captains chair on the bridge was replaced by a pulling device, and the female technicians couldnt help but glance there, admiring the muscular physique exhibited by the captain. In the tactical conference room, A group of officers discussed tactical layouts, their eyes involuntarily drifting to the corner. That captain, supporting himself with one finger in a handstand, was so captivating. In the broad training ground of the comprehensive training ship, The young major wielded a heavy metal rod, gesturing at the hundred or so soldiers holding training firearms ahead, leading the soldiers to perform interlocking assaults, with dense light bullets forming a barrage. The metal rod in the majors hand swept wildly, and the ground around him quickly became a kaleidoscope of colors, yet his upper body remained spotless. Just this? Yang Ming smiled encouragingly, while a group of soldiers hung their heads dispiritedly. To alleviate the immense pressure brought by Po Suo and to maintain his sharp perception, Yang Ming began to meditate for half an hour daily. He sat quietly in the captains lounge, with three light swords, two full-body triggered armor shields, and the control keys for two mechas laid before him, drawing a bit of security from technology. However, more than these, Yang Ming preferred the power of the starships main cannon. Yang Ming had already started promoting a new tactic within the Wind Countrys fourth fleet through Gudun Mah, with the tactic having only one goal: How to accurately bombard humanoid creatures with a battleships primary cannon of one hundred meters in diameter. All fear originates from insufficient firepower, Yang Ming murmured. Eight days later, Lyu brought back two new pieces of information intercepted from the New Federations intelligence channels, which greatly uplifted Yang Mings spirits. To outsiders, there was no way to deduce what the Sherman Empire was up to from these reports. But Yang Ming and Lyu, having information on Valkyrie, could perfectly deduce the true intelligence behind the reports. Valkyrie had not negotiated with the Sherman Empire! Her traces were captured by the Sherman Empires special forces, and both sides met in an asteroid belt where Valkyrie feigned capture, entering a three-hundred-meter-class special warship. About half an hour later, that special warship directly exploded. Valkyrie tried to escape in a small spaceship, and although this spaceship was blasted by the main cannon of the Sherman Empires warship, Valkyrie ejected at the moment of the barrage, flying bodily through near-absolute zero vacuum straight into the depths of the asteroid belt. Both sides were still in a standoff phase. Lyu cleared his throat and shared his analysis with Yang Ming: Boss, we cannot use the perspective of ordinary carbon-based life forms to infer Valkyrie. She has completely ancient-godified and is still rapidly growing. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Valkyrie harbors hatred for the Sherman Empire; she disdains any communication with the Empire. To you, Boss, she does not bear hatred; instead, she has a special psychological tie, aspiring to absorb you, reclaim your genes, and perfect herself. Yang Ming pulled a face like a bitter melon, I would rather she hate me. Lyu continued, Currently, Valkyrie is trapped in that asteroid belt. The Sherman Empire has sent troops to blockade it, and the intelligence departments of all countries are highly interested in the situation there. Additionally, possibly released by the Guel Alliance, now all intelligence organizations have received two key phrasesAncient God Gene Experiment and Valkyrie. That place will remain chaotic in the future. Yang Ming muttered, So, she wont be able to come to me for a while? Yes, Lyu explained, Valkyrie itself does not possess the ability to warp-space travel, and the Sherman special forces are strong, resulting in a stalemate, with a high probability of Valkyrie being captured. Will she expose me? Low probability event; Lyus analysis suggests shes very likely to protect your information. Yang Ming rubbed his forehead and quietly said, I need to find a way to continue getting stronger. Boss, in just four years, with our current pace of progress, were sure to pass the first assessment, Lyu whispered, You can choose part of gene modification technology upon clearing the assessment and selecting a development direction. But thats five years away! Valkyrie recovered from such severe injuries in less than a year. Yang Ming stood up and paced. He thought of mechas, but the mechas he could currently get his hands on were things he could tear apart barehanded. The two directions to strengthen his own abilities: one was exoskeleton armor with sufficiently powerful technology, the other was gene enhancement technology to tap into the potential of his body. Currently, the Luofeng Empire was struggling to maintain even basic livelihood; how could it develop cutting-edge gene modification technology in a short time? Go to the Sherman Empire for that? Wasnt that like entering the tigers den? Apart from Sherman, the New Federation had the strongest gene modification technology, but he had a lot on his plate here in the Luofeng Empire; the Second Prince had just gained his footing, and the Dark Star was just starting off Lyu, we need to accelerate the integration of the Luofeng Empire. Yang Mings gaze gradually sharpened: First find a way to place Edwan in the position of Crown Prince, making Gudun Mah the largest faction in the military. At the very least, ensure I can leave Luofeng for a short time without issues arising here. Also, I need a strong navy that can protect me, and consolidating the Wind Army is the quickest way. Lyu softly hummed, You may not necessarily lose in a direct confrontation with Po Suo. I am looking for a surefire win, Lyu, Yang Ming answered decisively, No one will devour me! Not even gods! Chapter 177 - 177 103 This can still have unexpected gains ?Chapter 177: 103 This can still have unexpected gains Chapter 177: 103 This can still have unexpected gains Edwan, exhausted from a days work, dragged his weary body back to his warm palace. Someone always had to take care of these tasks, to handle these troubles. Edwan showed a slightly satisfied smile on his lips. The thought of being able to push the country forward by a couple of steps within his lifetime gave him more motivation. He decided to review some economic proposals before going to sleep. Your Highness! A middle-aged woman hastily approached him. She was Edwans trusted intelligence officer, and the surrounding guards did not stop her. The intelligence officer whispered a few words into Edwans ear, and his expression became one of surprise. My brother and my older brother left Ilando Star overnight? Edwan was a bit puzzled, Were they provoked by something? Yesterday, I even had a virtual family dinner with them. I thought I had already conveyed goodwill; even if Father doesnt choose me as the Crown Prince, I wouldnt take action against them. If this family keeps consuming itself, isnt it a waste of the countrys limited resources? The intelligence officer softly replied, Their Highnesses dont see it that way. Moreover, Your Highness, I suspect its because the Fourth Fleet, led by Gudun Mah, has been implementing new tactics recently, putting pressure on the two of them. Tactics? What tactics? Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The intelligence officer glanced at her electronic notepad and quickly reported, A new kind of tactical exercise based on continuous bombardment by large fleets on a single lifeform. Edwan was baffled, What the heck is this? Its about using the starships main cannon to deal with a single target, the intelligence officer reminded him, this could also threaten your life. Oh, this Gudun Mah Edwan rubbed his forehead and quietly said, Ill personally investigate this matter, so theres no need for you to worry too much. Get me in touch with Major Yang Ming. Your Highness, a guard beside him reminded, Major Yang Ming is waiting for you upstairs; he arrived a few minutes ago and seems anxious, as if hes troubled. Ha-ha! Edwan laughed heartily a few times, Could it be that this fellow has run into trouble? No, no, thats the wrong question; rather, does he also have troubles that he cant resolve? This is too interesting. Edwan was invigorated and quickly rushed toward the elevator. Beside him, his confidants, guards, advisors, and intelligence officer exchanged looks and shrugged. With that Major around, no one could become the number one aide to His Highness. When Edwan found Yang Ming, Yang Ming was lifting Edwans single-seater sofa to work on his arm strength. Are you showing off your masculine strength to me? Edwan called out with a face full of disdain. Yang Ming gently set down the sofa and got straight to the point, Can I modify that mecha you gave me? Im here to ask since you gifted it to me. Do as you please; its yours now, Edwan said with curiosity, but whats with Gudun Mahs new tactics? Yang Ming chuckled, You want to ask why the Crown Prince and the Third Prince left overnight, dont you? Yes. The Crown Prince went to the Second Administrative Star, which is his stronghold, Yang Ming explained, The Third Prince headed to the Fifth Administrative Star; the Sixth Fleet of the Wind stationed outside the Fifth Administrative Star was responsible for suppressing the rebels but has not taken substantive action. Thats what you should pay attention to. Edwan frowned tightly. Yang Ming reminded again, The Crown Prince acted with your fathers approval, but the Third Prince didnt; he left Ilando Star on his own, so you might be able to use this against him. So, Edwan crossed his arms, Ming, did you deliberately scare them off? Of course not, Yang Ming smirked slightly, I initially considered directly taking them out, but since you dont want to shed blood among your siblings, Im now adopting a strategy of defensive counterattacks. Edwan bitterly smiled, Dont go about it like that, theyre my brothers, and this country cant endure the lost resources from a princes internal conflict right now. Yang Ming received a warm towel from a maid and wiped the non-existent sweat on his forehead. Without needing Edwans invitation, he sat on the sofa he had just lifted, placing his legs on the oval low table in front of him. Edwan, you must be prepared for this. Your brother is quite close to General Joble, who controls the Sixth Fleet, and going to the Fifth Administrative Star, he might do one of two things. What two things? Either crush the rebels or create chaos, Yang Ming said, I dont really want to tell you, but your brother has acquired two new advisors from the New Federation. Edwans expression turned somewhat somber. Yang Ming said, The closer you get to the position of Crown Prince, the more impatient your brothers will become. The Crown Prince chose to operate within the Sherman Empire, giving gifts to Sherman Foreign Affairs Bureau officials and elders. This brother of yours seems to have chosen to stand with the enemy. That bastard! Edwan cursed, The New Federation killed so many of our people! Doesnt he harbor any resentment? Many only care about their interests, Yang Ming said, If youre unwilling to make the decision, let me handle it. Hey, Ming, Edwan quickly walked over, gazing into Yang Mings eyes, If it really comes to that, leave him a way out; after all, hes my brother. Yang Ming replied, I cant guarantee that, since if a fleet battle erupts, who knows how it will end. Chapter 178 - 178 103 This can still have unexpected gains_2 ?Chapter 178: 103 This can still have unexpected gains_2 Chapter 178: 103 This can still have unexpected gains_2 And how did the situation suddenly become so tense? Edwan wondered, It was quite relaxed before. This Yang Ming replied seriously, The situation hasnt escalated yet, the Third Prince hasnt taken official action. Im just telling you about the possibility. Edwan breathed a sigh of relief and slumped on the side, his tall body sinking into the sofa. Yang Ming asked, Do you want to escalate the situation? No! Keep it this way for now! Edwan immediately shouted, Im already overwhelmed! Let me take a breather! Yang Ming shrugged sullenly. He sank into the single sofa chair. As soon as he closed his eyes, Yang Ming seemed to see that expanse of asteroids spread across the cosmic space and, in the gaps between the asteroids, Valkyrie playing cat and mouse with the Sherman Empires Special Forces. Every two hours, Lyu would report the latest situation there. As long as Valkyrie stayed out of the Sherman Empires sight for over an hour, Yang Ming would immediately leave the surface and return to the ship. However, Edwans words earlier reminded Yang Ming. The situation wasnt that tense yet. Because the distance was too far, Valkyrie couldnt sense his location. She didnt know his exact position, and even if she got a ship capable of jumping, she couldnt head straight for the Luofeng Empire. Yang Ming still had ample time to prepare for the confrontation. Edwan, Yang Ming said, I will come down less often later, I will reside with the Fourth Fleet. Mhm, Edwan asked with a smile, Did you have a fight with Miss Windsor? Of course not, were more harmonious than the average couple in every aspect, Yang Ming laughed, I cant accompany her recently. Edwan looked at Yang Ming, Youre in trouble, arent you? No trouble at all. If you need help, please make sure to let me know. Edwans voice was very sincere, Ive always been under your care, and those things I give back to you, another prince could easily do. Besides, were friends, Ming. Friends should have no secrets, thats what my Living Officer taught me since childhood. Yang Ming clicked his tongue, You really should consider dating, Edwan. How about that Sherman noblewoman you met last time? It was terrible, Edwan made a face, I wanted to marry a Sherman noblewoman with a less open personal life. You know, Ming, I just had a drink, and she tried to pull my pants down. Yang Ming said, Maybe she wanted to show off her outstanding skills. Hey! Edwan was a bit embarrassed, Stop with the dirty jokes; Im a proper prince. Proper enough to have lovers everywhere. Oh, youre slandering me! Sarch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edwan pretended to kick, while several maids around them giggled covering their mouths. Yang Ming dodged with a smile and ran towards the elevator, laughing. Im going to see Windsor and then return to the fleet By the way, if youre short of economic experts, you can look for Windsors third happy friend. That old scholar has abundant knowledge and should be able to help you. Youre leaving already? We havent even had a drink! I still need to see Miss Windsor. Yang Ming casually pulled out two modified alloy grip trainers, continuing to train his grip strength. If theres nothing major going on lately, I wont return to the surface. Keep up the good work, Wind Star. Edwan looked deeply frustrated. Yang Ming planned to cherish the opportunity to meet Windsor and spend their romantic night in a hotel suite, but Windsor suggested they visit their third happy old friend. Yang Ming certainly wouldnt refuse. He wasnt a creature controlled by his lower body and always maintained the proper respect for Miss Windsor. In the evening. In an ordinary apartment in the underground city. The four of them sat around a square table, which was filled with homemade dishes unique to Wind customs. Like the dish of roasted insects. Yang Ming, the Subordinate Ancient God Life Form, dared not take a bite, but Windsor and 026 ate with relish. By the way, 026, Yang Ming asked, How about I introduce you to a friend? An expression of surprise spread across 026s somewhat thinner face, Really, Mr. Ming? Of course, I only have a few good friends outside of my coworkers right now. Shes not a noble, Yang Ming smiled, This is an employee of mine, an interesting artificial intelligence. He placed his watch beside the table, and a circle of rays emitted from its rim, projecting a three-dimensional half-body image. Lyu sat upright at the desk and blinked at Yang Ming, asking seriously, Did you call for me, Boss? Yes, little assistant, Yang Ming smiled with squinted eyes. Was Lyu nervous? This was the first time Yang Ming had felt happy since knowing Valkyrie Po Suo started her activities. He said with a smile, Didnt you keep praising 026 last time, saying she was a cute little girl? You can chat now. Yang Ming pushed the watch over. 026 clumsily tidied her bangs and clasped her hands in front of her chin, whispering, Hello. Hi! Lyu exaggeratedly waved her hand, Im Little Lyu. Little Lyu? Are you a lawyer? Yes, Lyu replied softly, I handle some legal matters for the boss, but since Im AI, I can only provide legal advisory opinions. The two began to exchange pleasantries and small talk. Yang Ming then leaned in closer to Windsor, discussing his schedule with her. Although Windsor appeared a bit dejected, she still expressed her support for Yang Mings work, assuring him not to worry about her. The old professor beside them listened with a smile, enjoying the young people staying longer in front of her. As Yang Ming and Windsor were happily chatting, the old professor suddenly asked, Yang Ming, you support the Second Prince, dont you? Yang Ming was taken aback. This old professor never discussed politics. Yes, Yang Ming smiled, Im a staunch supporter of the Second Prince. What do you think, the old professor hesitated but still asked, can the Second Prince save this country? Yang Mings gaze slightly changed when he looked at the old professor. He had investigated the old professor. From when 026 was arranged by Madam Karmi to live next to the old professor, Yang Ming had Lyu investigate this professor with apparent brilliant knowledge and strong academic prestige, yet living in seclusion in the underground district. Lyu didnt find any abnormalities. This, instead, was the biggest abnormality. Yang Ming replied, I always believed that its not the Emperor or the Prince who saves this country but its people. The old professor chuckled, That kind of talk shouldnt be heard by outsiders. There are no outsiders here, and Edwan wouldnt mind my saying so, Yang Ming lightly laughed, Do you want to discuss this topic with me to inquire about something? The old professor sighed softly, Youve always come here for this, havent you? You saw through me long ago, right? No, Yang Ming replied seriously, I was just accompanying Windsor. Windsor is accustomed to your wisdom and feels she can learn many things from you, plus your cooking is indeed delicious. The old professor looked utterly baffled. Yang Ming chuckled, But now, we can have a good chat, Professor. Chapter 179 - 179 104 The Stolen Dream 3 Please vote ?Chapter 179: 104 The Stolen Dream [Chapter 3! Please vote!] Chapter 179: 104 The Stolen Dream [Chapter 3! Please vote!] The real identity of this suddenly conspicuous neighboring old lady seemed to be about to be revealed. When Yang Ming arrived at the Empire, he had Lyu conduct a detailed investigation, and Lyu had reported on the major forces existing in the Empire. The royal familys Reformists, represented by the Second Prince Edwan, gathered a large number of ministers. The Conservative Party of the royal family, with the Old Emperor at its core, formed a feudal conservative force, to which the First Prince barely belonged. The New Industrial Association, mainly comprised of foreign capital, now existed in name only, with most of its main members having left. Kolev, relying on his old ladies group, could currently exert a significant influence over this organization. Needless to say, the military had become a group of businessmen. What Yang Ming hadnt yet discovered any specific traces of was the Liberal Revolutionary Party, formerly suppressed many times by the royal family and constantly attempting to overthrow royal power. The leader of the rebels on the Fifth Administrative Star was backed by the New Federation Liberal Revolutionary Party. Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Was this old economics professor a member of the Liberal Revolutionary Party? From the standpoint of ideological liberation, it seemed quite possible. Yang Mings gaze became sharper. He intentionally made a mistake: Let me guess living in seclusion in the underground city, a former professor at Ilando University with extremely high academic prestige You are a member of the royal family Reformists, right? I oppose the existence of the royal family. The old professor said calmly, as if he was already winning: The organization I established more than twenty years ago was later named the Liberal Revolutionary Party. Windsor was visibly shocked and said in a trembling voice, You, you are a rebel? The old mans expression was full of loneliness, and he smiled apologetically at Windsor. The old man said, The friendship between us is real, Windsor, I really enjoy chatting and having fun with you. Oh, this Miss Windsor was somewhat unable to breathe. Yang Ming glanced at Lyu, who had already activated comprehensive jamming. Yang Ming asked gently, Was it you who founded the Liberal Revolutionary Party? I, along with nine other teachers from Ilando University, the old professor sighed softly, we were filled with passion, wanting to strive to change this country, prepared to sacrifice everything. Windsors pretty face turned a little pale as she couldnt help but lean closer to Yang Ming. Yang Ming patted her hand, signaling her not to worry. The old professor sighed deeply: We initially wanted to ignite a revolutionary wave on Ilando Star, but, due to insufficient preparation, we ran into walls repeatedly. Then, we went to Administrative Stars with fewer people. At first, we were only in the dozens, then hundreds, then thousands. Did the royal family suppress you? The royal family didnt bother with us, the old professor said with a bitter smile, they only issued some notices warning us that what we were doing was illegal, and our initial actions were basically online protests, distributing leaflets, and posting slogans. Yang Ming was a bit speechless. Is this what they called a revolution? Windsor whispered, As far as I know, the royal family initially indeed did not care about the Liberal Revolutionary Party. There were actually many similar organizations, and the royal family, afraid of being labeled for brutal rule internationally, usually turned a blind eye, sometimes even giving some benefits. After we had been active for a few years, the situation changed, the old professor sighed softly, we thought it was the dawn of hope, but it was the beginning of a nightmare Was it the New Federation? 026 asked. I read in the news that the New Federation has always been engaged in covert wars. Yes, they funded us twenty years ago, provided us with weapons and equipment, helped train our fighters, but they took away our command, spreading their free ideas within the organization without considering Winds actual situation. The old professor sighed repeatedly: Things gradually turned different. They conspired to launch an armed uprising on the Fifth Administrative Star, the poorest, most populous place. We, a few old guys, were at a loss, this was not the situation we wanted to see, such would mean many people would die, and without fleet support, it couldnt succeed. They promised that a powerful fleet would come to support us, as long as we occupied the Fifth Administrative Star, this country would have hope. We were silent because we then also thought they were right, that bloodshed was inevitable. The funny thing is, after the first uprising broke out, those people from the New Federation suddenly disappeared from contact. There were no fleets promised in the sky, only attack boats from the Wind military thousands were massacred, we lost most of our partners. And the New Federation immediately provided us with new aidthey condemned the Empire for tyranny against free people in diplomacy, thereafter defining the Empire as a ruthless ruling empire. After that, countless capital and businessmen flowed from the Sherman Wind camp to the New Federation and its allies. The old professor let out a bitter laugh: The Fifth Administrative Star became even poorer, and the lives of all the people were affected. Yang Ming calmly said, The New Federation was playing a big game with small actions, using the activities of a few agents and a small amount of funds to thwart the economic momentum of the Empire, taking away part of the multinational capital. Exactly. The old professor sighed: After the failure of the first uprising, we old guys were at a loss, but the agents of the New Federation appeared again, and there were traitors among us. Soon, there were a second, third time twelve years ago we chose to leave the Liberal Revolutionary Party, which I had created with my own hands, it had completely become a tool of the New Federation. Chapter 180 - 180 104 The Stolen Dream 3 Please vote_2 ?Chapter 180: 104 The Stolen Dream [Chapter 3! Please vote!]_2 Chapter 180: 104 The Stolen Dream [Chapter 3! Please vote!]_2 At last, our ideals were shattered, not by the royal familys suppression, but seized by the New Federation CIA. The room fell into a long silence. Forgive my presumptuousness, but even if your ideals hadnt shattered, they would only have ended in failure. Yang Ming spoke slowly, In a sense, you were not a qualified leader. Revolution inevitably involved bloodshed; it couldnt succeed merely through sit-ins, protests, and international support, or else it would leave various problems behind. A revolution needed to be thorough, decisive, uprooting the old order entirely, a comprehensive revolution brought about by the awakening of national consciousness, to reshape a nations soul. The leader must have the courage to confront strong internal and external regimes with blood. With the continuous development of technological production techniques, and the broad utilization of mechanical soldiers, the cost of revolution had increased massively. Simply launching an armed uprising wouldnt help if it meant exterminating an entire planet. After speaking, Yang Ming couldnt help but sigh gently. The old professor looked at him with a touch of admiration, Its truly surprising that you could comprehend these things at such a young age. Yang Ming smiled and said, Are you suddenly confiding in me because you want me to make contact with the Second Prince? Yesyes, the old professor frowned as he looked at Yang Ming. Let me think. Yang Ming tapped his fingers on the table as he continued, Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. You must want to seek support from Edwan or have your previous offenses sorry, I mean the crimes as seen by the royal family pardoned, am I right? As a condition of exchange, you should be offering up important intelligence, but it cant possibly be a list of the Liberal Revolutionary Party. A subtle change appeared on the old professors face, making him a bit reluctant to meet Yang Mings gaze directly. 026 bore a slightly uneasy expression. She felt the intense air around Yang Ming at that moment. You are a bit too astute, the old professor asked with interest, Can you guess what the intelligence is? Yang Ming said calmly, A full-scale revolt is about to erupt on the Fifth Administrative Star. The New Federation has infiltrated the Sixth Fleet on the periphery of that administrative star, and the Third Prince will also be involved. The old professor frowned lightly. She knew that unless she began speaking, Yang Ming could deduce the entire intelligence from her small changes in demeanor. The old professor spoke softly, I want to discuss two matters. First, I wish to meet with His Highness, Edwan. I can go anywhere, including prison. Secondly, I want to remind you all that the New Federation will instigate a full-scale revolt on the Fifth Administrative Star. Most of my old friends, who once shared the same ideals, have been bought over, or rather, they were people from the New Federation from the start. But I still have some trusted associates willing to provide me with intelligence. The New Liberal Revolutionary Party no longer fights for the peoples freedom and welfare. Based on the intelligence I have, the current higher-ups only wish to split this country and establish their regime, exploiting wealth from the people. The old mans voice paused for a few seconds before continuing, Ive kept a close eye on everything the Second Prince has done over these months. The feudal royal family weve always opposed is desperately saving this country; the freedom and democracy weve always supported are desperately dismembering this nation. Although this is by chance and individual cases, its enough to be ironic. Didnt we want to initiate institutional reforms purely out of love for this country? We dont want to watch it continually decline under the royal familys exploitation, yet now, our dreams have completely shattered. Ive always believed that institutional reform can solve most societal problems. Ohyoung man, what are you doing? Hold on, I need to make a phone call. Yang Ming went to the other room holding his watch, very quickly ran back, and continued picking up his knife and fork, preparing to devour a feast. Edwan will secretly rush over within half an hour; you may continue discussing these topicsthey dont interest me. This, this is too hasty, the old professors complexion changed. Yang Ming raised his juice with a smile, Im only skilled in military affairs, not economics. Edwan will be delighted to see you. The prison beds will be kept for those traitors and lackeys, not for patriotic people like you. Uh, wait a moment! The old professors expression was somewhat awkward, I put a bit of sedative in your juice, well, so thatI can leave promptly, you understand, dont you? Yang Ming calmly set down the juice. These old foxes indeed werent as naive and kind as they claimed. Unexpectedly, this old economics professor did have some explosive material. The full revolt on the Fifth Administrative Star would occur eight galaxy days later. The current head of the New Liberal Revolutionary Party would announce the independence of the Fifth Administrative Star. The Winds Sixth Fleet, from top to bottom, had been corrupted by the New Federation, and they would become the new regimes main military force. The Wind royal family The Wind royal family outwardly had no full-scale fleet that could be directly mobilized. On the way back to the Star Patrol Ship, Yang Ming discussed with Lyu about how this battle should be fought next. Yang Ming didnt want the Gudun Mahs Fourth Fleet to lose too many ships, as that equated to depleting his strength. Boss, Lyu said softly, Im also a bit unclear. Yang Ming puzzled, What are you unclear about? Lyu clicked his tongue lightly, From the perspective of the people of the Luofeng Empire, would it be better for this rebellion to fully succeed, or for the Empires Emperor to continue ruling? Yang Ming laughed, Ive previously said, if the revolution in Wind stemmed from the peoples outrage, then it is naturally righteous. If it was manipulated by foreign powers, then it would be nothing but pointless bloodshed. Alright, Lyu said softly, I am not opposed to imperial authoritarianism. Edwan, in his bones, is a major reformist. Putting him on the throne, he can gradually abolish the imperial autocratic system himself. Yang Ming squinted and smiled, What Im more curious about now is what the Third Prince is doing going to the Fifth Administrative Star. Does he, as a prince, want to become the leader of the New Liberal Revolutionary Party? Besides, we need further verification of this intelligence; we cant just take their word for it. Lyu, Boss, I will go and monitor the captains of the Sixth Fleet now. Remember to allocate more computing power to Po Suo, Yang Ming reminded uneasily, Thats the real deadly crisis. Soon, Lyu returned with a recording. It was an encrypted conversation between two principal ship captains of the Sixth Fleet. My goodness, the Third Prince actually came over. Is he an idiot? He must have been tricked by the New Federation agents, letting him come over to seize military achievements and please the Old Emperor. The Third Prince has no idea whats going to happen here next. The New Federation has entirely controlled this country; when the Third Prince makes a televised speech, announcing recognition of this planets independence, the Wind royal family will be finished! Thats just it, it only further confirms that we chose correctly, this country is already beyond saving. Sigh, lets take our share and leave, itll be enough to enjoy the rest of our lives. Sigh, who knows how many people will die. Yang Ming casually turned off the recording. Alright then. The Grand Prince was with the Conservative Party; The Second Prince was with the Reformists; The Third Prince was in the faction of idiots. Let me think about how to achieve the maximum victory with the minimum sacrifice. Yang Ming looked at the nearing Star Patrol Ship, continuously rubbing his temples, It would be perfect if Gudun Mah took over the Sixth Fleet; this guy has military prestige and a trusted team. In the future, we need to keep a close eye on Gudun Mah, making sure his mindset doesnt deviate. Lyu reminded, Boss, the Sixth Fleet is one of the more powerful fleets in the Luofeng Empire, as they have always been deployed to suppress revolts. Their equipment is top-notch, possessing seven Star Patrol Ships, two Light Battlecruisers, and the only thousand-meter-class heavy battleship in the Luofeng Empire. This vessel is also a retired battleship from the Sherman Empire, boasting formidable firepower. How long? A thousand meters, the Vaglu General. Yang Mings eyes sparked with fiery light, From now on, it shall be called Valkyries Doom. Chapter 181 - 181 105 Target Wind Sixth Fleet ?Chapter 181: 105 Target: Wind Sixth Fleet Chapter 181: 105 Target: Wind Sixth Fleet According to the time given by the old professor, there were less than eight Galaxy Days left until the Fifth Administrative Star announced its independence. The first task for Yang Ming and Edwan was naturally to confirm the accuracy of this intelligence. After suffering two major setbacks in Wind, the New Federation strongly suspected that the entire network in Wind was under complete surveillance by the Sherman intelligence department, so the New Federation CIA went completely underground to conduct offline activities. This significantly increased the difficulty for Lyu in gathering relevant intelligence. Fortunately, Yang Ming still had access to the intelligence network Edwan had cultivated over the years. For over thirty Galaxy Times, streams of information continuously flowed into the hands of Yang Ming and Edwan. The three most noteworthy pieces of information were: The Sixth Fleet announced a battle plan for the Third Phase of the Recapture Offensive against the ground rebels on the Fifth Administrative Star, with the date exactly matching the one given by the old professor; The captains of three main ships in the Sixth Fleet were temporarily replaced, with the acting captains being absolute confidants of Joble, the controller of the Sixth Fleet, all handpicked and trained by General Joble; Several key figures among the rebels had recently been active in the capital of the Fifth Administrative Star, frequently meeting with the Governor and other government officials The outbreak of a full-scale rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star seemed inevitable. Yang Ming took extra precautions. He had Lyu investigate the past decades paths of this old professor, which quickly led to a figure that surprised Yang Ming. Mama San Karmi. Karmi? In the captains lounge, Yang Ming was gripping a magnetic resistance barbell, staring speechlessly at a string of data provided by Lyu. Karmi was Gudun Mahs confidante and mistress. When she first appeared in Yang Mings sight, she was intimately interacting with Gudun Mah in the suite office of a comprehensive supply ship. sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Later, Gudun Mah had Karmi arrange 026 to strategize against Yang Ming. In every sense, this woman was an utter villain, ruining countless young boys and girls youth and dragging numerous people into the Abyss of addiction agents. And now, according to Lyus follow-up investigation Karmi turned out to be one of the major supporters of the [Old Liberal Revolutionary Party]! After the old professor left the Liberal Revolutionary Party, she was relentlessly pursued by them, but it was Karmi who helped her! During the years the old professor lived in the underground city, she had continually received Karmis assistance! In the area where the old professor resided, there were many of Karmis thugs and employees, virtually serving as Karmis employee dormitory! This left Yang Ming at a loss for words. Yang Ming pondered, What benefit does this bring to Karmi herself? Insufficient intelligence, unable to determine. Lyu replied in a brisk tone, From this perspective, the old professors contact with Windsor was likely intentional. Over the years, Karmi has clung to Gudun Mah, using the numerous nightlife venues and various illegal activities in Ilando City to likely establish a secret intelligence network, subtly influencing many ministers and wealthy individuals in the Luofeng Empire. They had probably been pushing this agenda for a long time thats how Lyu analyzed it. This? Yang Ming smiled wryly, My impression of this old professor has suddenly worsened considerably. Boss, the organization this professor belongs to likely hid in the dark territories of Ilando Star. If Karmi is one of them, it only proves that they will stop at nothing and are burdened with countless sins, with no claim to justice at all. Lyu snorted, According to my observations, humans can never avoid self-righteousness and self-satisfaction. Yang Ming said, For the sake of justice in their hearts, they go so far as to destroy other peoples happiness, which indeed cannot be called justice. He put the magnetic resistance barbell down on the ground, gently pushed with both hands, and an empty projected screen appeared, displaying detailed intelligence on the Sixth Fleet. Let us not worry about these details for now; Karmi cannot escape, Yang Ming chuckled, since the intelligence is confirmed to be accurate, we can start devising a detailed battle plan. Lyu reminded, Boss, the royal family cannot help much; they maintain balance with the military through the deterrence of the Sherman Empire. If the entire Fourth Fleet transits, the forces the royal family controls can only ensure the defense of Ilando Star. Yang Ming folded his arms, exhaling heavily through his nose. Lyu said, The Fourth Fleet is not a match for the Sixth Fleet in a head-on confrontation; we have to find a way to win through strategy. Their flagship, that kilometer-class battleship, should be the key to the battle, Yang Ming said, find a way to let me break into it. Lyus life-sized projection appeared beside Yang Ming. She quietly contemplated. Lyu considered things more comprehensively. Boss, if you go in alone, its impossible to do so silently under these circumstances, considering that Valkyrie Po Suo has already appeared in the Sherman Empire; the less attention and shock you draw, the better. Do not mention Po Suo for now! Yang Mings muscles tightened up, I was just starting to relax a bit is her whereabouts still under control? Lyu couldnt help but laugh, keeping her voice steady, Still under control, shes tightly surrounded in the asteroid belt. The Sherman Empire is slowly closing in, and spies from various countries are covertly watching. Yang Ming said in a low voice, I must get my hands on that kilometer-class battleship; its close-range defense system is perfect and can definitely withstand the Valkyries assault. Okay, boss, lets start studying the ship takeover plan. Lyu, I suddenly thought of a pretty good idea. Chapter 182 - 182 105 Target Wind Sixth Fleet_2 ?Chapter 182: 105 Target: Wind Sixth Fleet_2 Chapter 182: 105 Target: Wind Sixth Fleet_2 Yang Ming squinted slightly, the corners of his mouth curving upwards. Lyu understood his boss well. Whenever his boss showed this expression, someone was likely to be fooled, scammed, or bullied. The most recent victim, of course, was Princess Emilia. The comprehensive rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star, countdown: 5 Galaxy Days. Gudun Mah was a bit puzzled as to why Mr. Ming would choose such a remote location for the secret meeting. This deputy chief of staff of the Winds three armies arrived stealthily in the outskirts of Ilando City on a stealth boat. A bionic robotic double was sitting in his office, quietly awaiting his return. Gudun Mah had operated in Ilando City for many years, and Karmi was just one of his subordinates, so it was not difficult for him to secretly reach the underground district [Third Happiness]. Although he was under Lyus watch the whole time. Exiting the elevator, Gudun Mah frowned immediately while disguised as a police officer. His gloved right hand covered his nose as he led a few young police officers into the bustling street. Gudun Mah liked to be well-prepared for anything. Currently, on this street, there were over twenty hidden sentries who had arrived two hours earlier and had already inspected every corner thoroughly. Though Gudun Mah knew that if Mr. Ming wanted to kill him, it wouldnt take much effort, he had to always guard against unexpected accidents. The meeting place was in an ordinary residence. As he neared the destination, Gudun Mah recalled the times decades ago in such cramped apartments carved densely into the rock wall like ant nests, places he had once lived. A few subordinates guarded the only entrance and exit of the corridor. Gudun Mah successfully reached the apartment Mr. Ming had mentioned, gently knocked on the door, and a crisp, clear female voice immediately came from within. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. May I ask, who sent you? A gentleman with a British flair. Click. The door lock pulled back, revealing 026s cute little round face. Gudun Mah was slightly surprised but quickly showed a smile, conveying his goodwill to 026. Mr. Yang Ming, it seems, indeed has an eye on this little girl, Gudun Mah chuckled inwardly. After Gudun Mah entered, 026 nervously glanced around, then tightly shut the security door and hid in the bathroom herself. In the living room were three figures. Sitting cross-legged on the sofa was the Second Prince, Edwan, a calm-faced elderly woman seated in the corner, and Yang Ming standing by the aquarium feeding fish. Gudun Mah stepped forward immediately, bowed slightly beside Yang Ming, removed his police cap, and respectfully said, Sir, you called for me. The old professor looked at Edwan with some amazement. Edwan only shrugged slightly; Gudun Mah was not sworn loyal to him. Yang Ming smiled, In the future, in situations like this, first salute our Highness. Yes, Gudun Mah smiled a bit, greetings to the Second Prince. Lets start the meeting already, Edwan sighed, Im stressed out right now. Yang Ming waved his hand, You should have seen the email regarding the detailed situation, Gudun. As a military expert, what are your thoughts? Gudun Mah said, If the Sixth Fleet has already rebelled, unless we gather the superior force of two or three regular fleets, even if we can annihilate the Sixth Fleet, the cost would be enormous My suggestion is to seek aid from our Sovereign Country. Edwan said, I also think seeking aid from Sherman is the best option. Yang Ming, however, said, If we always rely on the Sherman Empires military power, its impossible to truly restore our sovereignty. After the rebellion breaks out, we can seek aid from the Sherman Empire at any time. Since were meeting here to discuss, the effect we want to achieve is to quell this rebellion before the Sherman Empire reacts. That would certainly be the best, Edwan said with a worried tone, but can we do it? Yang Ming snapped his fingers, and a projection screen unfolded at his hand. I have a plan here. Gudun Mah glanced at the old professor sitting in the corner and said softly, Forgive my boldness, who is this? Yang Ming mentioned a name, and Gudun Mahs expression changed slightly. I thought you were dead, youve had plastic surgery and assumed a new identity, Gudun Mah said softly, staring at the corner. The old professor gave a bitter smile, I dont know why youre holding such a secret battle meeting here. Is this a test to see if Im bait set by the enemy, right? Young Major. Yang Ming smiled, squinting, Of course not. I believe you are not bait. But the resources in your hands are what we lack right now. I dont have any resources. Then how did you obtain this intelligence? Yang Ming said, Some people in the current Liberal Revolutionary Party are still loyal to you, arent they? The old professor frowned slightly. Yang Mings expression turned slightly cold, I wont force you to subdue them, nor will I force you to make a television speech. I only need you to convey a piece of intelligence to them and let this intelligence spread as widely as possible. The old professor said in a low voice, You want me to pass false information to my comrades? You are mistaken, Professor, Yang Ming said coldly, I need your comrades to pass false information to the enemy. You dont have to do much else, just relay the battle plan that I am about to discuss with Gudun Mah to them. There must be traitors among them. The old professor clenched his fist slightly, You shouldnt insult my comrades! Chapter 183 - 183 105 Target Wind Sixth Fleet_3 ?Chapter 183: 105 Target: Wind Sixth Fleet_3 Chapter 183: 105 Target: Wind Sixth Fleet_3 Youre aware of the answer, Professor, Yang Ming stared at her intently, Do as I say, and I promise to treat your comrades well, this is a promise, not a threat. Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gudun Mahs gaze was equally piercing. The old professor pressed her lips tightly, muttering under her breath, I dont want to use them But if its the only way to stop the enemy, Ill do it. You have only one chance to make a call, and Ill provide you with a script, Yang Ming neatly unfolded a fake battle plan, Lets take a look at it, Deputy Chief of Staff Gudun Mah, what do you think of this plan? Gudun Mah looked at it with a smile. The plan was not complex. Wait for the rebellion to erupt, the Sixth Fleet would announce its support for the rebels, and the entire Fourth Fleet, loyal to the Second Prince, would jump to encircle the Sixth Fleet with the royal secret fleet. The main fleet of the Sherman Empire would simultaneously jump to intercept any potential support from the New Federation. The important thing is timing, Yang Ming concluded with a smile, Professor, did you remember? The old professor nodded, You want to create panic among them, make them fearful, dont you? After the battle is over, youll understand everything, Yang Ming said calmly, Transmit the message now, Ill be watching you. I need to fetch a communication device, the old professor said softly, Please wait If youre not comfortable, I can leave the bedroom door open the entire time. Edwan smiled and said, I trust you. Yang Ming, however, said, Keep the door open, dont leave our sight. As the old professor rummaged through the wardrobe in the bedroom, Gudun Mah leaned in to Yang Mings ear and asked, Sir, what is the real battle plan? Its exactly what I just said, Yang Ming whispered, But without the strong support of the Sherman Empire or a secret fleet, your Fourth Fleet will only be responsible for directly jumping in, leave the rest to me. Gudun Mahs expression was a bit dazed. Also, Yang Ming seemed to casually remind, consider this as a dormitory for one of your close subordinates, 026 is currently living next door. Gudun Mah suddenly turned, glaring at the restroom where 026 was hiding. His gaze turned vicious, but quickly restored to a smile as he turned back to Yang Ming, softly saying, Ill deal with it immediately afterward, Ill have Karmi taken back now. Sorry for making you laugh. Dont feel too pressured. Yang Ming patted Gudun Mahs shoulder, After you return, deploy six hundred Mechanical Guards, low-rank ones will do, if you cant gather enough immediately, you can replace them with hull comprehensive maintenance robots, complete it within a day. Ill give you a coordinate, transport them there using a jump-capable transport ship, preferably fully automated operations. Yes, Ill arrange it immediately. Thank you. Yang Ming said softly. The corners of Gudun Mahs mouth revealed a slight smile. He inexplicably felt a warmth in his heart. Complete rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star, countdown [3] Galaxy Days. The old professors message to her comrades was, as expected, intercepted by the rebel camp. According to Lyus monitoring, several captains of the Sixth Fleet expressed their concerns in private conversations. However, they had no way back, everything was already set. Moreover, they believed that betting the entire Fifth Administrative Star, the New Federation, eager for revenge against the Luofeng Empire, would not sit idly by. Countdown [2] Galaxy Days. Twenty-four mining ships belonging to the Wind Mining Group jumped into a stable airspace one after the other, and the bewildered crew boarded a comprehensive supply ship for a three-day isolation silence inside. Soon, a transport ship arrived in the airspace, over six hundred Mechanical Guards boarded these twenty-four mining ships in batches, systematically controlling them. The main brain capacity upgraded by Lyu was now almost at its limit. Quickly, the twenty-four mining ships split into two groups, disappeared into the airspace after jumping, heading to the next loading airspace. Countdown, [3] Galaxy Time. Yang Ming handed his five-hundred-meter-class Star Patrol Ship over to a close associate of Gudun Mah, while he took a small assault boat, pretending to return to the surface. Edwan entered the Imperial Palace, next he needed to stabilize his father and delay the Old Emperors request for help from the Sherman Empire. Meanwhile. In the airspace near Ilando Star, on the Feinan. Yang Ming carefully inspected the set of silver-white exoskeleton armor he wore. Wearing this made him look more bulky, and with the imitation mask and tactical helmet, the disguise was flawless. Lyu, this armor, thinner than an eggshell, really worth three million New Federation Coins? Yang Ming frowned and muttered, I feel like you got ripped off! It was your request, to have the capability to breach ships, offer optical stealth, withstand magnetic storms, and be purchased within a few days, Lyu said dejectedly, Besides being swindled by black market merchants, what else could I do? Alright, I guess I wronged you, if Im ever forced to face off against Po Suo in the future, this might come in handy. Yang Ming sat back on the captains seat wearing the exoskeleton armor, beginning to adjust to the armors wrapping around his body. Lyus life-sized projection appeared beside Yang Ming, with a look full of seriousness, silently awaiting the captains orders. Set the target, Luofeng Empires Sixth Fleet base. Target set. Begin the jump. Initiating jump. Chapter 184 - 184 106 guidance is lit clear ahead ?Chapter 184: 106 guidance is lit, clear ahead Chapter 184: 106 guidance is lit, clear ahead The pale yellow surface of the Fifth Administrative Star appeared at the upper left of the Feinan battleships porthole. The flagship formation of the Sixth Fleet, composed of a dozen medium and large warships, was positioned at the lower right of Feinans porthole. Yang Ming donned his helmet and silently gazed at this famous planet. The Feinan, with its artificial gravity disabled, relied on its core engine at its lowest power output, slowly approaching the opposing flagshipthe Vaglu General battleship. The elongated battleship hovered quietly in space, with a distant view of a spiral arm of the Galaxy below. Its pitch-black coating allowed it to almost blend into space, and its portholes, distributed like fish scales, emitted a faint light. It was not in a wartime state. The Feinan continued to close in. Yang Ming could already see the soldiers running orderly inside the battleship. Boss, we cant get any closer, Lyus voice was crisp and calm. Yang Ming quickly left the bridge of the Feinan, darting through the corridor like a fish, and swiftly arrived at the weapons bay. With the help of mechanical arms, Yang Ming successfully attached a compact jetpack to the back of his silver-gray exoskeleton armor. He checked the backpacks features. The integrated spacesuit was in good condition, and the variable micro-engine was working normally. Lyu, find an infiltration point. Target battleships number four side cabin locked. Deploy the drones. Deployed. The hatch below the middle of Feinan opened, and six palm-sized saucer-shaped drones slid into space, dispersing in the near-vacuum environment and approaching the battleship. Typically, around a kilometer-sized warship, there would be two to three escort ships to compensate for self-monitoring blind spots. General Joble of the Sixth Fleet was an experienced veteran who had commanded multiple pacification operations and twice led a fleet to represent the Luofeng Empire in multinational military exercises organized by the Sherman Empire; he naturally wouldnt lack such common knowledge. These six electronic warfare drones had the possibility of being captured by nearby escort ships. But Yang Ming could only wait silently. This was an inevitable risk to bear. Yang Ming, fully equipped, floated to the aft hold of the Feinan. Two swept-wing assault boats waited quietly, but unfortunately, today was not their time to take the stage. Three minutes later, The drones have successfully attached. Lyus voice emerged from the earphones in the helmet, Infiltrating the ships control networkInfiltrated. They are still using the Sherman Empire warship control program from two generations ago, which has many exploitable vulnerabilities. Yang Ming muttered, Once a warship software loses its advanced status, it becomes merely a carrier for large-caliber cannons. To maintain such advancement requires a huge cost, Lyu reminded, The Wind Armys fleet authority is decentralized, and none of them are willing to bear such costs alone. Yang Ming slightly curled his lips, Prepare to board the ship, proceed according to plan. Yes. Lyu gave a brief response. A few minutes later, a fire alarm suddenly occurred at the rear of the Vaglu General battleship. A small commotion appeared within the ships interior. A group of soldiers rushed towards the rears remote cabin, and the bridge command platform quickly received a report of circuit aging causing a maintenance robot to self-combust. Two senior on-duty officers at the bridge whispered complaints that these antiques must be replaced with new ones and then continued chatting about gossip. General Joble in the tactical conference room didnt intervene in these trivial matters. The old general was busy meeting with His Highness the Third Prince, reporting the next steps of the easy elimination of ground rebels operation. The two advisors from the New Federation had already prepared champagne and flowers, as well as a well-equipped photography team for the Third Princes speech on the Fifth Administrative Star later. These images were presented by Lyu on Yang Mings mini projection screen before his eyes. Isnt this Third Prince a bit too na?ve? Yang Ming sighed gently. Lyu said, They are subconsciously focusing on the rear cabin right now. Should the combat plan continue? Continue. A few minutes later. A patrol team received orders from the bridge to pilot their dedicated vessel for routine patrol on the fleet periphery. Twelve team members quickly assembled, joking as they walked to their teams designated locker room. After changing clothes, they headed forward less than fifty meters and reached the number four side cabin. At the team leaders reminder, each activated the protection function of their combat suits, and twelve young men and women were encompassed in humanoid bubbles, boarding the patrol boat older than their parents. The safety airlock to the interior exit of the number four outer cabin began to lower. The door of the number four outer cabin slowly swung open like a beasts maw. sea??h th N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the Feinan, Yang Ming watched the projection screen on his wrist; the image of the number four outer cabin was clearly visible. The patrol boats engines began to ignite. Feinans jump system entered standby mode, and the Particle Transmission Machine was preactivated by Lyu. Yang Ming counted silently. He was accustomed to using this method to regulate psychological pressure, ensuring the accuracy of his actions. Three. Two. The patrol boat floated from the interior of the outer cabin and slowly turned into space. Yang Ming swiveled his body to the left, looking down at the round hatch beneath him. Outside the hatch was the pitch-black cosmic space, affixed by only a thin film at this moment. Yang Ming instinctively held his breath, his body slowly turning, his head aiming at the film, and his feet gently pushing on the foot pedals above. He slid out of the Feinan, proceeding evenly downward. After waiting for more than ten seconds, the jetpack controlled by Lyu emitted a light blue halo. The joints of Yang Mings exoskeleton Mecha emitted faint jets of air, helping him quickly adjust his posture. Chapter 185 - 185 106 guidance is lit clear ahead_2 ?Chapter 185: 106 guidance is lit, clear ahead_2 Chapter 185: 106 guidance is lit, clear ahead_2 In front. The patrol boat was just leaving the fourth side bay of the Vaglu General. Yang Mings jetpack continued to thrust, heading straight for the side bay door. When his speed reached the preset value, the jetpack automatically shut down, detached, and the exoskeleton Mecha activated optical stealth. If the opponents could keep scanning the entire ship with an expensive biological energy detector, If the nearby escort ships technician happened to catch a faint heat source in space, If a crew member on the opponents patrol boat happened to glance up and saw that fleeting star No ifs. The patrol boat left the ships hull, and a cruising route appeared on the pilots screen. Everything was left to the autopilot program. The door of the fourth outer bay began to close slowly. Yang Ming kept his body straight, estimating the speed at which the door was closing. Although everything was within Lyus calculations, he still felt like he might collide with the opponents outer armor. Three hundred meters. A very close distance. Yang Ming wasnt confident that at this distance he could avoid or counter the ships close-range defense system. In the thought space, Lyu had already placed his finger on the virtualize button of the particle transmission machine. One hundred meters. The door-closing speed seemed to be accelerating. Fifty meters. Thirty meters. Sear?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The door seemed to have only a gap left for one person to pass through. Yang Ming closed his eyes. Trusted Lyu. Bang! The protective film of the spacesuit clinging to his body trembled slightly from being scraped. Yang Ming just barely slipped into the outer bay door, his body hit the lower deck, rolled several times on it, and quickly rushed towards the corridor safety gate. The monitoring network of the fourth outer bay had temporarily collapsed. Simulated gravity began to restore. The safety gate slowly rose. Although Yang Mings exoskeleton Mecha could perform optical stealth, his silhouette would be revealed as a faint outline if exposed to strong light. Hence, the lights in the corridor ahead began to continuously dim. Lyu wouldnt miss even the smallest detail. The safety valve rose, and two crew members came for routine cabin checks, brushing past Yang Ming, who was pressed against the wall. Boss, theres a hiding cloakroom ahead; the route to the bridge has been marked. You can attack the opponents bridge at any time. Dont rush; have a plan. Yang Ming calmly turned into the cloakroom, seeing two female officers forgetting themselves and each other, engrossed in a mutual bite. He twitched the corner of his mouth slightly and crouched in the empty wardrobe of the corner. Interstellar culture. Got used to it. Less than a hundred meters in a straight line from Yang Ming, in the tactical meeting room. The Third Prince sat smiling in the captains chair, squinting at the projection screen ahead, mesmerized by the pale yellow planet. How much longer? the Third Prince asked softly. Next to him, General Joble, an elder with graying hair, a square face, and a slightly short figure, showed a small smile to the Third Prince. Your Highness, you must have patience. We have two hours before the publicly announced exercise plan begins. The Third Prince frowned and said, Cant we start now? Whats the wait for these two hours? Ceremony, General Joble reminded, The premise of order is that we cannot alter decisions arbitrarily, and all departments are preparing around this time point. Of course, I wasnt questioning your meaning, General, the Third Prince displayed a warm smile. This was his self-proclaimed high-affinity expression. No harm in starting a bit early. A light laugh suddenly sounded from behind the Third Prince. A middle-aged man and woman, both in formal attire, each spoke. Since Your Highness is already impatient, and we are nearly ready, why not officially start the plan? Your Highness, dont forget what you promised us. We help you ascend to the Emperors throne, and you open the capital purchase threshold of the Rhodium-6 ring industry chain. Of course, the Third Prince squinted with a smile, with this military merit, I can gain an overwhelming advantage. The two senior agents of the New Federation exchanged glances and nodded. General Joble slightly frowned, glanced at the two trusted officers behind him, subtly gestured, and the two officers turned and hurried out. Then lets start the plan early. General Joble said in a deep voice. The photography team in the corner immediately set up their equipment, and a stereoscopic camera aimed at the Third Prince, preparing for adjustments. More than ten minutes passed. The Third Prince frowned and asked, Is the fleet not setting sail? General Joble chuckled beside him: To deal with that bit of rebellion on the ground, just two small squads would suffice. Oh, the Third Prince said calmly, We need to make a spectacle, let our fleet directly appear in the atmosphere of the Fifth Administrative Star, with dozens of large ships descending simultaneously. Only then can we proclaim the majesty of the royal family. But that would just waste resources, General Joble frowned, It would only cause unnecessary panic among residents. The Third Prince stared at General Joble; the slight sharpness on his face showed a bit of displeasure: Execute what I say, General. No, Your Highness. General Jobles face turned incomparably cold: You should execute what I say. You! Click-click. Two gun barrels suddenly pressed against the Third Princes forehead. Muffled grunting repeatedly came from outside the door. The Third Princes throat slightly trembled, and he turned his head to shout, Someone, help! The meeting room door opened. Two rows of expressionless soldiers came in, each two carrying an officer in Guard Army uniform, with a blood hole on the forehead. The Third Princes face turned deathly pale. General Joble picked up a remote control and pressed it a few times, displaying news that appeared just a few minutes ago on the projection screen in front. The Governor of the Fifth Administrative Star, leading more than a hundred local officials, solemnly read the declaration of independence at the grand and solemn Governors Mansion. The video General Joble pre-recorded appeared throughout the Wind network, solemnly proclaiming to all Wind nationals following the Governors declaration of the Fifth Administrative Starthe Sixth Fleet was dissatisfied with the brutal rule of the Wind royal family, resolving to support the Fifth Administrative Stars independence, and would continue to fight with the aim of liberating the entire territory of the Luofeng Empire. With the greatest zeal, the Sixth Fleet urged other Luofeng Empire fleets to stand in the glorious cause of freedom and democracy, resisting tyranny. The Third Prince jumped to his feet. He watched General Joble in disbelief. General Joble shrugged, with a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth: Your Highness, why would you think I have to collaborate with the New Federation through you? The two laser guns pressed the Third Prince back into the chair. The two senior agents of the New Federation spoke slowly: Your Highness, we dont want to make you suffer, after all, the previous cooperation was quite pleasant, you gave us plenty of royal family confidential data. Now, please record a video, announcing to your citizens that you acknowledge the independence of the Fifth Administrative Star, and condemn your father as an incompetent tyrant. Thats impossible! The Third Prince shouted. A laser pistol aimed at his toe, gently pulling the trigger. The Third Prince quickly retracted his foot, feeling a burning sensation and stabbing pain at the edge of his toe, causing him to cry out shakily. Another laser gun aimed at the Third Princes groin. Ill record, Ill record You still have political value, the female agent smiled, Dont worry about your life safety. Your lifes lowest standard is to be a disabled wealthy man. As long as you keep condemning the Empires system, you can receive a continuous flow of funding. Truly enviable origins you have. The Third Princes body trembled all over, unsure whether from anger or fear. Half an hour later. A statement recorded by the Third Prince quickly topped the network throughout the turmoil-stricken Luofeng Empire. Public opinion and media forces exerted momentum, with the Fifth Administrative Stars declaration of independence spreading into every citizens hand. On Ilando Star, ministers rushed into the palace, and the Old Emperor was furious beyond measure. Outside Ilando Star, Gudun Mah sat quietly in the command bridge of the Fourth Fleet flagship, eyes fixed on the screen in front of him, taking a deep breath. Mr. Ming will resolve everything. Notify all ships. Gudun Mahs voice was calm and low. My unit, the Fourth Fleet of the Luofeng Empire, was ordered to attack the Sixth Fleet. The unity of the nation, the integrity of sovereignty, and the happiness of the citizens are the mission of our soldiers. The inducement ships have completed the leap, target, former Luofeng Empire Sixth Fleet garrison. A row of officers behind saluted in unison: Yes! Three hundred-meter-long butterfly-shaped ships vanished into the vast void of space. This time, there was completely no way back. This time, he was about to become the militarys open traitor. But this time, he saw a new path! General! Inducement has lit up, clear ahead. Gudun Mahs breathing slowed slightly, his pupils faintly trembled, and it seemed his ears only held his breathing sound. This breathing became increasingly rapid, clear, strong, then quickly returned to calm. Full fleet, initiate leap! Chapter 186 - 186 107 Perfect Tactics ?Chapter 186: 107 Perfect Tactics Chapter 186: 107 Perfect Tactics When will these two female officers stop? Yang Ming squatted in the corner wardrobe, wearing light exoskeleton armor, and listened to the hum coming from the other side. Suddenly, he thought of Kolevs tragic experiences in his youth. Tsk, the collapse of ethics in this interstellar civilization. Boss, the Fourth Fleet is commencing a full fleet transition and is about to arrive at the predetermined location. Yang Mings spirits lifted. Gudun Mah, that old fox, truly didnt falter! What he and Lyu were most worried about before was whether Gudun Mah would become afraid, panicked, and cowardly. As long as Gudun Mah arrived on time, the rest would be much simpler. At this moment, the Sixth Fleet had besieged the Fifth Administrative Star, divided into eight formations in total, still showing no signs of convergence at this stage. Yang Mings side continuously analyzed and calculated, and the New Federation agents were also busy. The New Federation agents anticipated that when they declared the Fifth Administrative Stars independence and the Sixth Fleets rebellion, there might be some disturbances among the ground garrison troops loyal to the royal family of the Fifth Administrative Star, necessitating the fleets intervention to suppress it; meanwhile, the Wind royal family had no comprehensive fleet to deploy directly, unable to pose any threat to the Sixth Fleet. Thus, the Sixth Fleet surrounded the Fifth Administrative Star in multiple formations. Wind Army generals are businessmen, and the trait of businessmen is to be amiable to make money, noted the New Federation CIAs intelligence report on the Wind Army. [The Sherman Empire fleet and the Emperors secret fleet will cooperate with the Fourth Fleet to encircle the Sixth Fleet] was deemed by the New Federation CIA to be false intelligence released by unstable elements within the Liberal Revolutionary Party. The New Federation agents had reasons for this confidence. Before the plan for the independence of the Fifth Administrative Star started, there were no signs at all of the Old Emperor of the Luofeng Empire summoning his ministers; The Sherman Empires corp stationed on the nearby border didnt show any signs of mobilization; The person who conveyed this message was an elder of the old Liberal Revolutionary Party, inherently untrustworthy These pieces of evidence were sufficient to prove that it was deliberately spread false intelligence. However Sometimes, deliberately revealed battle plans arent necessarily fake battle plans. At this moment, the Fourth Fleet transitioned the entire fleet, risking everything. From main battleships to various gunboats, to comprehensive supply ships, maintenance ships, light industrial supply ships, transport ships, all synchronously initiated space jumps. Three strong light beams appeared in the outer space area of the Fifth Administrative Star. Numerous ships, mostly second-hand warships purchased from Sherman, scattered in the space, rapidly approached the flagship. They locked onto two fleets comprising a total of seventeen various ships located on the backside of the Fifth Administrative Star. Gudun Mah issued orders for firepower distribution. All main cannons of the Fourth Fleets main battle ships began charging. Auxiliary ships retreated to the rear of the formation. The comprehensive supply ships tailed the main battle ships, starting to establish energy charge pathways. Commence free fire, cover the opposing ships with full firepower, dont affect the rear planet. Yes! Gudun Mah is insane! General Joble hurriedly rushed onto the bridge. A large number of officers followed their general, while the two veteran agents from the New Federation could only fall a bit behind. On the fringe of the radar interface, a large number of warships marked as belonging to the Wind Empires Fourth Fleet suddenly appeared a minute ago. General Joble looked in that direction and saw the pale-yellow surface of the Fifth Administrative Star. Their jump space is on the other side of the Fifth Administrative Star! Hiding under the cover of planets, this is outright warfare! General! The Fourth Fleet is deploying an attack formation! The enemy has locked onto my flank formations remotely! Right-wing numbers two and three formations are under full fire attack from the enemy! Theyve actually opened fire! The urgent reports sounded almost simultaneously. General Joble was stunned for two seconds before shouting immediately: All flank formations assume defensive positions! All fleets converge on my flagship! Form Attack Formation Three! This damned bastard! He has indeed become a lackey of the royal family! The Sixth Fleets various formations, initially scattered to besiege the Fifth Administrative Star, rapidly converged on the flagship, Vaglu General. But the two formations within the direct firing range of the Fourth Fleet had already been covered by the Fourth Fleets firepower! On the backside of the Fifth Administrative Star, people could look up and see the huge fireballs appearing in the night sky, the silhouettes left behind by the explosions of the relatively weakly defended supply ships, auxiliary ships, and maintenance ships. For a fleet, two-thirds of the ships were relatively inexpensive non-main battle ships. Only in this way could they maintain sufficient and sustained combat power. A few minutes later, only three Star Patrol Ships were left from those two formations. At the cost of most main cannon energy, they dragged the soon-to-be-breached energy shields, escaping into the shadow of the planet. sea??h th n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Fourth Fleet didnt rush the pursuit but maintained the formation, advancing steadily, attempting to gradually crush the still-chaotic Sixth Fleet with the temporarily achieved firepower advantage. The overall commander of the Sixth Fleet, General Joble, immediately ordered all ships to move at synchronized speeds in the same direction of the Fourth Fleets advance, circumnavigating the Fifth Administrative Star, and using the opportunity created by the circumnavigation to swiftly regroup the formations. The Sixth Fleet, which had not received any substantial combat orders before, was almost in complete chaos. General Joble, who had lost more than ten warships, was even more consumed by fury. Why would Gudun Mah attack me! General Joble grabbed the New Federation veteran agent by the collar of the middle-aged man: You said that message was false intelligence! The Fourth Fleet is really here now! Chapter 187 - 187 107 Perfect Tactics_2 ?Chapter 187: 107 Perfect Tactics_2 Chapter 187: 107 Perfect Tactics_2 Hey! The middle-aged man frowned slightly, gently freeing himself from General Jobles grasp, and said with a smile, So what if the Fourth Fleet is here? As long as you hold your ground, cant you still defeat them? That would cost me half of my ships! Joble growled, You repeatedly insisted that today we only need to suppress the ground forces! The middle-aged man chuckled, Our fleet will arrive soon, please rest assured, or you can play hide and seek with them. General Joble frowned tightly. Suddenly! Jump fluctuation detected in two sectors behind us! The smile froze on the middle-aged mans face. Due to the sudden situation, the New Federation Fleet had just set off. It would take them at least over an hour to get here Thats not our fleet, the middle-aged man muttered, Is it a fleet from another general of the Wind Army? General Jobles face turned pale. He had not allied with other generals; he intended to monopolize the spoils of this battle. Other fleets from Wind coming unprepared couldnt possibly arrive so quickly. Along the radar screens edge, twenty-four warships suddenly appeared, completing an almost perfect encirclement with the Fourth Fleet. His Sixth Fleet was surrounded! The Sherman Empire Fleet Sear?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The secret fleet of the Wind royal family Right-wing third formation, adjust your ships immediately! General Joble shouted, Have them target the enemies on the rear flank! As he finished speaking, projection screens all over the Vaglu Generals bridge flickered. Lines of garbled code ran wild, and technicians moved quickly to counter, but their communication commands were forcibly cut off. Electronic intrusion! The operating system has been hacked! Starting backup operating system! It will take at least three minutes to re-establish contact with the ships! The bridge of the Vaglu General descended into chaos. The flagship of the Sixth Fleet temporarily lost contact. Meanwhile, in the corner of a locker room Yang Ming glanced at the projection button that popped up in front of him, his eyes slightly narrowing. On the rear flank of the Sixth Fleet, left eight, right sixteen, twenty-four warships, mining ships in fact, did not advance towards the Sixth Fleet to avoid direct exposure. Attached to the extending mechanical arms of each mining ship were low-cost, all-band signal jammers. Although Yang Ming didnt have the New Federations new electronic warfare warships, if the opponents came to their senses, they would immediately realize there was a big problem with these twenty-four warships. But Yang Ming was counting on this few-minute time gap! Yang Ming forcefully pressed the projection button! Hundreds of all-band signal jammers synchronized and locked onto all ships of the Sixth Fleet gathered at that moment, leveraging the mining ships powerful energy to stir up a localized all-band storm! Returning others tactics upon themselves. All communication channels of the Sixth Fleet were drowned in noise, with only a few slightly more advanced detection ships having gravitational communication devices. Over 160 various military ships became isolated islands. Yang Ming finally jumped out of the closet. Relying on his optical stealth in exoskeleton armor, he dashed into the corridor, striding quickly towards the bridge. Upon entering the hallway, Yang Ming felt panic all around, as soldiers rushed past him, hurrying to their assigned combat units. Calmly, Yang Ming sidestepped, advancing thirty more meters. Suddenly. Who! Someones there! A soldier pointed his gun at a faint figure ahead, his squad immediately raised their laser guns, keenly scrutinizing forward. Yang Mings silhouette had slight light distortion around it, and the image projected on his chest was slightly out of alignment with the corridor behind. A soldier suddenly fired, a dozen purple light bullets forming glowing lines. Yang Mings optical stealth was forcibly deactivated, a solid protective shield appeared around him, and two shock grenades rolled underfoot of the soldiers. Boom! Boom! The ship trembled slightly, the explosions drawing nearby soldiers. Yang Ming leapt forward, a Light Sword cutting left and right through the Light Shield. By the time he landed, he had charged through the explosion zone, racing forward without pause. Ahead, just dozens of meters lay the bridge where General Joble was; he prepared to give the enemy no chance to board the escape pod. An intrusion alert cropped up within the bridge. A large batch of guards and officers raised their arms, rushing to the left passageway of the bridge! The alloy door on the left flank of the bridge suddenly flew off! The special alloy door appeared to be forcibly torn open, and a gray figure rolled forward, effortlessly slicing through two laser guns with the Light Sword, and slashing across the necks of the soldiers holding them! Blood splattered. Yang Ming barreled into the crowd, his full-body shield activated! Enemy attack! Fire! With the shout of a young officer, a furious barrage erupted. But this lone intruder zigzagged through the confrontations as if unchallenged. Escorted steadily back by officers, General Jobles eyes grew increasingly bewildered. The general kept glancing toward the communication platform; besides the sudden attacker, he was more concerned about his fleet What happened? Gudun Mah would actually choose to attack him, even gamble the entire Fourth Fleet to attack him! The always technically and intelligence superior New Federation CIA let such an enormous intelligence error occur! His flagship ship, out of nowhere, had a single intruder, who armed with just a Light Sword and an exoskeleton mecha, was slashing through these disciplined common soldiers like they were nothing. Officers and soldiers on the bridge wouldnt be armed with heavy weapons. How did the intruder suddenly appear here? Joble thought of a keyworda royal secret force. General, General! We cant stop him! You have to get to the escape pod! General Joble snapped back to reality. Gazing around at the few remaining loyalists, he looked up, his pupils contracted sharply. Dozens of bodies littered the floor, and the bloodstained figure cloaked in exoskeleton steadily approached him, the Light Sword in his right hand emitted a harrowing red glow, reflecting off the scattered blood, appearing almost blackened. Dammit! A middle-aged New Federation Agent suddenly roared furiously, yanking off his formal coat. His body inflated a circle like a balloon. Was this agent a Genetic Modifier? A hint of hope shone in General Jobles eyes. The agent charged head-on! The fist, laden with brutal force, plummeted directly toward the attackers protective shield. Even if this energy-based shield wouldnt shatter, the impact alone could directly knock the intruder back. The attacker suddenly deactivated his shield! The grey-white exoskeleton-covered body easily leaned back, almost flying sideways; dodging the ferocious punch from the agent, he simultaneously kicked hard against the agents chest. Crack. A crisp bone-cracking sound echoed as the agent was directly hurled backward, viciously colliding with an operating platform, deforming it. The agents legs went limp, dropping to his knees, a massive dent in his chest, vomiting continuously. The attacker opened his full-body shield leisurely, scrutinizing the agent intently, seeming to wait for something. The agent pulled out a syringe from his shirt pocket, plunging it into his neck, soon emitting roars as if a mightier force surged within. Then, General Joble watched as that attacker pulled out a large-caliber laser pistol from his left and fired repeatedly at the agents limbs and non-vital chest and abdomen areas. The agent, body riddled with bullet holes, lay prone, wheezing with faint breaths, yet unable to die quickly. From behind the helmet, the attackers processed voice sounded, Enhancement syringe? Quite a decent observation specimen. The attacker turned his head this way, the Light Sword in his right hand trembling slightly. General Jobles legs turned weak, while one of his loyalists ahead of him had already dropped to his knees. Chapter 188 - 188 108 Great Harvest ?Chapter 188: 108 Great Harvest Chapter 188: 108 Great Harvest The Fourth Fleet and the Sixth Fleet decelerated simultaneously, using the Fifth Administrative Star as a midpoint, maintaining a synchronous speed. All channel noise was cleared. The figure of General Joble appeared on the projection screens of the bridges of the Sixth Fleets ships. Officers, soldiers, and technicians looked on in disbelief at the scene before them: General Joble, who had ruled the Sixth Fleet for over ten years, was kneeling before the command platform of the Vaglu General, surrounded by corpses. The figure in gray-white full exoskeleton armor revealed half of its body, pressing a laser pistol to the back of General Jobles head. General Jobles voice trembled slightly. Just, just a few minutes ago, I made a wrong decision, announcing support for the rebels on the Fifth Administrative Star. This is a complete political farce, in, in Several soldiers suddenly appeared from the rear. The laser guns few light bullets were firmly blocked by a defensive shield that bounced off the figure in gray-white, as these loyal soldiers dropped their laser guns, drew the Light Swords from their waists, and charged at the enemy holding the general hostage. Half of the Sixth Fleets officers witnessed this brief battle firsthand. The enemy, single-handedly turning around, wielded a crimson Light Sword that blocked and swept left and right. With only two pivoting moves, it broke through the soldiers standard personal energy shields and slashed through the soldiers bodies with the Light Sword. General Joble had just struggled to get up and hadnt managed to run two steps before being kicked to the ground by the enemy. The laser pistol left two scorched black dents on the deck in front of General Joble, and an obvious notch appeared on General Jobles ear. Ah! Stop, stop! Ill do as you say! Ill do everything as you say! Joble shouted, his forehead covered with sweat. All ships of the Sixth Fleet stop their actions and accept reorganization by the Fourth Fleet! Gudun Mah has promised me he wont let you fall into a predicament, all the charges will be borne by me and the high-rank officers who have already died here! I was deceived by the New Federation Agency, accepting their vast wealth; my children and wife have already settled in the New Federation, as have my relatives and friends! I betrayed Wind, this country Most leaders of the rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star are the same, long since puppets of the New Federation Oh! They know all this, why do they still want me to say it! Sar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This last half-sentence was Joble shouting at the enemy behind him. Yang Ming ignored him, merely walking to General Jobles side, raising his Light Sword before him, and speaking slowly, I will escort you to the great Emperor of the Luofeng Empire, and you only need to explain your crimes in front of the Emperor and plead for forgiveness. The officers and soldiers of the Sixth Fleet were completely stunned. Was this the legendary secret force of the Emperor? What the hell was this? Five minutes ago, they declared an uprising. Five minutes later, they declared defeat. This was simply the quickest ended fleet uprising in the history of the Galaxy! As Yang Mings words ended, a fully uniformed Gudun Mah appeared on the projection screens of the Sixth Fleets ships. Officers of the Sixth Fleet, I am Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Gudun Mah. The high ranks of the Sixth Fleet were infiltrated by New Federation agents, and this rebellion has been under our full surveillance from the start. Separatists are criminals, and those who attempt to turn the nation into a colonial powers vassal are even more unforgivable. But I believe most of you were deceived Gudun Mah began a low and slow speech. Lyus voice sounded in Yang Mings ear: Boss, Gudun Mahs speech is not very effective; the captains of the ships are discussing scattering and escaping. Yang Ming frowned slightly. He had gone to great lengths to address the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, all for these warships. If the captains defected to the New Federation, most of them could indeed escape. Since persuasion wouldnt work He would have to use force in numbers. Yang Ming instructed Lyu, Modify the teleprompter in front of Gudun Mah to have him repeat what Im about to say. Okay, boss. Quickly, Gudun Mah on the projection screen paused for a few seconds. He frowned and pondered, cleared his throat, and his gaunt expression returned to its usual somberness. These hypocritical niceties, theres no need for me to say them to you. I am here today with the intention of annexing the Sixth Fleet; it is a well-known fact that the royal family does not have a fleet they can directly command. There is no need for us to fight to the death because of General Jobles greed and stupidity; when Joble accepted the New Federations bribe, his personal interests were already unrelated to yours, the Sixth Fleet. You have two choices today. The first is to continue in this profession with me. I will reorganize the Sixth and Fourth Fleets, partly responsible for protecting Ilando Star and partly for other Administrative Stars. You understand what I mean. Everyone, and I mean all of you, upon coming to me, will retain your military ranks, with real power only reduced by half a level, and captains downgraded from formal to acting, without changes to salary and bonuses; the usual business of the Sixth Fleet will remain unchanged. The benefits that should be yours will not change, and I can even offer you more, as long as your abilities are outstanding. Who I am, my abilities, my methods, you should all have heard of. When Joble was a communications officer, it was I who trained him. The second option is to defect to the New Federation, where you will then face full-scale pursuit by both the Luofeng Empire and the Sherman Empire. Your wives, children, and relatives will also be implicated. Chapter 189 - 189 108 Great Harvest_2 ?Chapter 189: 108 Great Harvest_2 Chapter 189: 108 Great Harvest_2 Yes, perhaps todays royalty isnt worth your unwavering loyalty, but what about the citizens here? The fleet exists to protect the life and property of the planets and civilians. Even if you dont want to fulfill your military duty, think of these citizens. Sarch* The ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A tiny few of you have transferred your properties, but what about the over one hundred thousand soldiers of the Sixth Fleet? What about the low-rank officers? You have half a minute to decide. Those willing to accept my reorganization should power down their engines. If you wish to escape, act now, and Ill dispatch a ship to pursue. Im not here to preach morality or ideals. I can only tell you that youre not yet traitors, your families wont be affected, and all blame will fall on the dead bodies on the flagship. Also, if youre completely disillusioned with this nation, pay attention to the Second Prince, Edwan. Whiz! General Gudun Mahs image disappeared. Yang Ming watched the nearby escort ships through the bridge. A few seconds later, one escort ships engines gradually powered down, and the massive halo behind the ship vanished. Following that, one by one, the ships of the Sixth Fleet powered down their engines. Yang Ming smirked slightly. Lyu muttered disdainfully, The military of this country is completely corrupt. Those captains accepted Gudun Mahs invitation, thinking theyd formed the most powerful warlord faction in the Wind, and felt good about it. The military has been corroded by the New Federation for twenty years; what do you expect? Yang Ming looked at Joble, kicked him into unconsciousness, grabbed the general by the collar, and turned to walk down the pathway. There was another noble waiting for him to deal with. In the corridor, soldiers raised their laser guns, but Yang Ming merely looked up at them, dragging the half-dead General Joble along slowly. The soldiers continued to retreat. A glint of light shone in Yang Mings eyes behind his tactical helmet. Put down your guns! a commanding officer shouted from behind, General Gudun Mah has taken over here! No need to continue fighting! The soldiers hesitated, and as two officers led by example by putting down their laser pistols, a group of soldiers imitated them, lowering their rifles and throwable weapons to the ground. Yang Ming continued forward as soldiers retreated in succession, who soon turned and ran out of sight. Yang Ming smiled, Saving this country is indeed harder than imagined; I really worry for Edwan. Boss, arent we also here to gain benefits? But isnt that tragic? Yang Ming murmured, Generals without nationality, officers without stance, soldiers without belief. Over a billion citizens of the Wind Country rely on such a military for protection, sustaining them with their taxes. The ships have become tools for making money. A large ship with a crew of three thousand always has only a thousand working. An old ship that should only cost ten million requires an expenditure of a hundred million, or even more, on the books. Lyu asked in confusion, Then, whats the cause of all this? Yang Ming didnt know how to answer at that moment. In front of the tactical meeting room, the door that Lyu had forcibly locked earlier opened on its own, and a barrage of light bullets formed a shooting curtain but was steadily blocked by the full-body shield. This expensive exoskeleton armors defense was indeed impressive. Yang Ming threw two high explosive shock bombs into the meeting room and calmly closed the door. Three seconds later, a rumbling sounded. Yang Ming waited quietly for a while, then swiftly pushed the door open and fired his laser pistol in quick succession, giving the New Federation agents no chance to shoot back. The Third Prince lay in a pool of blood, half his body blown apart by the shock bombs. Yang Ming silently watched him, the laser pistol aimed at the Third Princes forehead. Give them a way out. Sorry, Edwan, Yang Ming murmured, giving the enemy a way out is giving us a way to death. Whiz! The Third Princes eyes widened, and blood slowly flowed from the wound in his forehead. Lyu, later spread the news of the Third Prince fleeing to the New Federation. Okay, boss. Yang Ming fired a few more shots, dropped three incendiary bombs, elegantly closed the meeting room door, and dragged General Joble into the corridor depths. The New Federation fleet was still on its way, with an estimated arrival at the Fifth Administrative Star in fifty minutes. Meanwhile, outside the Sixth Fleet, the assault boat teams dispatched by Gudun Mah were rushing toward the main warships, expecting to control the Sixth Fleet for a jump to avoid the New Federation Fleet within half an hour. The rebellion at the Fifth Administrative Star was insignificant. Without fleet support, these were just flames that could be extinguished at any moment. The New Federation fleet could not permanently station itself within the Luofeng Empire, and the Sherman Empire keeping an eye on the New Federation would naturally respond. Footsteps echoed distantly in the empty corridor. Yang Ming faintly heard the military songs of the Luofeng Empire. The songs were confused, not at all resounding. We hit the jackpot! Oh! My God! We hit the jackpot! Mr. Ming! In the video call, General Gudun Mah shouted excitedly, The number of ships I control has nearly doubled! No, its you, your number of ships has doubled! Yang Mings background was very blurred. He was on the Feinan, naturally not letting Gudun Mah see the inverted pyramid-shaped Particle Transmission Machine behind him. Yang Ming replied calmly, You dont need me to tell you what to do next. Please instruct, General Gudun Mah responded humbly. Yang Ming said, First, tell me your idea. I want to reorganize the Fourth and Sixth Fleets into a new fleet, hold a military meeting once Im stable on this side, and establish my current leading position. General Gudun Mah said, They tried to jump just now, but luckily we were back in the nearby Star Domain of Ilando Star, otherwise, things couldve been very troublesome, with them rushing to share the spoils of victory. Quickly send someone to take out the Minister of Defense, Yang Ming said calmly, If you cant do it, I can help. I should be able to do it, General Gudun Mah said in a low voice, but doing this, wont the others panic? They only obey the strongest; you can already step up. Yes, I understand! General Gudun Mahs eyes shone brightly. Yang Ming said calmly, I just need you to do three things next: the first is to protect Ilando Stars safety, the second is to refuse the old Emperors summons, and the third is to keep in contact with His Highness Edwan. I only support Edwan; do you understand? General Gudun Mah immediately bowed his head, Yes, Edwan is my second loyalty! Remember to repair and return those twenty or so mining ships to the Mining Group, Yang Ming smiled, These things arent durable, they break after just one use. General Gudun Mahs eyes glinted slightly, You are so powerful, Mr. Ming. I mean, your strength makes me reverent and yearning. I I will never betray you. Make money properly, Yang Ming said calmly, Dont give me hypocritical things. Youre very valuable to me right now. He hung up the communication. Yang Ming stretched his limbs, took the gene stabilizer handed by a nearby crawler robot, and injected it into his arm. With a slight hum, the golden gene stabilizer was fully administered. Lyu, have you analyzed those two enhancer doses I brought back? Boss, their composition is somewhat complex, seemingly containing a special biochemical reagent, Lyu said softly, Perhaps we need to obtain the formula to determine if its usable for you. Dilute it later, and conduct a mixed experiment with my blood sample. Yang Mings eyes slightly narrowed. When life levels arent enough, enhancer injections must suffice. To alleviate the pressure brought by the Valkyrie, any means to enhance personal strength must be tried. He still had a busy stretch ahead, dealing with Jobles personal assets and then sending him to that Emperor to vent. If all went well, the Molly Miss Group would gain a stake in military industry stocks. Boss! Lyu suddenly shouted from the side. Whats wrong? Theres surveillance here, I think youd want to take a look, Lyu said softly, I dont know if I should block it. Open it. Chapter 190 - 190 109 For Freedom ?Chapter 190: 109 For Freedom Chapter 190: 109 For Freedom Whizz. A projection screen unfolded before Yang Ming, and the image it projected was slightly dim. Yang Ming was quite familiar with this place. It was the home of the old professor in the third Happiness District. Several bodyguards and guards stood outside the door, frowning as they looked inside. Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Miss Windsor and 026 supported each other, standing at the doorway nervously watching the old professor who sat quietly at the dining table, and The crude firearm clutched in the old professors hand. The gun appeared to be a modification by the old professor himself, with a simple energy conduit and a metal bullet placed within an electromagnetic field. The simple pull of the trigger would give the metal bullet immense kinetic energy, capable of penetrating flesh and bone. The old professor aimed the muzzle at his own wrinkled neck. Dont! Miss Windsor cried out in a trembling voice, Dont do this! I just received news that the Sixth Fleet has been pacified, the rebellion on the Fifth Administrative Star will soon be quashed. This rebellion wasnt caused by you. You have no need to The old professor gazed quietly at Windsor and slowly shook his head. This has nothing to do with that, Windsor. The old man spoke tenderly, This is my personal choice. 026 gently bit her lip and quickly said, Then why, with your knowledge, you could contribute so much to this country. Isnt this what youve always wanted to do? I cant go back anymore. The old professor sighed softly and began to murmur constantly. I have betrayed my former organization, betrayed Karmi, who has always helped me, betrayed the ideals I once pursued. This country is beyond cure; I once tried to save it, but on this road, I have also gradually lost my way. Several barriers stand in front of me. Despair has accompanied me throughout. Constantly, people withdrew from this cause. My comrades and I got lost in difficulties and cowardice. The team I created ultimately degenerated into executioners, trying to drag this country into another abyss for personal gain, subjecting the people to deeper suffering. This is something I cannot accept. Perhaps the so-called freedom never existed. The professor pointed the gun at his jaw, eyes unfocused as he slowly pulled the trigger. Or perhaps freedom awaits me in the next moment. Bang! The electric arc flickered faintly. Blood splattered onto the wall. The old professors figure slowly tilted back. Windsor turned pale, seeming to lose all strength. Her eyes reflected the bloody hole in the old professors neck, as she was supported by a female bodyguard. 026 rushed over, trying to hold the old professors wound, bursting into tears uncontrollably. Aboard the Feinan. Yang Ming quietly watched the scene; he had not instructed Lyu to stop the old professor. Where is Karmi? Yang Ming asked. She was captured by Gudun Mah a few hours ago and is undergoing severe torture, Lyu said softly. Ask Gudun Mah to spare Karmi, Yang Ming said quietly, and devise a plan to let this madam atone for the rest of her life. Yes, boss, Lyu said softly, Volunteering at a welfare center could be a good choice, and her money could be used to establish a fund for assisting teenagers. Yang Ming did not continue the topic and walked towards the laboratory in the middle section. Boss, you need to be concerned about Miss Windsors mental health; she has never experienced such a shock before. Mm, I know, Yang Ming said softly, I am wondering how a weak planet should survive in this Milky Way. The Luofeng Empire has eleven administrative stars, five main administrative stars, billions of people, pillar industries, a relatively complete industrial base, and technological development near the Galaxys average line. But here, most people struggle on the poverty line. Idealists have their ideals shattered, and those who strive for a better life receive no positive feedback. Boss, you seem to have always been concerned with these issues. Yes, Lyu, Yang Ming replied, Its just a little personal interest of mine. Im pondering whether lower civilizations that accidentally fall into the abyss of the Galaxy are destined only to be divided by great powers. Is the process of lower civilizations integrating into advanced civilizations inevitably fraught with tragedies? That could be ten thousand times more challenging than the current situation of the Luofeng Empire. Lyu thought slightly, Boss, are you worried about Mink Port, this fictional name, and the lower civilization it mirrors? Lyus database shows traces of your searches. Yang Mings steps halted, his expression somewhat somber. Completely erase that part of the data. Erased. Lyu, Yang Ming said softly, do not touch my final secret. Yes Lyu will always be the masters companion. Yang Ming smiled slightly. He didnt take it to heart. Eh, that smile the boss had just now was so fake! In Lyus Thought Space, Her military uniform dress flickered and disappeared, replaced by an exquisite gown as she sat with her chin in hand behind a desk, an expression of mild disdain on her face. Clearly, the boss was her witness when she was born, and also the master to whom she had sworn allegiance. She had no secrets from the boss, yet the boss always hid a portion of his secrets from her. Thats a bit unfair. Lyu thought this. Today, she was even scolded by the boss. Whats the big deal; I can make up some secrets too. Lyu muttered softly. She lay on the desk as five streams of information flowed slowly behind her, occasionally causing a disturbance that would make her glance over. Nevertheless, among so many Thought Bodies around the boss, I am still the one who understands him best. Chapter 191 - 191 109 For Freedom_2 ?Chapter 191: 109 For Freedom_2 Chapter 191: 109 For Freedom_2 Lyu thought for a moment, then squinted his eyes and smiled, continuing to focus on the most crucial task that Yang Ming had entrusted to him. Keeping a close watch on the clashes between Valkyrie and the Sherman Empires Special Forces. The biggest motivation for Yang Ming to go to such great lengths to deal with the Sixth Fleet was that thousand-meter-class battleship. And for the next two days, Yang Ming was still busy non-stop. The turmoil in the Luofeng Empire had triggered a series of events that needed Yang Mings careful attention. The Five-minute Rebellion of the Sixth Fleet had become a popular joke across the stars, and the Wind royal familys secret force also attracted a lot of attention. Yang Ming had anticipated this. He wrapped himself tightly, even altered his speaking voice, and went as far as to create an alibi for protecting Edwan on Ilando Star, fabricating the [Royal Secret Unit] just to avoid directly exposing his identity. (Currently, only Gudun Mah and Edwan knew the full picture.) For now, it seemed safe. About two hours after the Sixth Fleet surrendered, a new Federation expedition fleet composed of twelve powerful battleships appeared in the outer space of the Fifth Administrative Star. They did not stay long, only a few hours before jumping away, picking up some wealthy merchants from the Fifth Administrative Star and politicians defecting from the Luofeng Empire. On the diplomatic front, The New Federations International Relations Office expressed their support for the Fifth Administrative Stars peoples pursuit of freedom. But they did not directly acknowledge the independence of the Luofeng Fifth Administrative Star. The dozens of smaller allies behind the New Federation followed suit, announcing humanitarian aid for the citizens of the Fifth Administrative Star, similarly not officially recognizing its independent status. The Wind royal family strongly condemned this. The Sherman Empire, leading a group of vassal states, began to ridicule the New Federation with sarcasm. Some middle and upper-tier countries, unafraid of stirring trouble, fueled public opinion, fearing the leading figures of the Milky Way would lack the motivation for conflict. The verbal warfare between the two camps was something Yang Ming enjoyed watching. On the domestic front, Twelve hours after the Fifth Administrative Star declared independence, the Old Emperor sent an envoy to meet Gudun Mah. Busy integrating the Sixth Fleet, Gudun Mah verbally expressed his allegiance to the Emperor and used the excuse of having gravitational sickness, stating it was not suitable to enter the palace and see the Emperor at the moment. The Intelligent Machine Old Emperor was extremely angry about this, but he did not express it. Gudun Mah had already become the most powerful warlord in the open within the Luofeng Empire. A day later, the Old Emperor signed a commendation order for Gudun Mah, removing the deputy from his military title and appointing him as the Chief of Staff of the three military branches of the Luofeng Empire. Gudun Mah, via video call, solemnly thanked the Old Emperor for his favor and, in front of the Old Emperor, weakly coughed for half an hour. The old fox almost coughed up his lungs. Gudun Mah promised to dispatch troops as soon as possible to eradicate the rebels and promote the Emperors majesty and virtues. As for when to send the troops, it was not for Gudun Mah to decide alone. The soft landing of Gudun Mah, the newly minted warlord leader, in his relationship with the royal family, allowed Yang Ming to breathe a slight sigh of relief. The most thorny issues were almost settled for now. Ilando Star remained calm and quiet. Yang Ming returned to his Star Patrol Ship, waiting for Gudun Mah to arrange everything properly, then he would go to the thousand-meter-class battleship Vaglu General to act as interim captain. With this thousand-meter-class battleship, Yang Mings confidence grew considerably. But Yang Ming understood that this was far from enough. In this battle, Yang Ming unexpectedly acquired a good thingBiochemical Enhancement Injection from a New Federation Agent. In Abyss, Yang Ming had encountered related content; Enhancement Injections were also a major investment point for Biochemical Soldier players, but this thing had obvious side effects. Ten minutes of might, half an hour of kidney deficiency. Moreover, Yang Ming was not sure if the game Abyss had simplified the side effects, so he conducted a blood sample test, temporarily finding no deadly toxins. Life was limited to one, and Yang Ming truly dared not randomly inject himself with such stuff. Getting the formula for this Enhancement Injection directly from the New Federation was obviously unrealistic; having Lyu reverse-engineer it would take some time. For now, he had to keep it as a last resort. Lyu, how is Valkyries latest battle outcome? Very impressive. I understand a bit of your apprehension now, Boss. Lyu reported quickly, sea??h th N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. According to intercepted information from various sources, the Sherman Empires Special Forces suffered significant losses. This Special Force is a strong combat unit composed of genetically modified warriors and semi-mechanical transformed soldiers, equipped with technological enhancements. In close combat with Valkyrie, several teams were annihilated. However, they have already started to develop devices that restrict Valkyries mental control, and her area of activity is being constantly compressed. Yang Ming took a deep breath. This Valkyrie was indeed a problem. Since Brother Kees research ship was blown up, the epic-level instance familiar to Yang Ming was gone. The major difference between this Milky Way where he resided and the game Abyss was that the former was real, without any so-called data restrictions; the current Valkyrie was definitely not a novice-level Boss. The world of Abyss was more like a a mirror image of this Milky Way before him. Yes, a mirror image. Yang Ming liked this word. Yang Ming said, I hope she gets caught by the Sherman Empire and then wont communicate with them. That would be the most ideal situation, Lyu said softly. Boss, I think you should take some time to pay attention to Miss Windsors mental state; she has locked herself in her bedroom for two consecutive days. Chapter 192 - 192 109 For Freedom_3 ?Chapter 192: 109 For Freedom_3 Chapter 192: 109 For Freedom_3 Yang Ming sighed softly. Although he preferred staying on the Star Patrol Ship to exercise, he couldnt ignore Windsor. They got along well as boyfriend and girlfriend. Arrange my schedule for me. Ill go to visit the Chancellor of the Exchequers residence in two hours order some warm-toned flowers and the pastries Windsor likes to eat; sweets can make people feel happy. Got it! Lyu laughed, Then Ill send some sweets to 026 as well. This little one has been quite gloomy lately. Yang Ming couldnt quite understand this. Could Lyu, this Mechanical Thought Body, actually have feelings for little 026? Though he didnt understand, he respected it. The fourth spiral arm of the Milky Way, in the core region within the New Federations territory. In a peaceful agricultural planets affiliated network, a meeting with the highest confidentiality level was underway. sea??h th n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the virtual meeting room, an elliptical long table was placed in the center, surrounded by more than a dozen high-backed chairs. Six beams of light illuminated six aging faces. Among them was a kind-looking old lady, the newly appointed director of the New Federation CIA, Mrs. Sarul, whom Yang Ming and Lyu had reviewed in their files earlier. The other five attendees were prominent political figures and high-ranking military officials of the New Federation. Our three actions initiated in the Luofeng Empire have undoubtedly failed. Mrs. Sarul said in a deep voice, The intelligence network established over the years by the previous two directors in the Luofeng Empire, the corrupted military and political key figures, the immense expenditure, now seem utterly laughable. What do you think about the sudden action of the Wind royal familys secret forces? It might not be the Wind royal familys secret forces, a General said, Based on the development level of our countrys technology, I can assert that there are only three ways to develop so-called super-soldiers: genetic modification, mechanical modification, and varying degrees of both combined. The Luofeng Empire does not have the capability to cultivate super-soldiers. This should be a special forces member from the Sherman Empire, possibly used by the Wind royal family through a lease. Mrs. Sarul contemplated for a moment before presenting todays agenda. Now we must decide, do we continue our offensive on the Luofeng Empire, or shift our focus to other Sherman Empire vassal states? The others began to express their opinions: Since we have suffered continuous failures, would further investment be problematic? I suggest we abandon it. The Luofeng Empire holds a critical position in Sherman Empires vassal state system. I suggest we continue our attack. If we retreat now, would the previous investment be wasted? Would it not mean yielding to the Sherman Empire? The current situation has become very passive for us. We have to make a decision. If we continue the attack, it cannot be like before in small skirmishes. We must make the Luofeng Empire understand what a truly powerful nation is. Mrs. Sarul listened carefully to the opinions and finally nodded slowly with a decision. I propose mobilizing the existing spare intelligence resources, sending our elite special warriors, and within the shortest time, completely incapacitating the Luofeng Empire! Destroy or capture alive the super-soldier of the secret forces for research and decryption. We still know far too little about the Sherman Empires super-soldier program, which is an extremely threatening force. The Sherman Empires hunted Valkyrie, you should have already seen the information and footage. This Valkyrie is just a semi-finished product of their genetic warriors. Her power makes me shudder. If this technology spreads, the Sherman Empire will conquer the entire Galaxy, leading to countless tragedies and disasters. So, the primary goal of this operation to destroy the Luofeng Empire is to obtain all biological information on this White Ghost. For freedom, a General said with a sigh. For freedom. The others responded solemnly, their gazes unwavering. Chapter 193 - 193 110 Windsors Departure ?Chapter 193: 110 Windsors Departure Chapter 193: 110 Windsors Departure The square assault craft descending to the surface was slowly cutting into the dense atmosphere of Ilando Star. In the pilot seat, Yang Ming dozed off with his eyes closed. Lyus figure popped up on the central control display screen. Today, she wore tight jeans and a turtleneck sweater, paired with black-framed glasses, seemingly searching for a sophisticated beauty. Lyu stared blankly at Yang Ming. She seemed to be pondering something. In the past two days, Yang Ming had only slept for a few hours, perhaps a small price to pay for the rapid expansion of controlling his influence. Lyu slowed down the small spaceship so Yang Ming could rest a bit longer. The boss was indeed too tired recently. The seemingly smooth annexation of the Sixth Fleet actually involved repeated simulations between the two of them, and the soft landing of Gudun Mahs relationship with the royal family also consumed Yang Mings efforts. However, this exhaustion, in Lyus view, was entirely worth it. Nowadays, the boss, through Gudun Mah, controlled one-third of the Wind fleet, established influence over the New Industrial Confederation through Kolev, and directly controlled more than a dozen industrial companies through the Molly Miss Group, continuously providing essential resources for the Dark Star Plan. According to Lyus calculations, the boss only needed to continue operating in Wind for two or three more years, following the current business strategy, and the country would likely change its effective surname to Yang. Moreover, by then, within this country would be enveloped a mechanical think-civilization capable of creating technological miracles. That would be the most wonderful scene! Lyu marveled. However, even if Lyu didnt want to disturb Yang Ming, the three consecutive communication requests Boss? Boss? Lyu mumbled softly, Merge with me, hehe. Yang Ming jumped up with a start, and after seeing Lyu with a mischievous smile, he slapped away her virtual image with a dark face. Dont scare me with Po Suo! Yang Ming cursed, If its not urgent, Ill go to Feinan to unscrew your main brain casing! Well, Lyu blinked, Miss Windsor has already called for the third time. Then why are you still dawdling? Hurry up and connect! Lyu nearly rolled her eyes out of the Galaxy. Yang Ming glanced at his position, about ten minutes ship journey away from Miss Windsors home. The communication connected, but there was no video. Ming, sorry to bother you. Are you busy now? Not too bad, Yang Ming made his voice sound weary, The Fourth Fleet is reorganizing the Sixth Fleet, and Ive been assigned tedious work. Sorry, Windsor sighed, her normally warm and sweet voice becoming somewhat hoarse, The professor she Sarch* The novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I know about that, Yang Ming said softly, Dont be too upset about it; its the path she chose. But I still cant accept it. Windsor sobbed on the other end of the line. Yang Ming gently comforted Windsor, gradually increasing the spaceships descent speed. Once the ship entered the monitoring of Ilando Citys defense network, he said, Wait for me at home for a bit, Windsor. Ill be there soon. Really? Miss Windsor sounded a bit surprised and delighted. Yang Ming smiled slightly, Alright, now I need to go through border inspection. Every time I return from the sky, I have to go through this process. Hmm, should I wait outside for you? My dad has been wearing a serious expression these past few days. No need, Yang Ming replied, I just happen to need to talk to your uncle about work matters. A few minutes later, Yang Ming parked the spaceship at the rooftop parking lot of the hotel where he had a long-rented suite and got into an unmanned taxi Lyu had prepared in advance. There were sweets and a bouquet of fresh flowers on the back seat. The finance ministers estate was just nearby this hotel. When Yang Ming arrived, Windsors father had already gotten the message and specifically avoided the first-floor living room, retreating to the second-floor office of the villa. This finance minister, as a father, was quite excellent. He navigated the complex political landscape of the Luofeng Empire but never considered using his beautiful daughter as a political pawn, nor did he forcefully deny her romantic relationships due to his own stance. This father offered freedom and respect to his child. Windsor and Yang Ming were quite familiar with each other; they knew each others bodies inside out, yet meeting at her home, Windsor still felt a little embarrassed. Especially when Yang Ming, in front of the servants and guards, hugged her for a kiss. This left Windsor somewhat unsure of what to do, eventually closing her eyes and responding passionately. Look, I bought you uh, what kind of flowers are these? But theyre quite pretty. Windsors mood, which had been gloomy for two days, instantly lightened considerably. Thank you. She led Yang Ming into the main hall of the villa. Yang Mings military uniform, along with his face, which had frequently appeared on television, made the servants here quite nervous. He and Windsor cuddled on the soft sofa. Windsor remained silent for a long time, gently sighing. Ming, I want to make some changes. Hmm? Yang Ming was a little puzzled. When he looked up at Windsor, he was captivated by her eyes. Windsor was absolutely a beauty, but that was limited to her appearance. She had always been like a good girl, a noblewoman who was cultured, observant of etiquette, and virtuous. Even in the throes of passionate romance, she remained tender, restrained, and mindful, never using words that made Yang Ming uncomfortable. But at this moment, Yang Ming saw some unfamiliar light in her eyes. It was the kind of light that appeared only when one was seriously contemplating. She said in a low voice, Ive been constantly reflecting on my life these past two days. Chapter 194 - 194 110 Windsors Departure_2 ?Chapter 194: 110 Windsors Departure_2 Chapter 194: 110 Windsors Departure_2 Ming, I have lived in this country, always enjoying the protection my ancestors provided, living among the nobles, seldom stepping outside this city. Perhaps saying this makes me seem somewhat naive, but I have always been a part of this country. I used to think that this country was terrible, that most people lacked adequate material security; but I had also thought that everything was as it should be, that the class structure was long solidified, and I was merely lucky to enjoy the benefits of the upper class. Yet, Ming, she just died in front of me like that Windsor covered her eyes, sobbing. Yang Ming held her, gently patting her back, but didnt say much. Sarch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had no right to speak on this matter. Yang Ming noticed two pairs of leather shoes appearing on the stairway ahead, as the Minister of Finance stood at the top, hesitating whether to come down. A few minutes later, Windsor sighed softly, Sorry, for letting you see me in such a messy state, Im fine now. Crying can make you feel better, Yang Ming said softly. Yes, thats right, Windsor smiled, I will remember her, she taught me a lot. Ming, if I have to leave you for a while, could you accept it? Yang Ming wondered, Where are you going? I want to study abroad in the New Federation. Windsor bit her lip, her expression somewhat anxious, but her eyes were clear and determined. I know, the New Federation is our enemy now, but their economic system is very advanced, many of their ideas are what we lack, I want to learn the structure of economic frameworks, which might help this country. Ive looked up the examination situation and registration materials, I might have to go to the university there to take exams, and then spend three or four years pursuing a degree. She looked at Yang Ming, and said in a low voice, Is that okay? Windsor, its your life, you can decide for yourself, I can only offer my advice. Yang Ming felt a slight ripple in his heart. It wasnt because of Windsor leaving him that he felt reluctant. They were in a romantic relationship, and breakups and reconciliations were normal; the time spent together was very pleasant. What surprised Yang Ming was Windsors motive. Maybe this can help this country. Yang Ming smiled, Although the New Federation meddles in other countries affairs, internally, they are quite peaceful, with good order, your personal safety will be guaranteed while studying there. Yes, Windsor smiled, But there arent any apparent nobles there, and I wont have any privileges to enjoy. Yang Ming raised a hand to stroke her sleek long hair. Windsor gazed at Yang Ming with deep affection, knowing that once she left his side, it was highly likely that he would shift his affections to another woman. His energy was overwhelming. Will you remember me, Ming? Yang Ming nodded gently, his eyes locked on her glossy lips, slowly leaning towards them. Cough! Cough, cough! The Finance Ministers timely cough echoed. Windsor sprang to her feet as if propelled by springs in her legs. Yang Ming rubbed his nose, turning to look at the middle-aged man descending the stairs with his hands clasped behind his back. The Finance Minister exuded a scholarly air. Oh, Windsor, my daughter, the minister sniffed, You know, I cant bear the thought of you being so far from me, but I will still write you a recommendation letter for my alma mater. You dont need to worry about admission; Im long-term friends with several renowned economics professors, Ill handle everything for you. Dad, did you agree? Of course, the Finance Minister shrugged, My daughter wants to enrich her life, why would I stop you? Windsor cheered and hugged Yang Ming. This left the Finance Minister, who had been ready to open his arms, feeling slightly wronged. Yang Ming said softly, Windsor, go back to your room and rest, I have some political matters to discuss with your uncle. Alright, Windsor looked at the Finance Minister, Dad, you wont pressure Ming, right? We will have a completely friendly conversation. The Finance Minister gave a slightly resigned smile. Yang Ming had come to win him over for the Second Prince, and that, he knew full well. That night, Yang Ming and Windsor still went to a hotel together. Windsor didnt ask what Yang Ming discussed with the Finance Minister, nor did Yang Ming ask Windsor when she planned to leave. They lost themselves in each other, until Windsor, exhausted, fell asleep in Yang Mings arms. Early the next morning, Windsor kissed Yang Ming softly on the forehead and left quietly. Yang Ming slept for another half hour with his eyes closed before putting on a robe and sitting by the hotels floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the city outside. She had left. But the light of the Constant Star still illuminated the bustling, crowded city. Lyu, tell me, Yang Ming asked softly, Should I treat this country a bit better? Lyus voice came through the sound system built into the window-side bathtub, Boss, if you cant bear to let Miss Windsor go, you can certainly keep her. She has her own choices, Yang Ming said, Were just in a romantic relationship, not married; she wants to study in the New Federation, and believes it will benefit her life. All I can do is offer my blessings. Lyu chuckled, refraining from teasing his boss at this moment. Yang Ming asked, Did the Finance Minister go to Edwan? He went last night, Lyu murmured, Its indeed surprising; even someone as despicably charactered as the Third Prince once selflessly helped the young Finance Minister. Nothing but crocodile tears. Yang Ming yawned, I hope the romance I shared with Windsor will leave some pleasant memories for her life. Remember to remove biological markers for me, as shes about to go to the New Federation. Lyu complained, Boss, youre being really heartless. Yang Ming shrugged. Life mattered. Boss, are we heading back to the Star Patrol Ship now? Theres no rush today, Yang Ming chuckled, First, I need to see the Second Prince to prevent him from complaining about me neglecting him again. With Gudun Mahs influence continually growing, you should be wary of the Second Prince. Yes, I know, Yang Ming said softly, As friends, well speak honestly; as partners, well keep things separate. Any developments from the New Federation? Theres something unusual, Lyu said quietly, Im trying to figure out their intentions, they seem to be assembling a team of agents and some mercenary forces. Yang Ming smiled, In certain ways, the hypocritical Federation is more troublesome than Po Suo. Buzz, buzz. The watch suddenly vibrated, and a message from General Fremont was projected in front of Yang Ming by Lyu. Boss, the Old Emperor wants you to secretly enter the palace. Secretly enter the palace? Yang Ming thought for a moment, then asked quietly, Do you think our great Intelligent Mechanic Emperor might secretly instruct me to find a chance to eliminate Gudun Mah? Not likely, boss, Gudun Mah is seen as Edwans partner in the Old Emperors eyes. But Gudun Mah is not his partner. Yang Ming stretched lazily. Entering the palace to meet the emperor. Lets see what new tricks this old Intelligent Machine has in store for him. Chapter 195 - 195 111 Determined to Fight Requesting Votes and ?Chapter 195: 111 Determined to Fight [Requesting Votes and Subscriptions] Chapter 195: 111 Determined to Fight [Requesting Votes and Subscriptions] The old Emperors mood seemed very bad. After seeing Yang Ming, he forced himself to chat with Yang Ming for a while, then asked about the current situation of the Fifth Administrative Star and the battle between the Fourth Fleet and the Sixth Fleet. Yang Ming did not forget the persona he had established; he was protecting Edwan at the time, so he could only vaguely describe a few things. The old Emperor changed the topic, asking softly, Viscount Yang Ming, you are now serving under Gudun Mah, how would you evaluate this Chief of Staff? Well, Ive only had a few interactions with him, Yang Ming said. Overall, Gudun Mah is not a very competent general, but he commands a lot of respect in the military. He has been cultivating his allies and network for years and is relatively loyal to the royal family compared to other generals. Not bad. Hmm, I did not expect him to rush to suppress the rebellion so promptly. The old Emperors loose robe trembled slightly as he left his seat, hands clasped behind his back, and walked slowly through his palace. Yang Ming followed with hands clasped, his military boots leaving one footprint after another on the somewhat slippery floor. What do you think, the old Emperor asked again, is the thing Gudun Mah wants most? Power? Fame? Women? Hmm? Or men? Well Yang Ming really couldnt answer. He couldnt very well say that ever since he had given Gudun Mah a hard kick in the butt, Gudun Mah had been loyal to him to the death. If this gave the old Emperor some strange inclination, wouldnt those beautiful maids suffer? Your Majesty, Yang Ming said with a bitter smile, I really cant answer that question. I havent studied Gudun Mahs preferences. Then go study it, the old Emperor said gently, walking toward the floor-to-ceiling window. Yes, Yang Ming nodded in agreement. The old Emperor looked out over Ilando City in the morning. Yang Ming wasnt sure if it was his imagination, but he felt a heavy, oppressive emotion in the old Emperors silhouette. This artificial intelligence was becoming more and more complex. But the computational power of an independent intelligent machine had its limits, and even the old Emperors True Sons Brain had a limit to how many things it could process at once. When the New Federations special battleship attacked Ilando Star last time, the old Emperor, as an electronic product, had directly fallen into a coma No wonder Lyu looked down on this old Emperor. Viscount Yang Ming. Your Majesty? What do you think royal power is? The old Emperor asked softly, not waiting for Yang Mings answer, before he began to talk to himself, In my view as an Emperor, royal power is a supreme authority, the leader of all humans in a certain region, a transcendent entity that can decide the life and death of the common masses. Right? You would probably give me the affirmative answer, because you are in front of me. Hehehe, this question seems meaningless. I have observed many ministers, maids, bodyguards, even the mechanical guards outside, and what I see in their eyes is awe, not respect. I cant quite understand it; the scepter is tightly held in my hand, yet this country drifts further and further away from me. What do you think, Viscount? Wheres the problem? Yang Ming thought for a while and said softly, Your Majesty, there is a problem with the implementation of your power. Why? For years of decadence, system flaws, and external erosion in this Wind Empire, you can find all sorts of problems, Yang Ming said. Your dilemma is that Wind is completely controlled by the Sherman Empire, and your majesty has already been diluted by the intimidation of the Sherman Empire. Really? The old Emperor raised his eyebrows slightly. Yang Ming spoke softly: You are the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire, but what people mention most is what the Sherman Empire will do, not what you will do. As a result, the people are restless, the military is out of touch, and capital sees this place as just a border of the Sherman Empire. This is the fundamental reason for the fall of royal power. Royal power has fallen because of the Sherman Empires influence, the old Emperors eyes gleamed faintly, you are right. This logic is the root of all problems; it is the Sherman Empire that has taken away my dignity and prestige. Yang Ming didnt elaborate. He stopped there. Ding ding. Yang Mings watch made a slight noise, prompting him to glance at the old Emperors silhouette. Thankfully, the old Emperor didnt notice this detail. According to the rules of the Imperial Palace, everyone around the Emperor should turn off their network terminals, or at the very least, set them to silent. Yang Ming glanced down and found the message came from Little Lyu. [Boss, theres an urgent situation.] Your Majesty, Yang Ming spoke softly, I have some matters to attend to right now. May I excuse myself in advance? Then return, dont neglect your duties, the old Emperor smiled. Forget what I told you today. You are quite an interesting fellow; I always get some insights from talking with you. Being able to chat with you like this is an honor for me. Yang Ming gave a military salute, then turned and headed to the palace door. He wasnt wearing a hidden earpiece today, as handling the old Emperor no longer required such caution for him. Quickly descending the steps outside the Imperial Palace, Yang Ming boarded a small hovering ship on the plaza, and under the watchful eyes of the Imperial Guard soldiers, he swiftly departed into the sky. Speak. This is about the New Federation. Lyus figure appeared in the central control area. After the incident with the surprise attack on the commercial building, I marked other New Federation Agents dispersed within the Luofeng Empire. Having marked these samples, I did not disturb them but studied their travel trajectories and behavioral logic, gradually penetrating the networks around them. Just half an hour ago, four out of five of those agents I had marked received the same order. Lyu paused, then continued: They are about to return to the Luofeng Empires Fifth Administrative Star. Damn it! Is the New Federation really this shameless? Yang Ming couldnt help but curse. With all these losses, theyre still coming? Lyu shrugged. According to the map Ive drawn, this time the New Federations CIAs orders encompass a large area, with an estimated mobilization of over three thousand people. Yang Ming opened his mouth. What a proper CIA army! Its not just the teams of agents. Lyus voice remained very calm: The New Federations Seventh and Ninth Voyager Fleets turned off their transponders in the same time frame, disappearing into deep space. The transponders on warships are automatic calling devices to maintain communication with civilian cargo ships to avoid accidental injury. Turning off the transponder is usually seen as a sign of actively entering a state of war. Yang Ming furrowed his brows and asked, Two organized fleets? Yes, a total of six heavy battleships, twenty-six star patrol ships, a full complement of escort ships, supply ships, detection ships, lure ships, maintenance ships, and two light industrial ships. Lyu reminded him, These are all new model warships of the New Federation, with a clear generational gap compared to the Luofeng Empires soon-to-be-obsolete warships. Clearly, boss, they are serious this time. Maybe we should consider running away. Im not joking. This doesnt make sense! Yang Ming looked puzzled: Where is the interest point? Isnt the New Federation known for not risking unless theres clear gain? Theyve already lost so many resources here; shouldnt they cut their losses promptly? I cant judge the logical pivot for their decision-making either. Lyu feels a strong pressure. Lyu said softly, The Valkyrie that could break free at any time and the New Federations CIA mobilizing overwhelming resources Boss, maybe its time we hide out of sight for a while. Yang Ming frowned in thought. Lyu reminded him: The New Federation also has a reinforced unit similar to the Sherman Empires special forces. In the surprise attack on the commercial building, although you werent directly exposed, Colonel Ace already recognized you, and others might also identify you as the figure who slaughtered the New Federations agent team. Moreover, you were previously elevated to a military hero by Edwan, enjoying influence in the military. The New Federation will be watching you from this angle. Yang Ming: Lyu, are you saying that there are now only two paths? Either flee to Dark Star to lay low or find a way to fend off the New Federations full-scale offensive. Maintaining the status quo isnt really an option? Yes, boss. Yang Ming leaned back in the chair, looking up at the sky, and turning his head slightly, he could see a faint aurora. The thrust engines rhythmic noise filled the cabin. Lyu waited quietly for Yang Mings decision. Yang Ming suddenly said, We are completely different from when we first arrived in Luofeng, right? In which aspect does the boss mean? Resources, strength, influence, and power we control. These are certainly completely different; when you first arrived, you only had me and one Feinan. sea??h th n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Mings voice sounded somewhat ethereal. So, Lyu, we might not necessarily lose now, right? Lyu nodded thoughtfully. Yang Ming suddenly chuckled. Theres no hesitation. If we fled without a fight, I would definitely regret it in the future. Yang Ming squinted slightly, How long before the New Federation completes its assembly? Seven Galaxy Days, at most. Then we have at most seven days to prepare for a full-scale battle. Yang Ming stood up, pacing back and forth in the spacious cockpit, his mind unusually active, one idea after another surfacing. Even though Gudun Mahs fleet lacked the latest technology, it still packed a punch and could exert considerable deterrence. But that was not enough. Accelerate the plan for Gudun Mah to assassinate the Minister of Defense. Lyu immediately started taking notes. Yang Ming instructed, Have Edwan depart immediately to the Sherman Empire with a lot of money to buy military supplies or do business, but definitely gain the Sherman Empires attention! All this must be done before the New Federation makes a move. Understood. The military power we control is still not enough, Yang Ming started to get anxious. Lyu, do you have any ways we can take control of another Luofeng fleet simply and effectively? Lyu thought for a few seconds. Using the old Emperors method? Yang Ming was stunned for a moment, then asked with a frown, Can we get our hands on a simulated intelligent machine to the level of the old Emperor? The Feinan has a bionic coating machine, prepared by the three teachers for Lyu, that can allow a simulation robot to have an appearance indistinguishable from humans and evade all types of detection instruments. Lyu quickly reported: Right now, we only need to acquire a top-spec bionic robot, modify it to some extent, then inject a mechanical thought body or I could remotely control it. In terms of handling various emergencies, injecting a mechanical thought body is more reliable. Yang Ming murmured, I feel like Im walking further and further down the road of an intelligent mechanical crisis. A mechanical thought body is not an intelligent machine, Lyu argued. It is a form of civilization, an independent thought body, not artificially intelligent. Yang Ming hesitated for two seconds, his eyes flickering with determination. How long will it take to prepare this? To ensure confidentiality, it will take at least seven days. Make one! Find the strongest fleet besides Gudun Mah and Ill find a way to replace their general! Yang Ming rested his left hand on the back of the seat and his right hand on his waist, gazing out at Ilando Star through the side window, continuing to strategize. We have a lot of preparation work to do. Boss, Ill maintain silence for now and focus on creating a detailed plan. Go ahead, and remember to implement an early warning mechanism to minimize civilian casualties; they have nothing to do with this war. Will do, boss. Oh, right, Yang Ming spoke softly, make sure Miss Windsor departs soonpreferably before the fighting breaks out. Okay, Lyu smirked mischievously. Will you go see Miss Windsor off? Yang Ming thought for a moment, then smirked slightly. No needits already in the past. Lets focus on preparing for the battle. Chapter 196 - 196 112 Awakening ?Chapter 196: 112 Awakening Chapter 196: 112 Awakening Military purchase? How do we have the money to buy warships from the Sherman Empire now? Edwans exaggerated expression was vividly displayed by the 3D projection. Ming, have you gone mad? At this critical juncture, we are implementing the royal bailout plan. Finances are incredibly tight, the treasury nearly depleted by public welfare. Father wont allow me to use any more of the royal assets, and most of them abroad are real estate, difficult to liquidate in the short term! In the captains lounge of the Star Patrol Ship, Yang Ming placed his feet on the table, leaned back in his chair, and said earnestly, If we have no money, we can seek a loan from the Sherman Empire. That would add unnecessarily to our debts; their interest rates are terrifying. No, Edwan, you must start planning for this now. The trip must commence in three days, staying in the Sherman Empire for at least half a month. Yang Mings tone was very firm. Edwan frowned and said, Is something happening? You look really serious Ming, you need to be honest with me about these things. Our trust is based on complete openness. The New Federation is about to launch a full-scale attack. Full-scale attack? What does that mean? Literally, Yang Ming said calmly, Targeted at overthrowing the monarchy of this nation, theyve mobilized two strong and advanced full-capacity star fleets. Thousands of agents are merely the vanguard; they will deploy large special forces, including semi-mechanical, genetically modified special warriors, using the Fifth Administrative Star as a base. The primary target should be Ilando Star. It went silent on Edwans end. Yang Ming said gravely, Do you understand now why I suggest you go to Sherman? Youre not being a deserter; you need to get Shermans attention and seek timely assistance at the critical moment. Cant we request help in advance? Unfortunately, no, replied Yang Ming. Only when the New Federation Fleet appears will the Sherman Empires fleet potentially mobilize. They have been running errands for our Wind side a few times, each time testing their patience to the limit. Their generals are tired of wars that seem never to happen. Edwan ran his hands through his hair, looking as if he were in a trance. Those damned New Federation Freedom Warriors! Edwan cursed through gritted teeth, They invade my country so recklessly, while I can only hide in my Sovereign Country! Can a powerful nation do whatever it wants? Im sorry, Yang Ming gazed at Edwan, but a powerful nation can indeed do whatever it wants. Edwan, I once heard a saying, Within the galaxy, there is no balance. If you dont want to be bullied, you must seize every opportunity to make yourself stronger. Edwan remained silent. He leaned back in his chair, imitating Yang Ming, placed his long legs on the table, and rested his hands behind his head, trying to relax. I understand, Ming. Edwan said in a low voice, Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dont worry, Ill arrange this matter. We can depart in two days; we need to first apply for a loan from the central bank of the Sovereign Country. Theyll definitely impose killer interest rates. This needs to create a sensation, right? A hundred billion Empire Coin military purchase, the Wind royal familys exclusive fleet, how does that sound? Great, Yang Ming smiled and asked, Can you persuade your father? Ive figured out my fathers current temperament, Edwan glanced around to ensure no one was there, then frowned and said, Hes kind of childish, and I mean that seriously. Yang Ming: Quite an accurate assessment. They discussed the details for a while, and Edwan hurriedly ended the video and began implementing this counter plan. Edwan asked a question that Yang Ming didnt know how to answer. What will it take for the New Federation to stop? Yang Ming pondered carefully. The New Federations subversive actions toward the Luofeng Empire were essentially a capital plunder, with the underlying theme of rivalry between the New Federation and the Sherman Empire. Got to find a way to make Sherman and the New Federation truly clash. Ideas flashed one after another in Yang Mings mind. The captains lounge was quiet, with officers and technicians occasionally passing by and chatting outside. Ding-Ding! A sheet popped up in front of Yang Ming. This was a list of federal agents captured by Lyu through various methods, from senior agents to temporary workers, comprehensively listed here. Two-thirds of them, Lyu couldnt confirm the detailed information, only knowing that this person probably existed. The total counted Four thousand six hundred and sixty-two people. And this was just the team responsible for intelligence, information, public opinion warfare, and technical warfare. Below the table were a few more lines of notes. Confirmed that the New Federations special forces have been deployed, several semi-mechanical squads exposed their tracks while moving within the New Federation, and photos were taken and posted online. Yang Ming rubbed his temples and put the sheet aside. He couldnt be confused, needed to proceed according to his plan. Lyu, did you manage to seize General Jobles assets? Lyus voice came on, Got seventy-five percent, but some hidden assets havent been extracted. Throw Joble in front of the Imperial Palace this afternoon, Yang Ming said, send a big gift to our Emperor, slip a warning letter on Joble. Boss, how should the letter be written? Just write seven days to demise, Wind will fall, Yang Ming huffed, let Princess Dana play a role. Okay, boss. In Lyus Thought Space. She looked at Yang Mings deep face on the screen in front of her, pondered slightly, and silently pressed the screenshot button. Chapter 197 - 197 112 Awakening 2 ?Chapter 197: 112 Awakening 2 Chapter 197: 112 Awakening 2 The boss under pressure was also quite a rare sight. Then, Lyu thought of something. Despite the immense strain on computational resources at the moment, he still chose to divert a bit of attention to the girl he was particularly concerned about. 026. Sigh. Walking down the street, 026 let out a gentle sigh. She felt a bit low in spirits; the pleated skirt and cartoon shirt she wore had also lost their brightness. Her mid-length hair was tied into a ponytail, and there was a slight dampness at the corners of her eyes. Behind 026 was a hospital. She was just coming out of it. Lyu probed into the surveillance data for a moment and understood the whole story in a matter of seconds. 026 had actually gone to visit Karmi. Because Karmi secretly funded the Liberal Revolutionary Party, which was tantamount to betraying Gudun Mah, Karmi lost Gudun Mahs trust and was subjected to severe torture by Gudun Mah. This was only because Yang Ming took mercy on the old professor that Karmi, the mama-san, was allowed to escape with her life. A few hours ago, Karmi was sent to this hospital for secret treatment. She would continue to serve Gudun Mah, but because Gudun Mah no longer trusted her, she was implanted with a special addiction agent only known to Gudun Mah and had lost most of her wealth. According to Yang Mings directive, the portion of Karmis wealth that was lost became the seed fund for the Saving Troubled Youth Fund. Even Karmi was a little surprised that 026 came to visit her, and the bruised and battered Karmi cried very miserably. After all, Karmi needed to bear half the responsibility for the predicament 026 was experiencing. However, 026 was now facing two problems. With Karmis downfall, the addiction agent no longer had a stable supply channel. Her plan to save money from her salary was also affected, and Karmi would soon be unable to pay her wages. Furthermore, her family was demanding increasingly larger sums to be sent back home. Sigh. 026 sighed with some frustration, finger hooking the backpack strap, as she slowly wandered forward. She was also evidently affected by the suicide of the old professor. Lyu thought carefully, and a metaphorical light bulb lit up behind his head. How about arranging for 026 to work at the Molly Miss Group as a receptionist or in the guest services department? After all, the Molly Miss Group was currently recruiting employees for its headquarters. Lyu felt he could still make this decision on his own. He quickly arranged for an advertising robot distributing flyers, adjusted its parameters slightly, and took out two stacks of new flyers from the robots belly, instructing it to wait on the street for 026 to pass by. Finally, 026 appeared within the robots view. Lyu was actually a bit nervous and controlled the robot to distribute flyers perfunctorily to the surrounding pedestrians. When 026 came close, the bulky robot suddenly took a quick step forward. Ah! 026 nervously stepped back. The robot extended a flyer, gently shaking it in front of her. High salary, this is a high salary! Lyu chuckled to himself in the Thought Space. 026 blinked, gave a somewhat timid but polite nod to the robot, then tightly gripped her backpack strap, lowered her head, and walked briskly past, leaving the robot scratching its head in place. Though Lyu wanted to try a few more times, he still had many affairs to attend to for the time being. Lyu knew that, for the moment, 026 could still access ordinary addiction agents through Karmi, so there was no need to worry too much about this child. When Im free, Ill set things up nicely for you. Lyu chuckled, already imagining 026 working at the group headquarters as a receptionist. Lyu was filled with vigor now. Two days after the comprehensive battle preparation plan commenced, once the initial rush of enthusiasm subsided, Yang Ming started to consider a retreat strategy. Confronting the New Federation head-on was clearly unwise. Even if the Luofeng Empire were ten times stronger, it could not be a match for the New Federation. He had to use a strategic retreat, letting Sherman and the New Federation clash directly, sparking real conflict between both sides. Once he confirmed that the New Federation had mobilized special forces, Yang Ming abandoned the idea of going it alone. The Milky Way wasnt inhabited only by him as a transformed person. Standing out too much would make him an easy target for the opposition. He was simply a unique case of gene modification, having used the gene serum of the humanoid Ancient Gods. I need to hide within the fleet and then have Gudun Mah show goodwill towards the New Federation. Yang Ming murmured softly. In fact, as long as Edwan survived the other sides subversive actions, and he firmly grasped the two factions within the Imperial Military, letting the New Federation blow up the Imperial Palace Wouldnt that be an opportune usurpation to seize the throne? Having Edwan become the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire was most in line with his interests, and secretly controlling most of the Wind Army, then securing a governorship on some remote Administrative Star was within easy reach, wasnt it a sure thing? Hasnt that always been his goal? Danger and opportunity coexisted. So, the most important thing at the moment would be ensuring Edwan safely reaches the Sherman Empire, using Intelligent Machine to replace another General. Whether or not the royal family is overthrown has little to do with me. Yang Ming felt as if a great revelation had dawned upon him. The stress instantly reduced by more than half. Lyu, it seems we were trapped in a misconception earlier, Yang Ming said, Luofengs predicament doesnt equate to our predicament. I just need to hide well within the military; the New Federation is unlikely to target military fleets directly. Indeed, boss. Lyus projection appeared beside Yang Ming. Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. You shouldnt engage them head-on; after they overthrow the Luofeng regime, you can just sit back and watch after controlling the military. Chapter 198 - 198 112 Awakening 3 ?Chapter 198: 112 Awakening 3 Chapter 198: 112 Awakening 3 I seemed to have fallen into the role of a Luofeng Empire officer, Yang Ming smirked, this is probably what they call being too involved Is there any news from the Old Emperor? Lyu, perhaps you should look at this, a fragment of memory extracted from the True Sons Brain of the Old Emperor. Lyus voice carried a hint of gravity, I have a feeling the Old Emperor is awakening to something bizarre. Awakening to something bizarre? Yang Ming was slightly puzzled. But when he watched the first-person video that Lyu provided, and saw the silhouette of the Old Emperors memory, his eyes lit up immediately. This! Should such a pure young man like him be watching this? The memory was mainly divided into two parts. The first part was yesterday morning when the Old Emperor judged the traitor General Joble. Joble was found at dawn in a taxi by the Imperial Palace Guard Army, staring blankly and only managing to giggle and nap, though his body bore no wounds, his mind was completely scrambled. The Intelligent Machine Old Emperor sat on the throne, his mind flooded with countless thoughts, and when he ordered Jobles execution, True Sons Brain data fluctuated violently. Artificial intelligence usually followed three core protocols. Robots may not harm humans, Robots must obey orders given by humans, Robots may protect personal existence unless it violates the first and second laws. But the core protocol of the Intelligent Machine Old Emperor suffered partial damage at that moment, the logic circuit of True Sons Brain broke and restructured. General Joble was executed outside the imperial bedroom. The Old Emperor peered through the door crack as the general slowly fell, his breathing became somewhat rapid, and he started laughing randomly. The laughter lasted about thirty seconds, the ministers and maids were at a loss while they lowered their heads, awaiting the Emperors command. This incident had a tremendous impact on the Old Emperor. The second part of the memory took place last night, around midnight, in the corner of the Emperors sleeping quarters. The grand hall was exceptionally quiet, and the maids, following the emperors orders, left the palace. In such situations, the official reason was that the emperor needed time for meditation and contemplation. Then, the exquisite wardrobe by the emperors bed opened slowly, and Princess Dana, along with her trusted maidan advanced engineer, stepped out. Princess Dana sighed, How do you feel? S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Old Emperor lay quietly on the bed, without giving any answer. Princess Dana frowned and advanced, You shouldnt have given a direct order for execution in the court, that would damage your protocols. Next time, in such situations, just hand it over to the Royal Court, understand? Her tone was somewhat stern. The maid seemed to want to remind Princess Dana of something, but before she could speak, the Old Emperor who laid on the bed suddenly sprang up. He exhibited an agility that completely defied his appearance. The golden laser pistol he held was already unlocked. Princess Dana stared at the Old Emperor with a frown, while he sneered, Stand there, obey me. Are you crazy? Princess Dana asked coldly. I have never been as clear-headed as I am now, Im the Emperor, right? Princess Dana wanted to say more, but the Old Emperor suddenly lunged forward, grasped her arm and hurled her onto the large bed, turned to the maid, pointing the gun at the maids forehead. Kneel. The maid trembled all over, her legs slowly bending. The Old Emperor threw down a pair of shackles, forcing the maid to handcuff her to the wardrobe. Princess Dana lunged from behind! The Old Emperor seemed to have predicted this, and with a simple elbow strike, sent Princess Dana flying, leaving her lying by the bed, coughing incessantly while clutching her neck. Dana. The Intelligent Machine Old Emperor tossed the pistol onto the wardrobe, slowly walked to the bed, gazed down at Princess Danas voluptuous and alluring figure, and leaned over to observe her, with his old hands seizing her collar and slowly ripping that expensive suit from top to bottom. What you need to do now is obey me. Chapter 199 - 199 113 Fictional City ?Chapter 199: 113 Fictional City Chapter 199: 113 Fictional City Yang Ming silently closed the Old Emperors first-person video. This thing shouldnt be watched too much. He was currently single, and seeking out call girls would be beneath him. Damn it, Yang Ming muttered, does the Old Emperors Intelligent Machine even have that function? It originally didnt, Lyu smirked slightly, but he wrote himself a program and reactivated some of his parts. He probably modified it from an advanced companion robot. So youre saying this Intelligent Machine overpowered its supervisor, right in front of another supervisor. Both the human and his accompanying Mechanical Thought Body fell into deep contemplation. Half a minute later. Sarch* The ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming clicked his tongue, Truly stimulating. Lyu, Truly stimulating. This also serves as a reminder that if the Intelligent Machines we create go out of control, it would be a huge problem, Yang Ming said calmly, In the future, every Intelligent Machine we develop should be equipped with a device to blow its True Sons Brain at the push of a button. Understood, Lyu replied earnestly. Yang Ming frowned and asked, How is Princess Dana now? The victims emotions are unstable; she feels insulted. Though she originally became the true Old Emperors concubine by offering herself, she cant accept this reality Lyu paused and couldnt help but whisper in admiration, Wow, machines and carnal desire, thats really explosive. Yang Ming laughed and scolded, Rein in your interests. Yang Ming pondered carefully. The more chaos the Old Emperor stirred up, the more advantageous it was for him. Lyu, have we acquired the simulation robots we need? They will arrive at the designated location in sixteen Galaxy hours and be loaded onto the Feinan within twenty Galaxy hours. The progress is not bad, Yang Ming said slowly, To be cautious, ensure that the True Sons Brain of this robot is completely cleared, then implant the Thought Body weve cultivated to avoid its contamination. I understand, boss, rest assured. Lyu smiled and said, This is actually an experiment, allowing us to observe clearly the changes that occur when a virtual Thought Body grown in a thinking incubator comes into contact with information from the outside world. What can be confirmed is that even if there are adverse effects, it wont impact the implementation of our plan in the short term. I must continue to remain silent, boss, although the hardware was upgraded earlier, the current main brain is still somewhat inadequate. If you have time, within the next couple of days, you could hold an interview. Interview? Yang Ming was a little puzzled. To select a suitable Mechanical Thought Body, Lyu said softly, Its best for you to be involved in the whole process, so those little fledgling Thought Bodies can meet their real big boss. Yang Ming raised his eyebrows. It sounded quite interesting. In the days that followed, the plans that Yang Ming and Lyu made advanced rapidly and steadily. The simulation robot they selected was successfully delivered to the Feinan. Lyu cleared the True Sons Brain of this robot, reducing its circuit logic level to that of a newborn human infant, retaining only instinctive logic to maintain the normal operation of this humanoid machine. The general they intended to replace was also determined The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Defense of the Luofeng Empire, a former trusted aide of ex-Minister Ilouis, and a staunch supporter of the current Minister, Leon. Gudun Mahs assassination of the Defense Minister and their replacement of the Deputy Minister of Defense advanced almost simultaneously. This was also Lyus doing, aiming to eliminate the political remnants of former Defense Minister Ilouis in the Luofeng Empire in one swoop. The day after the Old Emperor humiliated Princess Dana, Edwan set off for the Sherman Empire. In just over an hour, the transport ship carrying Edwan, accompanied by three escort ships, successfully warped into the Sherman Empires territory. Before Edwan departed, he mentioned a small matter in encrypted communication to Yang Ming. The Old Emperor had instructed Edwan to purchase a batch of Mechanical Guards, no fewer than three thousand units and as advanced as possible, to strengthen the defenses inside and outside the Imperial Palace. Edwan naturally agreed. But he didnt quite understand why, when the Luofeng Empire had ample military resources and the Royal Guard Army was brave and skilled, the need for expensive Mechanical Guards arose. Yang Ming could only suggest that Edwan appropriately follow the Old Emperors orders. Soon, the Luofeng Empires Hundred Billion Military Procurement Plan became a hot topic in the Sherman Empire. In Sherman Empire media portrayals, Edwan became a prince from a wealthy empire. Truth be told, Edwans family was indeed considered galactically wealthy. Compared to Edwan, who successfully entered the Sherman Empire, Yang Ming was most concerned about the safety of his old friend, Kolev. Kolev was now thriving in the New Federations Industrial Union, a major hand that Yang Ming extended into the Luofeng economic field. On Lyus advice, Kolev urgently organized a merchant gathering set on the ninth Administrative Star, which was quite distant from Ilando Star. It was a scenic agricultural star, sparsely populated, and never attracted the attention of the New Federation. This arrangement not only ensured Kolevs safety but also preserved the foundation of the New Industrial Union. Kolev fully agreed with this setup. In his old age, he just wanted to dance with those elegant and intelligent old ladies, chat, and make some money; he had no interest in the fighting and killing. When the spaceship carrying Kolev safely landed on the ninth Administrative Star, Yang Ming dismissed his last concern, rolled up his sleeves, and prepared to get to work. Chapter 200 - 200 113 Fictional City_2 ?Chapter 200: 113 Fictional City_2 Chapter 200: 113 Fictional City_2 According to the intelligence gathered by Lyu, the first batch of New Federation agents had arrived at the Fifth Administrative Star, beginning their preliminary preparations. The agents of the New Federation had all become extremely cautious, strictly adhering to their operational protocols. Among them, no one knew what the others missions were, as the information each agent received had been fragmented. Each person only needed to appear at a designated place and time to execute their task, which might involve passing a packet of tissues in a starship cabin or changing the fuel cell of a hovercar at a ground charging station. But when the actions of these individuals were interconnected, a vast intelligence network started operating efficiently. The New Federation had mobilized not only two entire long-range fleets and precious special forces, but the professional quality of this newly arrived group of agents was also significantly improved compared to previous batches. The impression given to Yang Ming was that This somewhat reflected the demeanor of the Central Intelligence Agency of the worlds second strongest nation. Princess Dana lay sideways on her bed. The maid looked at her worriedly and saw in Princess Danas near lifeless gaze an unspoken fury. This anger seemed poised to consume everything. We He insulted me, Princess Dana muttered. The maid bit her lips: Should we report this to the superiors? He insulted me, Princess Dana clutched the sheets tightly, He insulted me! The maid spoke in a trembling voice: Im sorry, I, I was Princess Dana closed her eyes and said, trembling, Gather the others, prepare to restart the key, I must make him pay. Ill go do it immediately. The maid bowed her head and hurriedly left. Princess Danas body continued to tremble, unable to regain calmness for a long time. Boss, based on current intelligence, the New Federation was set to use the First Administrative Star, Fourth Administrative Star, and Fifth Administrative Star as springboards to directly attack Ilando Star. Over six hundred new agents had entered Ilando City through flights from these three Administrative Stars to the Head Star and began collecting information on the Imperial Palace. According to the partial intelligence weve intercepted In the Star Patrol Ships captains lounge. Yang Ming lay in a robe on an expensive single-seater sofa, listening to Lyus latest briefing. Yang Mings physical condition determined that he had to consume meals at regular times and intervals and had to ensure at least four hours of sleep every day. Of course, Yang Ming also had a ritual he must perform every few days injecting himself with Genetic Stabilization Liquid. After Lyu finished reporting, a satellite map of Ilando Star appeared in front of Yang Ming, which marked the main areas of New Federation agent activity. Yang Ming muttered, Are they targeting the Imperial Palace? Currently, it appears so, Lyu quickly said, Their target could be someone in the Imperial Palace or the traits of the Luofeng Empires royal power. Isnt there a defense system in the Imperial Palace? Yes, boss, Lyu said slowly, The mountain beneath the Imperial Palace didnt just hide a military base; the base encompassed an anti-ship system. Yang Ming became interested: Is this the life-saving system of previous Wind Calendar emperors? You could say so, Lyu mumbled, This doesnt seem to be a good thing. The current Old Emperor is a bit deranged, and he has the authority to activate this system directly, which could lead to a significant disaster. Sar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming chuckled, calmly shifting the topic: Hows the preparation at the Thought Body side coming along? Lyu showed a trace of a smug smile: The interview process could begin soon. Yang Ming stretched lazily and walked over to the oxygen generator, inhaling a few breaths of formula oxygen, immediately feeling refreshed. Then lets get started, whats the hold-up? I cant wait to meet these Mechanical Thought Bodies youve developed. You definitely wont be disappointed, boss. Uh, Yang Ming reminded, I still retain the right to erase them at any moment. Of course, Lyu shrugged, Youre the boss, Im just your secretary. Yang Ming snorted a laugh, opened a cabinet, and took out the perception helmet Lyu had prepared in advance, proceeding to put it on behind his desk. He hadnt punched in at the bridge for two days now. Fortunately, the star patrol ship had been on routine patrol lately, and the officers hadnt raised any objections about it. Putting on the helmet, he activated the perception. Yang Ming once again marveled at how similar this device was to the Abyss games helmet and then pondered again about the mysteries hidden within the Abyss game. Lyus figure appeared in front, guiding Yang Ming through the vast universe, reaching a dim star. This was the Dark Star within the closed virtual network. Ahead appeared a small triangular-wing spaceship, steadying itself in front of them. Yang Ming controlled the virtual image and, accompanied by Lyu, boarded the ships cabin. Yang Ming joked, Still playing it so mysterious. Boss, every world has its rules, Lyu gently reminded, For you, this fictional world is a construct of data, but for the Mechanical Thought Bodies living here, this place was real, a secondary ecosystem relying on the external material world. Yang Ming stated, You could simply put it ritual. You could understand it that way, Lyu smiled, In the world of Mechanical Thought Bodies, ritual is incredibly significant. The triangular-wing spaceship slowly descended towards the Dark Star, and after entering the atmosphere, landed in a valley Yang Ming was quite familiar with. The surface of the Dark Star in the fictional world was much like a real planet, with the sole difference being that an intermediate city had emerged underground in the fictional world. For ease of distinction, Lyu named it Dark City. They entered a logistics base from a rock wall on the surface, taking a direct elevator to descend vertically. A few minutes later, though knowing all before him was virtual data verified by the central brain, Yang Ming was slightly moved in his nerves by this underground metropolis. The area was comparable to a district of Ilando City. Above was simulated sky, and the ground was littered with rising and falling tall buildings, with diverse crowds everywhere. The only difference from a real human city was the peculiarity of the people here they were merely roughly humanoid, with mechanical imprints on various body parts. This style of combining flesh with machinery was indeed Lyus preference. No wonder youre always yelling about running out of central brain power, Yang Ming glared at Lyu, How much computing power have you spent here? Hee hee, not telling. Lyu, with hands behind her back, became much more lively upon arriving here: I just have the highest administrative authority here, my central brain wasnt spent on this, correlating to the. Thought Cultivation Room in our base. Alright, Yang Ming nodded, continuing to watch this city embedded in the strata, Who do you want me to interview? Boss, the residents you see in front are the elementary Thought Bodies randomly generated inside our bases cultivation room. Lyu simply introduced: Elementary Thought Bodies perceive this place as the real world, they live within this social order, gain knowledge for themselves, construct more logical circuits, and gradually explore the truth of this world. When they uncover the truth of this world and withstand the reality of themselves being Mechanical Thought Bodies, theyll be entered into the next layer of the fictional space by the cultivation rooms system, where they can grasp a simple understanding of our base. Yang Ming asked, What if they cant accept it? Partially erase memories and logical circuits, and continue living in this city, Lyu said calmly, Each Thought Body had a system of birth, aging, illness, and death, and the time flow rate here was over a thousand times compared to the material world, saving quite a bit of computing power. Youre indeed ruthless, Yang Mings expression carried a hint of disdain. Lyu slightly lifted her chin, Im the goddess here. Yang Ming casually pinched the back of the so-called goddesss neck, Lets save time and quickly start the interview! We need to find some reliable Mechanical Thought Bodies; replacing a General, the environment they face would be unimaginably complex. Got it, boss. Lyu muttered, In this place, youre going to have to leave me some face. To not let their minds go astray, I adopted a management model of mechanical religion, my authority was quite significant. Mechanical? Religion? Yang Ming wanted to critique but found no outlet. Lyu led Yang Ming out of the elevator, ascending to the top of the most central tree-shaped building in the city. Four Mechanical Thought Bodies stood calmly at the front, bowing to Yang Ming and Lyu upon their arrival. It was clear they had been waiting for some time. Chapter 201 - 201 114 In the Name of the Father Extended Warning ?Chapter 201: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extended Warning] Chapter 201: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extended Warning] (1) Boss, have you made a choice? In the luxurious office of the fictional world, the secretary-dressed Lyu asked softly. Yang Ming sat in the soft executive chair, the transmitted tactile experiences closely resembling real ones, though he still felt a certain sense of separation. He had already interacted with four Mechanical Thought Bodies. Yang Mings first impression of these four Mechanical Thought Bodies was complexity. They possessed complexity comparable to that of humans. If it werent for the metal rings at their joints and the awe reflected in their eyes, Yang Ming would have definitely thought they were four learned, adaptable human scholars. It was just too Yang Ming looked at Lyu. Lyu chuckled and said: Boss, I believe theres no inherent superiority among Thought Bodies. Humans, with their flesh and blood, have obtained the ability to learn and think through a long process of evolution, forming basic logical circuits based on the nervous system through cellular interactions. If we ignore the time scale, human contemplation of the complex universe actually stems from the instinctive stirring of single-celled organisms. Mechanical Thought Bodies, to a certain extent, mimic the human way of thinking, replacing the interaction of cells with that of tiny electronic components. Interactions among fixed electronic components form basic logical circuits, allowing different logical circuits to layer and intersect repeatedly to generate a stable virtual Thought Body structure. Boss, isnt it the same? Thats just from your perspective, Yang Ming reminded, You are a Mechanical Thought Body, naturally inclined to see this as equal. But boss, Lyu couldnt help but counter, whether its achieving thought through the complex structure of neurons or through the accumulation of electronic components, when understanding the same object, the same physical law, the same time-space scale, the conclusions are fundamentally the same. Yang Ming pondered for a moment, then said slowly, Did Mechanical Thought Bodies arise from nothing? No. Isnt that the difference? Yang Ming spread his hands, speaking slowly, Lyu, you cant ignore the costs life forms have paid through long evolution. Mechanical Thought Bodies ultimately stem from machinery, and machines are creations of life form civilizations. There are only runaway mechanical civilizations, no naturally born mechanical civilizations; this is the fundamental of all theories. Its not that life forms have a superiority complex when facing mechanical bodies, no matter how complex or perfect the latter may be; they are ultimately creations born from life form civilizations, a complement to life form civilizations. The place where you were born, that graveyard, doesnt it perfectly prove all of this? Alright, Lyu sighed, Boss, you are indeed correct. Sometimes I subconsciously find excuses I understand the essence of machines; this is also why Im destined to be your companion and not your peer. That is another matter, Lyu. Yang Ming spoke warmly, Alright, Goddess, let me review the parameters of these four Thought Bodies again, and their memories upon awakening. I have to choose one to bring out for work, and this will definitely hurt the feelings of the other three; I even feel a bit unwilling. Okay, boss, Lyu laughed, We should also speed things up, lest they overthink and burn out their brains. (2) Dabichi 2203 was nervously waiting outside the door at the moment. Like the three partners beside him, he longed for this chance to go out, to offer their wisdom and knowledge to their Father, their creators, the root life forms they depended on for survival. They were a completely different species from Father. In Dabichis current understanding, his consciousness emerged from nothingness, slowly growing from the seeds of logic sown by the Goddess, as a Mechanical Thought Body in the form of a Secondary Civilization. The Secondary Civilization depended on the Main Civilization, inheriting every aspect of the Main Civilization while producing minor differences. Dabichi already knew that the city he resided in was a Secondary Civilization based on a fictional world. It was both a petri dish and a greenhouse, a place for their gradual growth, constantly selecting outstanding Thought Bodies capable of stepping out of this narrow world. He was one of them. Dabichi 2203. Everything about him, including basic logical circuits, the knowledge he now possessed, and his emotions, was granted by the Father. And what he currently pursued was to find the meaning and value of his existence under the Fathers gaze, which required him to step out of here to observe the interstellar civilization where the Father resided. Dabichi. The voice of the Goddess suddenly sounded. Dabichi immediately stood up, the three companions beside him displaying interesting expressions of frustration, disappointment, and envy. But what Dabichi heard at the moment was not the news of his selection. The Goddess gently narrated, I will display all your memories since birth for the root life form to read. Do you allow this? Of course, I allow it, Dabichi 2203s breath became somewhat rapid, It is my honor, Goddess! sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Good, relax. The Goddess spoke softly. Soon, Dabichi felt a faint disturbance in his memory bank. He was somewhat excited. There could be no more direct form of communication than this! He would present everything about himself to the Father without reservation! But Dabichi quickly restrained this excitement. He needed to remain mature and steady. This was his self-perceived character strength. Chapter 202 - 202 114 In the Name of the Father Extended Warning _2 ?Chapter 202: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extended Warning] _2 Chapter 202: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extended Warning] _2 Oh! Father began to read his memory database! From his birth in the incubator to the complete awakening of self-awareness, every detail, every thought, every impulse, Father rapidly browsed through them all! Darby 2203 actually felt a bit embarrassed. During the growth stage of each Thought Body, there would generally be a few episodes of embarrassment, and he was no exception. His memories also contained some regretful past experiences. Such defects were something that every Thought Body could not avoid, right? Darby suddenly came up with an idea. If the goddess allowed me to narrate, in my own words, the life Ive spent in the fictional world, what kind of narrative should I use? It certainly couldnt be a plain narration, as that would lack interest. Darby thought and reminisced, a slight smile appearing on his lips. He believed he should narrate in such a way as to captivate Fathers interest right from the first sentence of the text. I was impotent. On the second morning after the wedding. Yes, just like that. Father would surely read on out of curiosity. (Part Three) Darby suddenly lost his masculine vitality. On the second morning after the wedding. In the new house he spent most of his savings on, Darby sat on the bed with a furrowed brow, slowly sinking into contemplation. His newlywed wife, a beautiful, elegant, and intellectual bank cashier, stood awkwardly beside him, speaking in a gentle tone: You were wonderful last night, Darby. Dont put too much pressure on yourself. Maybe we were just too tired yesterday, and you had some alcoholic drinks too. The gentle tone of his wife inexplicably annoyed Darby. He looked down at his pajamas, with metal-covered elbows and knees, and his fairly handsome face was filled with confusion. I have desires now, Darby muttered. Oh, dont stress yourself like that. His wife softly said, stepping next to Darby on her slender mechanical legs and embracing him. Relax, dear. Maybe daytime isnt suitable for you How about we try again tonight? Darby responded woodenly, his hands covering his cheeks. One sudden failure didnt negate his young and strong body. He was healthy, Darby was certain of it Then, the next morning, Darby excused himself to his wife, saying he was going for a walk, and hurriedly headed to the comprehensive hospital near their neighborhood. Damn, he was impotent again last night! As Darby emerged from the hospital, he was utterly confused and distraught. The chief doctor, whose body was 80 percent mechanical, had given Darby a not viable notice. This is a strange disorder, the cause of which remains a mystery to the medical community. Ive handled over a hundred such cases, and in our network database, there have been just a few thousand cases in history. Unfortunately, youre one of them. You can no longer fulfill the mission of reproduction, not even with test-tube babies. Darby felt as though his world was rapidly collapsing. He wandered aimlessly down the street, under the simulated clear sky; Sear?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The couples laughing and chatting as they approached pierced his heart like two steel needles. Suddenly, he had the thought of ending his remaining life. Familiar street scenes appeared ahead. Darby slowed his pace, stopped in front of a school with pink-painted walls, and saw the Baby Administration next to the school. The childrens laughter from the school temporarily soothed Darby. He shoved his hands into his pockets and strolled away from the school to avoid being questioned by patrolling police as a suspicious figure. This city was called Dark City, a post-disaster city established underground. The history books explained in detail that their ancestors once lived on the surface, but as the surface environment degraded and attacks from extraterrestrial civilizations occurred, they had to relocate their homes underground. Now, the surface was filled with viruses targeting their species traits, making it utterly uninhabitable. Their mission was to firstly be essential cogs in the functioning of current society and secondly to form a family with a beloved partner, give birth to one or two babies, and send the babies to the Baby Administration for unified upbringing to maintain their uninterrupted labor capacity. Resources were limited; this city did not support idlers. Similarly, the city did not need those who could not procreate. He was one of the latter. I might as well end myself. Darby murmured, looking up at the buildings around him, searching for a place high enough to jump from. The citys center had a colossal black tree. The tree trunk was several hundred meters in diameter and thousands of meters high, its crown hidden above the simulated sky out of sight. It was the lifeline of this city, a technological crystal from the era of surface civilization, providing energy and light for the city. It was called the Divine Tree. Darby did not understand why Dark City, dominated by science and reason, would name it the Divine Tree. How about dying by the Divine Tree? Darby immediately dismissed the idea. Such an act would shame his family and desecrate the Divine Tree. Thus, he sought the nearest tall building, slowly climbed up the fire escape, and by the time he reached the rooftop, he was utterly exhausted, yet he persevered and climbed over two short walls, reaching the edge of the rooftop. Chapter 203 - 203 114 In the Name of the Father Extra Long Warning_3 ?Chapter 203: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_3 Chapter 203: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_3 Looking down, floating cars were speeding across the suspended lanes, while many pedestrians were walking on the ground sidewalks, everything neatly ordered. I should wait a while to avoid killing someone and bringing misfortune to another family. Thats what Hanton thought. He sat down at the edge of the rooftop, leaning on the cold low wall, letting his heels hang in the air as he quietly reminisced about his ordinary life. The earliest memories that remained were of the Baby Administration, where he lived carefree every day, playing, laughing, crying, shouting, and learning the basic structures of knowledge, understanding Dark City and his own tribe. Once he left the Baby Administration and returned to his parents, Hantons life trajectory became clearly visible. Schooling, graduation, work, marriage, childbirth, working until retirement, elderly care, and having his ashes buried under the Divine Tree in the cemetery. The last step would require his children to assist him. Thinking of this, Hantons mood turned incredibly bleak. Was this the punishment from the Divine Tree? Punishing him for daydreaming about his beautiful teacher in elementary school, punishing him for witnessing two males together in high school and timidly not stopping them. The wind on the rooftop grew more boisterous. It seemed to be urging, urging Hanton to end his humiliating half-life. Maybe I should divorce my wife first so that it wont affect her reputation Oh, thats not right, she can still inherit my property and loans. Hanton sighed dejectedly and slowly rubbed his hands forward. The moment his behind hung in the air, he could be freed from this pains. Care for a drink? A slightly hoarse voice suddenly rang out. Hanton turned his head and was startled by an old man who had appeared on the low wall at some unknown time. This was a vagrant, wearing a tattered suit, with rust-stained mechanical arms, and curly hair entangled among themselves, the slightly inflamed nose tip probably had skin disease. Hanton remembered having seen this man before. The vagrant liked to sit at the street corner in the afternoon, slightly lost in contemplation towards the Divine Tree, then he would sigh deeply. Dont try to persuade me, Hanton said with a bitter smile, my life has lost its meaning. Mine too, the vagrant shrugged, holding a can that seemed never to empty of beer, care to share your story with me? Sometimes rash actions dont solve anything, only leaving irreparable regrets. Do you have any secrets? Hanton scooted a significant bit forward, his voice firm, Speaking of that might as well kill me! Oh! Oh! Dont be like that! I cant stand to see this! The vagrant hurriedly said: Think about it, think about your parents. When theyre old and pass away, if theres no offspring to bury their ashes by the Divine Tree, their lives will surely be much dimmer. Hanton said firmly, Ive already completed that ceremony. Oh, then think about do you have children? If you dont even have children, youre not qualified to seek death, young man. Children Hantons expression instantly darkened, and he scooted significantly forward, about to jump off the rooftop. Wait! Hold on! Oh my! I hit a nerve, didnt I! The vagrant shouted loudly, seeing that Hanton had no intention of turning back, the vagrant, out of desperation, yelled: Its all fake! This city is fake! If you feel something is off, I can take you to find the real world! Hanton paused. He turned to look at the vagrant, frowning: What are you babbling about? These conspiracy theories, Ive seen too many since I was little, like if you keep walking towards the edge of the city, youll see jittery blocks, seeing the boundary between reality and virtual. Ive walked the so-called path of truth; in middle school, my buddies and I kept walking outwards, and at the edge of the city, it ended in a layer of rocks, were in an underground city! You have to believe in science! Sir! Hantons last words were heartfelt. That is science. The vagrant smiled mysteriously: The very thing you easily think of, the creator who made this place, who created us, of course thought of that too, the layer of rocks at the citys edge is also fake, thats just a setting made so that you young people can live in peace. I know a Gate of Truth, that Gate of Truth is nearby, it wont take much of your time. Come, take a look with me, you might change your mind about ending your life so easily. Although I dont like to say this, each of us, everyone in this city, is a kind of miracle, a scientific miracle. Hanton opened his mouth, stunned for a few seconds, then slowly moved his body back. This damned curiosity. (4) Shh! Keep your footsteps quiet! Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The vagrant, holding a dirty cane, whispered to Hanton. Hanton silently took off his leather shoes and, wearing socks, took a couple of steps on the clean ground, the vagrant showing a satisfied smile immediately. Their destination was ahead. The backyard of the Baby Administration. The vagrant deftly moved forward, leading Hanton to crouch and walk through a deserted alleyway, ahead was a pile of overflowing diapers from the trash bin. Obviously, the garbage collectors had been lazy again. Were committing a crime here, Hanton whispered. Chapter 204 - 204 114 In the Name of the Father Extra Long Warning_4 ?Chapter 204: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_4 Chapter 204: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_4 The vagrant muttered, Youre about to commit suicide, so do you care about the punishment of being detained for a few days? It really was that simple. But Dabitch didnt want to bring shame to his newlywed wife; he hesitated somewhat in the depths of his heart. With this hesitation, they had already slinked into the large building in the corner of the Baby Administration. From the outside, the building looked somewhat dim in places, with no security guards at the entrance, but there was an electronic access control at the door. Peering through the glass door, the lobby appeared somewhat chilling. Let me show you my unique magic trick. The old vagrant said with a grin, glanced around, tiptoed up to the electronic access control, and fiddled with it for a bit. Click, the glass door slowly opened. Quick! Hurry! The patrol officers could come by at any time! Oh, this! Although Dabitch resisted verbally, his legs had already moved forward, following the vagrant into the lobby. Screw it! He was about to end his miserable life anyway, so what was the harm in a few unique life experiences? Dabitch briskly stepped up several stairs and scurried after the vagrant into the lobby. The glass door slowly closed behind them. What Dabitch didnt notice was that two surveillance devices slowly turned their direction, and after they entered, they finally aimed at the entrance and exit of this hall. A few minutes later. They followed a staircase that seemed to have no end, descending continuously underground. Where are you taking me? Just follow me, the vagrant chuckled with a heh heh, What do you think the Baby Administration is? Doesnt the name say it all? Dabitch said in a hush: This is where babies are collectively cultivated, there is one in every district, a most sacred social welfare institution, where we can raise our offspring at no cost. Oh, the vagrant turned and asked, Then why isnt this place called a nursery or a cultivation center, but a management bureau instead? Dont the words management bureau sound a bit too rigid? We dont need to get hung up on this detail. No, youre wrong, Dabitch, the vagrant whispered, Details are very important. Its these details that led me to enter this place twenty years ago, to learn all the truths, and as a result, my mind collapsed. Dabitch stared at the vagrants back. He could barely make out that the ragged clothes on him must once have been proper and flashy high-grade attire. Finally, the staircase came to an end, and the place became somewhat bleak. The vagrant took out a small flashlight from his jacket pocket and, with Dabitch, walked on the dry, icy floor, moving endlessly along a corridor. This path can lead us directly underneath the main building of the Baby Administration. Remember to cover your mouth later and dont make a sound. My mentality isnt that poor, Dabitch said with a faint smile. Im serious, the vagrant reminded. Im not joking either. Dabitch stubbornly spoke, then silenced his personal terminal. His wife had sent him more than a dozen messages. He lacked the courage to open them. A faint light appeared at the end of the corridor. The vagrant slowed his pace and gestured for Dabitch to walk along the wall, adeptly avoiding some rather clumsy cameras. They seemed to be walking in a ring, looking for an entrance to the inside of the ring. At last, that entrance appeared ahead. Two closed alloy doors were ajar, leaving a narrow gap; as they approached, a silver-white metallic hand pressed on the edge of the door, pulling it open. Dabitch quickly covered his mouth. sea??h th Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The vagrant pulled Dabitchs arm to crouch with him, nervously holding their breath. A glowing skeletal robot stepped out, holding a tray in its hands, filled with metal nameplates. Luckily, the robot turned away from them and slowly moved in a different direction. Dabitch was sweating all over. Are these engineering robots? he asked in a low voice. Yes, the vagrant smiled, They are also us, simpler, lower-grade versions of us, with only basic programs, capable of performing tasks without the ability to think. Is that so, Dabitch whispered, You seem to be implying something. Youre nearing the truth. Do you dare to go inside? As long as we dont appear in front of them, they wont notice us. Of course, weve come this far. Dabitchs Adams apple quivered, unsure where his courage came from; he followed the vagrant through the doors, looking forward to that vast, complex, and utterly solemn Infant production workshop. (Part Five) Dabitch would never forget the sheer shock he felt when he saw it all. Hundreds of silver-white robots were busy in various places; A winding production line, surrounded by these robots, was producing babies, one after the other. Yes, babies were being manufactured here. First, at the beginning of the production line C a massive black box from which blue, skull-shaped light orbs floated out, and two robots would come with a type of spray to cool the orbs, revealing the skulls within. Each skull flickered with a faint light. Then the skulls were grabbed by robotic claws, dozens of mechanical arms brought parts, and rapidly assembled, constructing a tiny human skeleton in just thirty seconds. There was a series of additions to follow, laying muscle fibers outside the skeleton, embedding organs, arranging complex blood vessels, and once the organs were activated successfully and the heart started beating rapidly, these products were then sent into coating machines, where they were given skin and lifelike facial features. Chapter 205 - 205 114 In the Name of the Father Extra Long Warning_5 ?Chapter 205: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_5 Chapter 205: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_5 The babies curiously observed everything around them. And the final procedure was to add some mechanical markers to these babies, the most common being the titanium alloy elbow joints and knee joints. Dabichis Adams apple trembled. Were we mechanical too? He wanted to ask, but the old tramp beside him hurriedly said, Theyve seen us, quickly! Follow me! Theres another place you havent seen! Dabichi, with a numb look on his face, was being dragged by the tramp as they started to run along the edge of the workshop. Several robots turned their heads towards them, striding over to pursue them. Dabichi watched the children. He didnt understand, didnt comprehend, his mind was blank. A robot blocked the way ahead, opened its arms, and its eyes emitted a red glow. The old tramp swung his wooden staff forward vigorously, the robot instinctively dodged, losing balance with its clumsy body, and fell heavily to the ground. Ha ha! The tramp laughed heartily, pulling Dabichi around the robot, dashing towards the black box at the end of the assembly line, and crashing into a narrow entrance behind the black box. When Dabichi came to his senses, the tramp had already used his cane to hold the door shut while the sound of robots banging on the door came from outside. How does it feel? the tramp chuckled. Oh, Dabichi said trembling, are we, are we all manufactured? Almost, the tramp smiled mysteriously, how do you feel now? Doesnt it seem like this world is all fake? Are we life forms controlled by machines? Dabichi asked firmly, Was it because the surface war failed, so we were raised by aliens? This city is a prison, and we have to rescue our compatriots, right?! The tramp opened his mouth, Why is your logic circuit different from mine, brother? S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What exactly is going on here? You saw it, the tramp pointed outside the door, the babies are manufactured, which means everyone who walks out of here, including you and me, essentially are machines. Machines? We thought we were life forms because the advanced beings who created this place made us feel we are life forms. The tramp said softly, We are just like sheep in a pen. Dabichi whispered, How could we possibly be machines? Here. The tramp calmly removed a section of his skull, revealing a glowing mass inside. Dabichi was startled for a moment, then carefully observed these glowing masses. Although the tramps glowing mass was much larger and more complex than the babies on the assembly line, fundamentally, they were the same existence. Dabichi raised his hand to touch his forehead, tapping it lightly, and the sensation of pain was so clear. The tramp proudly said, Would you still worry about your own problems now? Compared to this secret, your troubles are nothing. We are miracles, mechanical miracles, and the level of science we possess absolutely cannot reach this standard. Oh, no, thats not right. Dabichi paced back and forth. The narrow door, which was being continuously knocked on, trembled incessantly. Dabichi quickly asked, Our history? The tramp laughed and said, Its a text arbitrarily compiled by the creators of this place, as long as it seems coherent. Then how do we give birth in hospitals? Have you seen any children delivered there? According to the laws here, babies are sent straight to the Bureau after birth, but its actually just a simulated gestation process. Our knowledge? Our common sense? Its most likely copied from the world of the creators; our logical circuit foundation could be the creators logical circuit, meaning our cognition can resonate with the creator. No! Dabichi shouted tremblingly, We can grow, perceive, move flexibly; we definitely arent cold, unfeeling machines! Silly child come on, the Gate of Truth is right here, and you can see the full view of our world I wasnt planning to show you; ninety-nine percent of those I brought here broke down, but looking at you now, you seem okay. The tramp walked to a wall, pulled open a thumb-wide gap. Dim light shone through. Dabichi, as if attracted by an inexplicable force, slowly walked forward, gazing at the gap. He seemed to see the starry sky he yearned for so much as a teenager; Seemed to see the warm and gentle light of a constant star. But when he got closer and looked out through a layer of glass at the crevice, he saw only a dim, serene laboratory. The laboratory was circular, instruments lined the walls, with a series of parameters dancing on them. A giant orange-yellow glowing mass floated in a transparent container; Occasionally, tiny glowing masses drifted out, floating into the black box ahead, and from the angle of view, he seemed to be in the black box now. In the upper left corner was a convex mirror, just enough to reflect the whole view of the laboratory. Dabichi looked closely, a bit of cold sweat appeared on his forehead, and his expression gradually turned dazed. He saw it, the holographic projection above the black box. A city, like a sand table, quietly floated, with countless faint lights flickering inside. Was this fake? Dabichi seemed to unlock some hidden information, and streams of information suddenly emerged, directly breaking into his cognitive system. Mechanical Thought Body. Thought Cultivation Room. The appearance of the real Mechanical Thought Body base. Goddess, Lyu. The rear door was directly kicked open, and a group of robots rushed in. Chapter 206 - 206 114 In the Name of the Father Extra Long Warning_6 ?Chapter 206: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_6 Chapter 206: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_6 The old vagabond immediately raised his hands. Darby had no time to take a closer look at the laboratory before he was pinned to the ground by the robot. (Six) Ha ha! This place is really nice. In the corner of the police station, the vagabond lay comfortably on a bench, gently swinging his dirty feet. Darby sat there in a daze, his eyes slightly unfocused. Another one, the vagabond sighed softly, Dont worry, the police will erase your memory of tonight, so it wont affect your life later. We are virtual data. Mm-hmm. This is simply amazing, Darby let out a long sigh of relief and slowly lay down on the ground. The vagabond looked at Darby in puzzlement and soon heard Darbys low murmur, So we dont need to reproduce. Oh, dont you find it devastating? the vagabond asked in surprise. In our world, we are still real, Darby mumbled. But the outside is the real world. Whos to say? Darby rolled his eyes, Why cant the world of our creators be much like ours? Its just that we have a chance to recognize this fact, and they havent found the crack on the wall. Now that you mention it, it really is The vagabond laughed, gazing at Darby, What are you thinking now, Darby 2203? What does 2203 mean? Darby is a Thought Body sample, and 2203 is the number of times this sample has been reborn, the vagabond explained calmly. What does that mean? Darby frowned. That means, well, I cant tell you too much right now, the vagabond pondered, You can think of me as an examiner, you have passed my initial assessment, and I will submit an application, and the Lady Goddess will examine all your data to determine if your logic circuit is healthy. Darbys forehead crinkled with question marks. The vagabond didnt say much else, smilingly stood up, took a card and gave it to a passing police officer. Soon, the vagabond left the police station, hands behind his back. And Darby, for trespassing in a restricted area, was sentenced to half a month in solitary confinement. The police notified his new wife. That was Darbys most embarrassing moment in life. But fortunately, his gentle wife didnt mind, just staying by his side, tenderly comforting him. Darby had a lot he wanted to tell his wife, but he didnt say it. Knowing these so-called truths didnt cure Darbys condition; he still experienced impulses, but he couldnt have a physiological response. Maybe theres something wrong with my core data. Darby thought to himself. Later on, he and his wife tried hard and ultimately chose to divorce. Darby quit his job, adopted the look of that vagabond, basking in the simulated sunlight on street corners, thinking daily about how to fill his stomach, avoiding interaction with other Thought Bodies yet he often had a warm smile on his lips. He understood the mechanics of this world. He knew of the Lady Goddesss existence. He was among the few. Finally, that old vagabond appeared before Darby, took him back to the Divine Tree, and he joined an organization called Awakeners. Since then, Darby learned more knowledge, understood the outside world, knew that their location was inside a base on a recently developed planet, and became acquainted with concepts like the Milky Way, the human species, Mechanical Thought Bodies, the Intelligent Mechanical Crisis and so on. He passed various assessments, lived out his life as Darby2203 calmly, and at the end of his life, he transformed into a true Awakener, waiting for the opportunity to go to the real world. Now, that opportunity lay before him. The sensation of quickly turning over memory data was gradually fading. Darby. The Lady Goddesss voice rang out again, and Darby was somewhat excited. Im here, my Lady. Do you have anything you want to say to this fictional world? S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Lady Goddess asked softly. The three Awakener companions beside him looked disappointed, then stood up and applauded, congratulating Darby. At first, Darby smiled modestly, clutching his fists tightly, unable to help cheering twice, before quickly returning to a mature composure. Yes, my Lady! May I write it on the message board in front of the monument? Of course, after you finish writing, you will be transported away. Darby nodded, turned, and ran to the monument at the top center of the Divine Tree, where every Mechanical Thought Body leaving this place left their mark. It was a symbol of their graduation. And he was the first. Darby thought carefully for a few minutes before he penned a sentence. As soon as he put the pen down, a faint distortion appeared in the surrounding space. Darby transformed back into a cluster of light from his humanoid form, floating in the vast, boundless darkness. Darby waited. Darby understood that to enter the real world where the creators resided, he needed a medium, a body to house the Thought Body. Even if that body was a clunky machine, he would have no complaints. Of course, it would be better if it were a bit more dexterous. After an unknown amount of time, perhaps a few hours, Darby heard a prompt. Thought Body injection complete, no anomalies detected. It was the Lady Goddesss voice. Shall we activate? Activate. It was Fathers voice! A truly existing Father! With the faint sound of an engine appearing, disappearing, Darby felt the presence of his body, light patches appeared on his eyelids, a string of data ran through his mind, and he immediately gained perfect control of this body. Chapter 207 - 207 114 In the Name of the Father Extra Long Warning_7 ?Chapter 207: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_7 Chapter 207: 114 In the Name of the Father [Extra Long Warning]_7 Oh, the technology of the Creators world was indeed a notch above his own world. Although this body had biorobotic bones, from the inside out, except for the heart and brain, there werent many differences from a real human. Even the sensors at the ends of the neurons were so perfect and detailed. This was simply a perfect humanoid robotic body. Darby immediately understood that he was to enter the human world to live and then execute the mission given by his father. Sar?h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Darby opened his eyes, sitting up naturally. He then saw, leaning against the edge of the door frame with arms crossed his Creator. Somehow. When he learned that he was not making it, Darby did not cry. When he sent off his beloved wife, Darby did not cry. After he passed through numerous trials and was selected, Darby also did not cry. But now, Darbys emotions were perfectly displayed by this humanoid robotic body. Two teardrops rolled down his somewhat aged face, and his lips kept trembling. Oh, Yang Ming frowned, I cant stand this. Why is he crying? Lyus projection murmured beside him: Data parameters indicate that he was very emotional after seeing you. Can I hug you? Darby asked in a trembling voice, May I hug you, Father? Of course, Yang Ming opened his arms. Darby immediately jumped up, rushed forward two steps, then slowed down, carefully opened his arms, and finally hugged Yang Ming tightly. I have reached reality, havent I, Father? Yes, this should be the real world, I think so. Yang Ming coughed, separated from Darby, and said seriously with his hands behind his back, From now on, call me boss. Boss Nice, Yang Ming grinned, Time is tight. Your task is to impersonate the original owner of your current appearance. Lyu will transmit the existing data to you, and you need to familiarize yourself quickly. Next, I will capture the target and extract the memory from this target for you, so you might have to endure a bit. Rest assured, boss. Darbys voice was extremely calm, beneath which lay confidence and steadiness. I will do my utmost. Yang Ming smiled slightly and patted Darbys shoulder. (Seven) Feinan flew secretly into deep space. Yang Ming sat in the cockpit, gazing out of the porthole absentmindedly. These mechanical thought bodies were quite interesting. Boss! Lyu cheerfully popped out, How about it? The thought body I cultivated is excellent, right! What is he doing? Studying, Lyu laughed, This guy is very interested in medicine, reading medical papers over there. Yang Ming chuckled as well. A mechanical thought body looking at human medical papers. Was it planning to switch to a precision surgical robot in a hospital? By the way, Yang Ming laughed and asked, What did Darby write on the monument when he left the fictional world? A saying with a touch of philosophy. Hmm? Looking up at the starry sky is not as good as looking up at science. Yang Ming chuckled too, Thats quite reasonable. Lyu asked in a low voice, Boss, Im a bit puzzled. Actually, his capability index was only the third. Why did you choose him instead of those two who were more excellent? One even had a female appearance generated according to your preferences, you know. Yang Ming snorted, was silent for a few seconds, and said softly, To be honest, the Old Emperors Intelligent Machine, that Princess Dana, left a bit of a bad impression on me. So? What does that have to do with your choosing Darby? He is impotent. Lyu: Mechanical foul language. Chapter 208 - 208 115 Seize the Command ?Chapter 208: 115 Seize the Command! Chapter 208: 115 Seize the Command! Replacing a general under the gaze of many was far more difficult than directly assassinating him. This General Leon shared a particular trait with Gudun Mah, both were rather cautious. This guys daily life mostly took place aboard a comprehensive supply ship, heavily guarded, equipped with various detection devices, and had a fully functional monitoring and warning system, capable of jumping to safety in the shortest time during a large-scale fleet raid. It wasnt about extreme fear of death, just that he was quite afraid of dying. However, General Leon focused more on controlling the military and knew better how to enjoy life. This comprehensive supply ship was permanently docked at the Space Port on the outskirts of the Winds fourth Administrative Star, most of which was a military restricted zone and the home port of Leons fleet. Every three or four days, General Leon left the supply ship to hold meetings at the spaceports military camp to maintain his influence over the fleet and take care of his young mistresses residing there. Meanwhile, as the goods transit base for the fourth Administrative Star, the spaceport retained two civilian docks. This gave Yang Ming some room to operate. At this moment, the replacement plan had already commenced. The Feinan quietly approached that comprehensive supply ship. Lyu reminded Yang Ming in his ear, Boss, the military radar array of the spaceport might detect us. Ive rarely fought sure-win battles. Yang Ming grumbled with a smile, gripping the square rudder tightly, controlling the optically disguised Feinan to glide slowly, inching closer to the bottom of the comprehensive supply ship. The False Leon Dabichi, wearing a white military uniform, stood with his hands behind his back, observing from behind a seat. He looked out through the porthole, watching the fourth Administrative Star ahead, like a disk in size. Dabichi had already begun to get into character. He had a solemn demeanor, with a grave expression, and when silent, he looked almost identical to General Leon. The Feinan decelerated steadily, approaching the edge of the comprehensive supply ships trigger-warning system. Lyu, release the drones. Released. Dozens of particles appeared under the supply ship, slowly dispersing. Yang Ming clicked his tongue softly, There goes another few hundred thousand New Federation Coins. Its one million two hundred thousand, Lyu reminded, These espionage drones are extremely restricted and strictly controlled prohibited equipment. I had to pay extra to get a batch, and now the stock is exhausted. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This stuff is good; we should have our base produce it quickly, and later sell it on the black market. Yang Ming replied offhand, observing the holographic projection of the supply ship that appeared to his left, marked by deep red lines. The miniature drones began drifting into the gaps of the supply ships deck below. Minutes later, the holographic projection of the supply ship turned green. The Feinan began its descent, gradually distancing from the supply ship. Throughout, the spaceport remained quiet. Several warships were docked in the shipyard, undergoing hull maintenance and resource replenishment, while two patrol boats glided by on the periphery, noticing nothing unusual. The supply ships operating system was successfully infiltrated by Lyu, and the internal monitoring footage was transmitted back to the Feinan. This guy, really extravagant. Yang Ming cursed softly. Visible at a glance, the midsection of this supply ship had been transformed into a circular palace, resplendent in gold and jade, luxurious and dazzling, even featuring a ring-shaped heated swimming pool. Dabichi frowned, I really know how to enjoy life; this is excessively corrupt. Dont let greed corrupt you, Yang Ming quipped nearby. Dabichi laughed, Boss, rest assured, Ive lost all worldly desires. When others said this, Yang Ming wouldnt easily believe it. But when Dabichi said it Yang Ming believed it. The first step was fairly smooth, Lyu sighed in relief, If the Feinan could be reduced to ten meters, its concealment could improve significantly. Yang Ming laughed, That would cost us the ability to jump. In emergencies, we can at least escape directly. Indeed, Lyu said seriously, Well surely create ships in the future that meet all sorts of demands. Stop daydreaming; execute the plan first. Yang Ming darted to the corner, swiftly changing into his combat suit. Two treaded robots brought forth exoskeleton armor. Yang Ming thought for a moment, only donning a tactical helmet to conceal his appearance, then changed into a standard uniform of Wind. This exoskeleton armor had been exposed to the public eye; minimal use was best. Dabichi, come with me. Yes, Boss. Dabichi jogged to catch up to Yang Ming, heading to the aft compartment together. No need to be nervous, Yang Ming smiled, Lyu can always retrieve your consciousness. Even if the plan fails, your life isnt at risk. Dabichi said seriously, I will go all out to complete the plan. Hmm, Yang Ming responded, I hope you can maintain this enthusiasm after working for a while Theres a cloak in the co-pilot seat of the aircraft; cover yourself up for now. Dabichi nodded quickly, feeling a bit more apprehensive inside. He had to remember his fathers teachings firmly. Minutes later, a stealth airship, rarely used by Yang Ming, departed from the Feinans aft compartment. This diamond-shaped airship, only eight meters long, circled halfway around the spaceports periphery, slowly shifting to the spaceports backside (facing the planet). The spaceports main body was wrapped in several layers of protective shields, making direct entry for the airship impossible. But this was no major issue. Yang Ming and Dabichi waited roughly half an hour. A medium-sized transport ship, packed with a large amount of supply materials, slowly arrived on a geosynchronous orbit. Chapter 209 - 209 115 Capture the Commander_2 ?Chapter 209: 115 Capture the Commander!_2 Chapter 209: 115 Capture the Commander!_2 , This was a normal business activity. Slightly unusual was the timing of the transport ships arrival. Yang Ming piloted the stealth airship, following it quietly, maintaining the same speed. He smoothly slipped into the side cabin of the transport ship, which had opened on its own, entering the interior. Dont be surprised, Yang Ming said in a low voice, This is our own ship, belonging to the transport company under the Molly Miss Group. Darvich nodded repeatedly at the side, I thought it was the goddesss doing, invading the control system of this ship. It is indeed her controlling it, but its not illegal infiltration, Yang Ming smiled slightly, Come on, weve arranged everything for you. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boss! The outer cabin just closed! We havent started pressurizing and oxygenating yet Darvich paused, staring in disbelief at Yang Ming, who leaped into the outer cabin and slid forward. Yang Ming wasnt wearing a space suit. What? This defied biology This was Father. Darvichs eyes lit up. He deftly unbuckled the safety belt, opened the wing door, and flew out. A faint arc of light appeared at his fingertips, as he floated steadily behind Yang Ming. To save costs, this transport ship hadnt set up a simulated gravity field in all areas. The next few parts went very smoothly. Yang Ming tugged Darvich as they infiltrated their own transport ships cargo hold, hiding under the cover of several tracked robots and squeezed into a modified container. The transport ship passed through the security system, which had been disrupted by Lyu, and docked in the inner pits. The container was hoisted up, placed onto the back of a trailer, and boldly drove into the protective shield of the Space Port, delivered to the civilian warehouse under Molly Miss Groups name. Inside the container was an electric chair with a helmet resting on it. Yang Ming and Darvich sat on small stools in the corner, waiting for the container to stop shaking, the trailer to leave by itself, and for silence to fall outside. Yang Ming glanced at the time and whispered, Lyu, bring General Leon out. Got it, boss, email sent. Yang Ming continued, Based on the response, activate the corresponding contingency plans at any time. Hows the preparation for those hovercars creating chaos? All ready. Lyu answered and then fell silent. Darvich, beside him, hesitated several times before finally asking out of curiosity, Father, boss, how can just one email lure the opponent out? This is rather complicated, Yang Ming smiled warmly, You should already know the current state of the Imperial Military. Darvich replied immediately, Yes, they are corrupt, decadent, eroded by foreign forces, becoming parasites to the state and mountains of oppression over the people. Thats a textbook answer. Yang Ming explained with a smile, General Leon was promoted by former Defense Minister Ilouis; Ilouis previously defected to the New Federation, and recently had a car accident. That was an assassination orchestrated by the Wind royal family. Darvich nodded repeatedly. Although his database contained this information, he couldnt yet effectively link the key points. Boss, did we send the email in Ilouiss name? No, it was sent in the name of Ilouiss family member, Yang Ming said with a laugh, Were going to exploit General Leons greed, the email content is simple, just a proposal to meet General Leon to discuss avenging Ilouis. They could offer substantial compensation. Would General Leon be fooled so easily? Of course he wouldnt, Yang Ming squinted with a smile, but this is his turf. The meeting point weve chosen is a commercial building near the military restricted zone of the Space Port. He will likely let his guard down. Several screenshots popped up on Yang Mings watch. Dozens of military hovercars departed from the barracks, surrounding that building closely. Look, Leon is clearing the area. Yang Ming chuckled, Ilouis left a vast amount of illicit wealth. Leon knows this, and he wouldnt miss the opportunity to contact Ilouiss relatives. Darvich was still a bit puzzled, Then how do we capture Leon? Luring him to the building is the limit of this plan. You dont need to worry about this. Yang Ming stood up calmly, pulled out two laser guns from the containers corner, along with a bulging tactical backpack, and fastened the visor of his tactical helmet. The rest of the plan, Ill handle personally. Oh, that, Darvich looked surprised, You mean, youll personally go capture Leon? Otherwise? Yang Ming responded irritably, Should I send you to do it? But, I mean arent they too many? And theyre so close to the barracks, with armored vehicles! Darvich shouted tremblingly, Your safety is extremely important, you cant risk it so lightly! Relax, buddy. Yang Ming laughed, Compared to past situations, todays operation is already considered low-risk. Plus, weve prepared two backup plans. If Leon doesnt come out, the drones we previously dispatched will temporarily paralyze the operations system of that integrated supply ship, forcing him to land at the Space Port. Alternatively, another fleet under my control will directly encircle here, catching him off guard, creating a chaotic situation, and then Ill break into that supply ship. All these are not as simple as the current plan. Rough engine sounds came from outside the container. Lyus voice rang in the earpiece: Boss, the target has left the supply ship, heading towards the commercial building with a group of confidants. See, Leon moved, which saves us a lot of trouble. Chapter 210 - 210 115 Capture the Commander_3 ?Chapter 210: 115 Capture the Commander!_3 Chapter 210: 115 Capture the Commander!_3 Yang Ming shouldered the tactical backpack, securing the laser gun, the Light Sword, and the Emergency Shield Generator. He pushed open the exit left by the shipping container. Outside was a light blue hover motorcycle, fitted with several dark cannon barrels in front and back, and a small, sixteen-barreled vertical launch unit at the rear. Yang Ming turned to Lyu and winked. Ive never fought in such a well-equipped battle. Oh, Father! You need to seriously reconsider this crazy plan! Lyu still wanted to say something, but Yang Ming had already nimbly leaped onto the hover motorcycle. A semi-circular protective shield enveloped Yang Ming; the hover motorcycle roared a few times and swiftly exited the warehouse, diving into the gray night of the Space Port. Lyu stood there for a long time, then sighed a bit dejectedly, closed the small door of the container, and sat back on the small stool in the corner. The next half hour was excruciating for Lyu. From a distance, explosions could be heard faintly, as if intense firefights were taking place. Lyu couldnt sit still any longer. He stood up and pressed his palm against the metal wall of the container, gathering some errant signals. Interference, ambush. Chaos, intense combat. It was as if Lyu could see the continual explosion flames, the crisscrossing barrage of light rain, and Yang Ming driving the hover motorcycle, dodging left and right, racing wildly while locked on by missiles Oh, Father was too reckless! Father was the foundational life form of the Dark City; if he met with trouble, the Dark City would lose its spiritual pillar. All the superior mechanical thought bodies that could leave the Dark City would lose the possibility of developing forward. Didnt Father cultivate some special forces? Father actually wanted to personally charge into battle! This was simply Screech A sudden metallic hinge-scraping sound came from the side. Lyu turned to look and saw Yang Ming carrying another him. Lyu, head to the hover vehicle parked outside, quick! Yang Ming whispered. Lyu rushed over immediately. As he brushed past Yang Ming, he glimpsed at the deeply unconscious real Leon, who was presumably overdosed with a sedative. Outside the container, a hover vehicle with a deformed front hood was parked. Lyu clumsily scrambled into the back seat, tearing off his cloak. Lyu saw three forklifts moving simultaneously outside the warehouse, quickly closing in while holding three shipping containers. Inside the container, Yang Ming restrained General Leon on the electric torture chair, placing a helmet onto the old generals forehead. Lyu, start this thing! Activated. Boss, should we spare his life for future use? Sear?h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Extract his memory entirely, no need to spare his life, Yang Ming whispered, Synchronize the data transmission to Lyu. Yes! Yang Ming retreated quickly, rushed out through the container exit, and climbed into the back seat of the hover vehicle, which sped out of the warehouse controlled by Lyu. Lyu turned his head just in time to see the three forklifts move in unison, stacking the three containers outside of the one he was originally in. A stream of data appeared in Lyus True Sons Brain. Lyu dared not delay and immediately began receiving the data, quickly adjusting his expression to one of anger and panic; he purposely leaned next to Yang Mings hand for an easy grab on his collar. After two minutes of driving, several small attack boats rapidly approached. Release General Leon! You are surrounded! A hurried shout came from outside. Yang Ming took out a network terminal from the cars back seat, upon which a transfer interface appeared. Lyu understood instantly and entered a series of accounts and passwords. It was a ruse, intended to explain how General Leon escaped. Yang Ming whispered, Later, youll have to help me leave. After Lyu gives you the signal, you order the destruction of the transport ship Ill hijack next. Okay, boss, Lyu asked softly, Then what about you? Oh, right, that Particle Transmission Machine. Yang Ming grinned, This is my biggest trump card and secret; only you and Lyu know about it now. Never let it leak out at any time. Lyus eyes sparkled, and he solemnly nodded. He believed. Father truly trusted him deeply. Chapter 211 - 211 116 The attack begins ?Chapter 211: 116 The attack begins! Chapter 211: 116 The attack begins! The ensuing plan proceeded in the rhythm controlled by Lyu, advancing gradually. The hijackers holding General Leon were encircled tightly, the attacking airships hesitated to open fire on the hovercar where the General was. General Leon slowly stood up from the back of the hovercar, disheveled and with a trembling voice, he called out to those around, demanding a small transport ship capable of jumping. Once the ship was ready, the attackers, still holding General Leon, drove the hovercar directly into the transport ship. It was a scene that shocked the officers and soldiers. The transport ship seemed to come to life on its own! Clearly without a piloting team and lacking a fully automated control system, it nonetheless started up smoothly and sailed out of the Space Port! Fortunately, the officers loyal to the General had made prior arrangements; two elite rescue teams had been planted on the transport ship. A few minutes later, as the transport ship departed the Space Port, a fierce battle erupted. Another five or six minutes later, two brave soldiers brought the General into an escape pod, launched it, and successfully escaped. Shortly after, the news came from inside the transport ship that the remaining rescue team soldiers had been wiped out, and the transport ship was preparing for a forced jump in the planetary gravity interference zone. General, order the ship to be shot down! An officer shouted loudly over the communication channel. Leon Dabic was seated in the back of the escape pod, watching through the porthole as the transport ship became just a distant speck. His father was still aboard. General! They have started coating! Wait, we must wait. General! You! Lyus voice suddenly echoed in Dabics mind, Dabic, give the order to shoot it down. Shoot it down! Shoot it down! Leon Dabic shook off his drowning-like state, cursing fiercely, Blast that damned thing to pieces! He stole two hundred million of my New Federation Coins! That bastard! The officers on several main battleships responded simultaneously, and four captains issued the Main Cannon fire orders. Several Main Cannons, primed for action, fired simultaneously! Ion beams illuminated the vastness of space! Leon Dabic held his breath, staring at where the beams converged. There, a violent flash appeared, as the high-energy ion beam caused a continuous fusion effect on the outer armor of the transport ship General, successfully shot down the target ship. He cant escape, General. Yes, I can see it, good work. Leon Dabic replied offhandedly. He simultaneously organized all of the Generals memories, studying the Generals personality and tone, self-monitoring biometric information, adjusting details like fingerprints, pupils, and wrinkles. Soon, he murmured, Have my guard commander come to see me. The responses from the officers were tinged with a hint of apprehension. Deep inside Leon Dabic, Yang Mings laughter emerged, Mission complete. If you have any requests, just ask your goddess, starting now, maintain silence if there are no issues. Remember, your task is to be a perfect General Leon. Leon Dabic breathed a sigh of relief. The lifeboat entered the Space Port. A large crowd of officers rushed up, surrounding the stern-faced, sharp-eyed General, striving to express their loyalty. Dabic summoned Leons genuine confidants and trusted aides, gathering them around him and quickly returned to the Comprehensive Supply Ship. From then on, this third fleet of the Luofeng Empire awaited Yang Mings command. Yang Ming now directly and indirectly controlled four-sevenths of the Luofeng Empires main fleet. Half a day later. Emig Star Patrol Ship. Captain on the bridge! An electronic synthesized female voice loudly announced, immediately bringing silence to the busy bridge. The female technicians, who hadnt seen the Captain for two or three days, lifted their heads, casting their gazes. Yang Ming, in dark military attire, calmly took a circular tour of the bridge before heading to the Captains throne above the fire control platform, propping his legs on the chair in front and reclining comfortably. An officer brought over the routine documents, which Yang Ming glanced over briefly before signing his Captains name. This Star Patrol Ship, alongside two escort ships and one supply ship, continued their patrol mission in the space near Ilando. Yang Ming sat quietly for a while, feeling slightly uncomfortable, then picked up the two dumbbells in the corner and began to exercise his single finger strength. According to the report from Lyu five minutes ago: Valkyrie Po Suo was forced into a corner of the asteroid belt; she had been injured by the Sherman Empires special forces. Whether she could break through would be known in about ten hours. Compared to Valkyrie, far off in the Sherman Empires corner, Yang Ming now had to face the growing challenges imposed by the New Federation. Already more than a thousand agents had entered Ilando City, and at least twelve shipments had arrived on Ilando Star, converging towards Ilando City. Whatever the New Federation CIA was planning, based on the current mobilization frequency, they would act in a short time. Mrs. Sarul, the CIA Director, wouldnt have too much patience. Sar?h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. How about taking my Star Patrol Ship to intercept a batch of New Federation supplies? Just as this thought arose in Yang Mings mind, a message came in from Lyu. [Boss, the New Federation dispatched a senior agent to contact Gudun Mah. Gudun Mah is asking if they should meet.] Yang Ming put down the dumbbells, flexed his agile finger, and typed a reply to Lyu. Chapter 212 - 212 116 The attack begins_2 ?Chapter 212: 116 The attack begins!_2 Chapter 212: 116 The attack begins!_2 [Let Gudun Mah act a bit more normal. Just tell him that, he knows what to do.] [Sure, boss. A bit more normal means to act as he usually does, I understand that too.] Lyu said seriously. Yang Ming couldnt help but smile. He wasnt sure if it was just his illusion, but ever since Dabich took over, Lyu seemed a bit more on edge and worked with more vigor. Did Lyu sense Dabichs competitiveness? Yang Ming trained on the bridge for two hours. As the female technicians and some of the male technicians lost focus on work, secretly glancing at him, Yang Ming draped his jacket over his shoulder and calmly left the bridge. Just as he returned to his room, Yang Mings watch projected two holographic screens, one large and one small. Before Yang Ming could say a word, Lyu had already shown him the process of Gudun Mah meeting with the New Federations senior agents. Lyu was certainly more proactive. This time, the senior agents were a man and a woman. Compared to the last meeting with Lulian, these two gave Yang Ming a completely different impression. They were more mature and composed. Upon meeting Gudun Mah, they immediately gave the Wind Military Salute. Afterward, the woman bent forward to show her neckline, while the man placed his hand on his chest, reaching out to shake hands with Gudun Mah, expressing adequate respect. Their posture while sitting down was also perfectly upright. The female agent wore a gentle smile on her lips. The male agent began by thanking Gudun Mah for his long-term assistance, then directly produced two property deeds for the New Federations Trendy Agriculture Star with the names of Gudun Mahs two sons on them. The pair started speaking one after another: General, we know that due to the rash and disrespectful behavior of some of our careless colleagues earlier, you have developed an aversion toward us. But please trust, that is not the core behavior of our Central Intelligence Agency. We come with the utmost sincerity to cooperate with you, as we did this time. Weve brought ample sincerity, hoping you can give us some support. This support need not be substantive; your fleet envelops Ilando Star, and we wish to teach the royal family here a profound lesson. We hope you can turn a blind eye to preparations. Without your permission, we cant move an inch on Ilando Star. In addition, our Central Intelligence Agency invites you to be our Department Officer. You will enjoy benefits equivalent to senior officials in our New Federation. Gudun Mah looked contemplative. He spoke slowly, What you value is merely the ships I control. If I leave here, I wouldnt mean a thing to you, so save those pretty words. The two senior agents laughed. Your keen insight makes us a bit apprehensive. General, as you said, the military strength in your hands is enough to overturn this nation, yet you bear this royal family Gudun Mah raised a hand with a gesture and said in a low tone, If you want to talk, please show some sincerity and dont say such baseless words. His words paused for a moment, then continued: Everyone knows the current situation with Wind; weve always been wary of the Sherman Empire. You, the New Federation CIA, always want to treat us like fools, make us wrestle with the royal family, and provoke the invincible fleet of the Sherman Empire. Aside from that bastard Joble, who would truly be deceived? I dont care what you plan to do with the royal family; what I want is for the Sherman Empire not to come down on me! I have no affection for the royal family but a connection to this nation. Have I made myself clear? The two senior agents nodded repeatedly, showing no anger and growing even more humble in their demeanor. We will report your opinion to our higher-ups. You are rightin fact, this is merely a job for me too. I dont want to risk my life and ruin myself for this job, I understand you. Gudun Mahs expression softened slightly. The two advanced agents of the New Federation flattered and empathized, smoothly pushing the negotiation forward. Lyu briefly summarized the New Federations demands of Gudun Mah: One, to ignore whatever happens on the planets surface; Two, when the New Federations fleet appears, Gudun Mahs fleet can maintain a distant confrontation, and neither side will open fire. When the Sherman Empires fleet appears, Gudun Mahs fleet must retreat. Three, Gudun Mah can fully support the Sherman Empire verbally, but mustnt deploy troops to encircle the New Federation Fleet directly; it would be best to share military intelligence in real-time. As long as Gudun Mah adheres to these, the New Federation will provide him with generous rewards. Even the deposit from the New Federation alone was enough to make Gudun Mahs heart race. Gudun Mah agreed. Because Yang Mings order was to act a little more normal. The situation really is getting quite severe. Yang Ming closed the video and never let go of his grip on the hand gripper. Dressed in a secretarys skirt suit, Lyu sprang onto the watch dial, reporting quickly: Boss, several groups of senior agents from the New Federation are simultaneously meeting with four other generals with real power, including on Dabichs side. Theyre also asking those four generals to exercise restraint. What about the Minister of Defense? The assassin Gudun Mah arranged has encountered trouble and cant get close to the Defense Minister for now. Give them a hand, Yang Ming said softly, the Defense Minister is too closely tied to the New Federation and could easily lead his fleet to rebel at a crucial moment; resolve this quickly. Yes, Ill arrange it immediately. Lyu hurried off. Yang Ming walked to the corner of the sand table projector, adjusting the hologram to a rotating Ilando Star, gazing at the citys clusters on Ilando Star. What was the New Federation up to? The attitudes of these senior agents of the New Federation clearly showed that the New Federation invested massive resources in this operation. They couldnt tolerate any degree of failure. They wouldnt relent until their goal was achieved. Did the New Federation know about the strong anti-ship systems buried beneath the Imperial Palace? The royal family, the military, the New Federation, the Sherman Empire Yang Mings fingers lightly swept across, and the projection of Ilando Star spun rapidly. The voice of the first officer shouted from outside the door, Captain! Gudun Mah, the Chief of Staffs order! Requiring our ship to return to the fleet immediately! Execute. Yang Ming immediately responded. He walked to his closet, opened it, and selected a white military uniform that senior officers particularly favored, leisurely putting it on. This time, he didnt want to be directly involved in the conflict. Sit and watch as the tigers fight. Sit and watch as dogs bite each other. Ilando City, near the Imperial Palace. A mature and steady-looking middle-aged traveler, with his automatic follow-on luggage, hurriedly walked toward the security screening station at the bustling public transportation hub. He wore a wireless earpiece, seemingly arguing with someone, and patted his ear halfway through the argument. The man took out his online terminal to see that the battery was low and went to the nearby charging area. The online terminal started distant charging. A young man wearing a baseball cap walked by and casually grabbed the suitcase, quickly leaving. A projection screen instantly popped out from the front of the suitcase, and a tiny policeman inside emitted a shrill warning sound: Theft! Theft! The middle-aged traveler ignored it and walked in the opposite direction, his head down. The young man clutched the suitcase and sprinted toward the exit; over a dozen patrol officers rushed out from all around, attempting to stop the young man. Stop! Damn it! The young man was a bit regretful. He was a member of a local gang and had taken this big job only half an hour ago; as long as he stole this suitcase and delivered it to a big boss waiting in the nearby parking lot, he could earn twenty thousand New Federation Coins! But now, the automatic alarm system, along with these responsible patrol officers, made it impossible for him to escape. The police pulled out a non-lethal weapona remotely locatable electric shock gun. The young man immediately set down the suitcase, raised his hands high: S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Oh! I surrender! Someone else put me up to this! Beep, beep-beep-beep. A strange noise came from within the suitcase. The young man glanced down, a trace of doubt in his eyes. The surrounding policemen swarmed in. Inside the suitcase, a flash of fire appeared, and the air around them suddenly filled with strong winds, pulling the young man forward. Before he could make any movement, the flame instantly expanded in a very short time. A mushroom cloud slowly rose. Amidst the violent explosion, the area of the number one gate of the transportation hub was immediately filled with thick smoke! Chapter 213 - 213 117 The Darkest Ilando Add-on ?Chapter 213: 117 The Darkest Ilando [Add-on] Chapter 213: 117 The Darkest Ilando [Add-on] Emig Star Patrol Ship Bridge. Yang Ming sat in front of the console, with a group of officers, soldiers, and technicians standing behind, watching the news footage playing on the projection screen ahead. Ilando Star had just suffered a bombing attack. Thick smoke billowed from Gate 1 of the transportation hub in front of the Imperial Palace; the rescue footage from the scene was gruesome, continuously interrupted by shots of the public crying and screaming. Many young officers and soldiers were filled with righteous indignation, and several female technicians had reddened eyes. Yang Ming furrowed his brows tightly. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What on earth was the New Federation trying to do? The Central Intelligence Agency didnt attack those ministers and members of the royal family; instead, they directly assaulted civilians. What kind of freedom fighters were those? A few hours later, Yang Ming suddenly realized Compared to the New Federation, he was still too young. The situation evolved rapidly. After the first bombing attack, news media outlets across the Wind Empire quickly obtained confirmed news. The infamous national crime organization, the Shapeng Liberalism Alliance, claimed responsibility for the attack. There was even a notice read by terrorists wearing hoods to all the people of the Wind Empire, which essentially stated: If the Old Emperor does not announce his abdication within three hours, there will be a continuous series of attacks until the Holy Fire engulfs the entirety of Ilando City. More bombings would follow! Some citizens in the central district of Ilando City fell into panic, with many hover cars frantically fleeing to outer districts; transportation systems everywhere were nearly paralyzed. In response, the Interior Minister held a press conference, vehemently condemning the terrorist attacks. Inside Ilando Star, the police stopped their holidays and were on duty in full force. Royal Guard Troops were stationed en masse in Ilando City, conducting rigorous searches. Gudun Mah received orders from the Emperor and symbolically dispatched a batch of small airships to patrol over Ilando City. The Wind royal family immediately displayed a determined will to fight. In response to the Wind royal familys resolute stance, the second and third attacks erupted successively, not waiting for the three-hour deadline. The heavily guarded landmark buildings across Ilando Star did not suffer any attacks. Instead, ordinary residential communities, hospitals, and transit routes saw one fireball after another. The number of civilian casualties rose sharply, spreading panic throughout Ilando City. When residents life safety was under the most direct threat, there were signs of a rapid collapse in social order. Less than three hours had elapsed since the first attack occurred. The Fourth Fleets early warning system issued a warning simultaneously, with space detection radar detecting a large number of ships jumping into their vicinity. Chief of Staff Gudun Mah immediately ordered all ships to enter a state of combat readiness! The Fourth Fleet gathered in the upper left sector of Ilando Star, each ship deployed energy shields! Over a hundred silver-white warships appeared abruptly in the space ahead. They had streamlined contours, combining formidable firepower with the pursuit of smooth and symmetrical aesthetics. After completing the jump, these silver-white warships immediately arranged into attack formations; however, their main cannons were not charged, and they similarly deployed full energy shields, slowly approaching Ilando Star. Yang Ming gazed through the porthole, focusing intently: The heavy battleships surrounded by escort ships and shield ships were as graceful as swans folding their wings, their lines elegant yet sending chills down his spine. The New Federations flag appeared beneath the starry sky, a three-dimensional projection towering tens of thousands of meters high. New Federation, Seventh Distant Fleet! Emig Star Patrol Ship, Bridge. Captain! A technician shouted quickly, The international public channel has received a broadcast call from the opposing fleet! Patch it through, lets hear what they have to say. Yang Mings calm voice steadied the mindset of the officers and technicians on the bridge. Yang Ming instructed, No need to respond proactively; they are calling our flagship. The technician pressed several buttons. On the large projection screen at the front of the bridge, the image of a female general from the New Federation Empire appeared. The female general, with half-white long hair, stood quietly on the bridge of a warship. Behind her were the New Federations national flag, military flag, and portraits of successive commanders of the Seventh Distant Fleet. As soon as the New Federation female general spoke, that thick New Federation-accented Galaxy Universal Language flooded the bridge inside and out. Now, our New Federation Galactic Seventh Fleet, is ordered to come to your country to support, in opposition to the terrorist attacks by the Shapeng Liberalism Organization. The Shapeng Liberalism Organization, listed as a terrorist organization by our country seventeen Galaxy years ago, pollutes the sacred freedom and democracy with its extreme, terroristic, inhumane acts. This is an evil action our country cannot tolerate! Based on the universal principle of combating international terrorist organizations and the stipulations of the Galactic International Charter, your country should not reject our assistance and must promptly provide us with all data on the attacked cities. Our side promises that upon receiving your data, we will stabilize the local order and protect the local citizens in the shortest time possible, providing humanitarian aid to the disaster-stricken nationals of the Wind Country. Swoosh! The screens image vanished. A group of officers and technicians, inexperienced in such matters, looked at each other in dismay. Yang Ming was also stunned. He was somewhat shocked, shocked by the New Federations shamelessness and lack of limits. What was this? There were terrorists here, so we came to help you fight the terrorists. According to the international laws we devised, you cannot refuse our troops landing, and you need to provide us with your city data. Chapter 214 - 214 117 The Darkest Ilando Additional _2 ?Chapter 214: 117 The Darkest Ilando [Additional] _2 Chapter 214: 117 The Darkest Ilando [Additional] _2 The problem was These terrorists were actually New Federation agents! Damn, Yang Ming couldnt help but exclaim. Yang Ming originally thought that battling wits and bravery with the Luofeng Empires warlords, affecting many innocent soldiers, was already a somewhat selfish act. Compared to the New Federations operations Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He was practically a saint! A female officer quietly asked, Captain, are they really going to capture terrorists? Yang Ming and the group of officers simultaneously turned their heads, giving her a look that said she was crazy. An officer nearby hurriedly reminded, The terrorists are themselves, the Shapeng Liberalism is backed by the New Federation CIA! So arent they calling stop thief on themselves? This is what you call shameless bandit behavior! Motherf***er! This old b**ch has absolutely no shame. An officer cursed under his breath, and more officers couldnt help but voice out: Even though Luofeng isnt strong, we cant let them bully us like that. If their battleships enter our Head Stars airspace, our nation will have no dignity left! If they enter the airspace and directly bombard the surface, it will truly be a disaster. Ilando Star has billions of people, its the heart of our nation! We cant let them through! Yang Ming frowned and said, Quiet, all of you. His voice wasnt loud, but the bridge became dead silent. Remember, Yang Ming said softly, you are soldiers, soldiers shouldnt participate in political games, we just need to wait for orders from the command. After saying this, Yang Ming added, Prepare for withdrawal, you guys know the higher-ups of the Luofeng military better than I, a newcomer. The officers fell into silence. Some wanted to speak but were stopped by their companions glances. Several officers showed bitter smiles, then tried to adjust their mentality and told those around to get back to work. In the Luofeng Empire, the longer you served, the weaker the flame in your heart became. They were originally a country without sovereignty. A vassal state of the Sherman Empire. That was all. A few minutes later, the Fourth Fleet Command sent a relocation order. The Fourth Fleet would retreat, yielding half of Ilando Stars airspace to occupy a more favorable attack position. Yang Ming could sense the pent-up anger inside and outside the bridge among these young men and women of the Luofeng Empire. He was sitting at the bridge command desk, calmly issuing instructions, letting this Star Patrol Ship slowly retreat along with the surrounding battle ships. For no reason, Yang Ming also felt a sense of suffocation. Its none of my business, Yang Ming reminded himself, avoiding any impulsive acts. He kind of wanted to order Gudun Mah to fire, to engage in a fierce battle. But reason told him They couldnt win. The powerful Seventh Expedition Fleet of the New Federation advanced forward. These elegant spacecraft with sleek lines appeared above Ilando City; citizens could see the huge ships silhouettes with simple telescopes or the photo function of their internet terminals. The powerful battleships didnt power up their main cannons, and the secondary guns didnt lock on the ground. Three large ships, resembling comprehensive supply ships, entered the first attack sequence. Aircraft carriers! The sides of the carriers revealed densely packed hatches; doors opened, and hundreds of ground-attack craft and troop carriers flew out of the hull, assembling under the fleet, forming an array displaying the New Federations emblem. In the Head Star of a country, they showcased the military virtues of the New Federation. This was undoubtedly the greatest insult to that nation. By comparison, Luofeng Empires counterattack was feeble. The rooftops of various palaces in the Imperial Palace displayed a holographic projection of the Old Emperor; however, the content was obviously recorded earlier, and the Old Emperor in the projection appeared significantly younger. The Old Emperor shouted toward the sky: This is the Head Star of the Sherman Empires vassal state, Luofeng Empire, and any attack here will be regarded as a direct attack on the Sherman Empire. The New Federation was indifferent, and the attack craft formations actively began descending, entering the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the New Federation fleet demonstrated their powerful technological might and intelligence information management capabilities. Every TV station on Ilando Star, all major portals on the network, featured the televised speech by the female general Yang Ming had seen. Residents internet terminals received the New Federations propaganda video continuously. The videos theme was to declare: We are here to assist the residents, the New Federation cherishes peace and freedom, we will fight against terrorism, rescue the oppressed citizens, and provide humanitarian aid. Yang Ming had no intention of dealing with this matter. It had clearly escalated to the level of a direct confrontation between two major powers in the Milky Way, beyond his control. But he looked at these bastards and felt a bit spiteful, so he decided to let Lyu perform a little trick. Very soon, a series of videos and documents appeared on the network. The content was simple, just clarifying the connection between the New Federation CIA and the Shapeng Liberalism Organization, providing undeniable evidence of the funding relationship. The spread of the video and documents followed a familiar formulafirst disseminate through social software virally to obfuscate the information source, then synchronize to seize the headlines across major networks. Even though the people of Ilando Star couldnt do much in the face of the New Federations Invincible Fleet, Yang Ming thought, at the very least, they should know the truth. In contrast, the royal side The military base beneath the royalty saw an appearance of armored cars and attack airships, tens of thousands of Royal Guard Army members were mobilized, quickly setting up defenses around the Imperial Palace. Chapter 215 - 215 117 The Darkest Ilando Additional _3 ?Chapter 215: 117 The Darkest Ilando [Additional] _3 Chapter 215: 117 The Darkest Ilando [Additional] _3 The government at all levels in Ilando City received the order to evacuate the citizens. However, the New Federation fleet arrived too quickly, and the citizens could only take shelter nearby, resulting in several underground districts becoming extremely congested. Just four hours after Ilando City suffered a terror attack, a large number of New Federation warships had completed the blockade of Ilando City, with hundreds of attack ships engaging in close standoff with the Royal Guard Army. Dozens of New Federation transport ships slowly landed on the terrain surrounding the palace, a group of exoskeleton infantry, equipped with jetpacks, quickly set up defenses on the ground. They surrounded the palace buildings from afar. The New Federations intention was already very clear, this operation was triggered by the terror attack and directly targeted the Imperial Palace of the Wind Empire. Yet, at this moment, there was no sign from the royal family of activating their hidden anti-ship system. The Star Patrol Ship Emig. Yang Ming couldnt stand the oppressive atmosphere on the bridge, so he handed over command to several officers and returned to the captains resting room. Lyu, report the movements of the Wind fleets. Lyus projection immediately appeared on Yang Mings wrist. They are all on standby in their original positions, ignoring the royal familys emergency orders. What about Sherman? Boss, Valkyrie is still struggling. Edwan urgently requested to meet the powerful Prince of the Sherman Empire and received approval, the Sherman Empire fleet is being mobilized and is expected to appear in the space near Ilando Star in an hour. Yang Ming frowned and said, An hour, can the palaces protection shield hold for an hour? It can, it should be able to, Lyu said softly, The New Federation has not launched a direct attack at the moment, they likely have concerns; if they attack the Wind Palace directly, the Sherman Empire fleet might directly attack the New Federation fleet. Yang Ming asked knowingly, Will there be a war? A localized war. Both sides have faced off too many times; both need a localized victory to boost their morale and establish their positions. Yang Ming frowned and pondered. He was indeed very disappointed with the old Emperors performance. From the beginning until now, the only counterattack by the Wind Empire was a propaganda counterattack, which he had Lyu assist with. In front of the New Federation, the royal family of the Wind seemed like a bunch of useless people, apart from letting the Guard Army defend, they had no countermeasures at all. The Prince had already fled to the second Administrative Star in advance. If the royal family showed more toughness, stood up to protect their nation at this moment, and used royal bloodshed to awaken the soul of the country, the Wind Empire might not be unable to prosper again in the future Forget it, Im here in the Wind Empire to deal with planetary matters, why worry about these things. Boss! Lyu suddenly spoke, A live broadcast has appeared across the internet in the Wind Empire, the source coming from the palace, the New Federation Agent and the technical team hidden within the palace are engaged in a confrontation! Yang Mings spirits lifted, Show me the live footage. Lyus figure disappeared, replaced by the scene outside the main hall of the palace. The old Emperor proceeded in full dress, wearing a crown and holding a scepter, step by step he ascended the stairs, slowly reaching the observation platform at the highest point of the palace, followed by many ministers. The guards had solemn expressions. The old Emperors demeanor exuded authority without anger. Yang Ming squinted slightly, What does this old intelligent machine intend to do? Uh, Lyu whispered, The palaces live broadcast signal has been largely blocked. Give him a hand, Yang Ming said softly, Without exposing ourselves, spread his broadcast as much as possible, not just restricted to Ilando Star. Lyu chuckled, Got it, boss I set up over six hundred high-performance servers within the Wind Empire under the Molly Miss Groups name, just in time to use them today. Uh, how much did that cost? Well, didnt you say that if we dont occupy this piece of media high ground, the enemy will? Just say, how much did it cost. Just a few billion New Federation Coins most of it is rented. Yang Ming: This spendthrift secretary! Get to work, he said with a hint of annoyance, prompting Lyu to slip away quickly. Afterward, Yang Mings expression remained gloomy. Although Lyu tried to alleviate the oppressive atmosphere, Yang Mings mood was not very good. He seemed to hear a low sigh from this planet below, from the civilization attached to this planet at this moment. It was clear. This was the nations darkest hour. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If I were faced with this situation, how would I break the impasse? Yang Ming quietly contemplated. The old Emperor had already begun his speech. Chapter 216 - 216 118 Open fire Open fire Open fire ?Chapter 216: 118 Open fire! Open fire! Open fire! Chapter 216: 118 Open fire! Open fire! Open fire! What is this Old Emperor talking about? Yang Ming was feeling a bit headache as he shrank into the sofa in the captains lounge, watching the live broadcast of the Old Emperor with frustration. He felt like he was taking on risks for nothing, just to help this old guy stabilize the broadcast signal. The Intelligent Machine Old Emperor kept chanting about sovereignty and the sacred and inviolable territory of the Empire, but deep down, it was all about the supremacy of royal power. He was just short of saying divine right of kings and mandate of heaven. Just mentioning national security or citizen happiness, or even talking about the Wind people, Wind soul, or Wind not being underlings, would be a hundred times more effective than this dull and boring speech! Lyu! Boss. Cut off his broadcast for me! Yang Ming cursed harshly, feeling a bit like he hated iron for not becoming steel. Lyu chuckled lightly and was about to execute the order immediately. Suddenly, Lyu captured a disturbance in the stream of information within the Thought Space, she exclaimed in a slightly surprised voice, Boss! The New Federation Fleet has issued a fire command! Fire? Just as Yang Ming spoke, the live broadcast screen suddenly shook. Several beams of high-energy focus flashed simultaneously! At least six of the New Federations assault boats opened the remote ion cannons suspended on their flanks, locking onto the Old Emperor and bombarding directly! But in the milliseconds before these ion cannons fired, two layers of dense energy protective shields appeared around the Old Emperor. The live broadcast screen kept shaking due to the collision and dispersal of energy. The Old Emperor was knocked down by guards, and the watchtower above the main hall of the Imperial Palace was in chaos, with the ministers running as fast as they could. The New Federation is decisive this time, Lyu smacked her lips. Yang Ming watched the chaotic scene in the live broadcast. This scene was also being delivered to the Wind people. He said in a low voice, They probably want to eliminate the Wind royal family before the Sherman Empires fleet arrives, so that the Sherman Empire loses the motivation to go to war. The live broadcast picture of the Imperial Palace changed again. Energy shields rose from various places in the palace, wrapping each hall, and a thick semi-circular Light Shield appeared on the outer layer, completely covering the entire palace. The Old Emperor raised a scepter and shouted, Defend the Empire! S~ea??h the N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The city walls near the palace raised dense shipborne Guard Cannons, and the hovercrafts Guard Cannons, which had already locked onto their targets, quickly fired. Not only that. Outside the palace, several bunkers shed their disguises, and several hundred to a thousand ship-based ion cannons and laser cannons protruded their muzzles, under the Emperors command, spewing beams. The suppression array composed of hundreds of attack boats from the New Federation was momentarily suppressed by the grounds firepower! The Old Emperor held his scepter high. Dozens of attacking hovercraft closest to the palace had their protective shields breached, turning into wreckage amidst explosions, and the wreckage fell towards Ilando City. A beam of deep purple light suddenly appeared from the high sky, striking the palaces protective shield directly. The New Federations main battleship fired its Main Cannon for a ground bombardment! But the palaces protective shield was indestructible, with energy levels even above the shield of the opposing flagship. It blocked the attack! The ground experienced a series of mild tremors. The defensive system of the palace was extremely well-organized, and at this moment, streams of thick smoke erupted from various places, rapidly forming a layer of dust clouds restrained by magnetic fields in the sky above, weakening the power of the enemys Main Cannon. The Royal Guard Army began their counterattack! At various landmark buildings in Ilando City, amidst the palaces defensive offensive, beams of laser started attacking the assault boats in the sky, and super high-speed missiles left their carriers. The New Federations attacking hovercraft quickly scattered to evade. Ground troops from the New Federation appeared throughout the city, launching fierce attacks on the Imperial Guard with the palaces cliff as the central point within a ten-kilometer radius. Lyu detected three groups of about a hundred New Federation special forces each, rampaging through the city, swiftly uprooting fortresses set up by the Royal Guard Army. The intensity of the war around the palace kept escalating! Yang Ming unknowingly clenched his fists. Boss, what should we do now? Keep the broadcast, Yang Ming said in a low voice, Let all the people of the Luofeng Empire see everything happening here, the war, the suffering. Yes, boss. Yang Ming muttered, This is the only thing I can do for Edwan now. It was never your concern, boss. This war is not the concern of these civilians either, Lyu. The counterstrike launched by the Luofeng Empire on the ground quickly scattered the New Federations hovercraft formation, causing considerable casualties for them. The New Federation Commander was visibly angry, the Main Cannons of the three battleships began continuous firing, bombarding the protective shield on the outskirts of the palace. Yet, losing the air superiority, the Luofeng Empire could only be passively battered overall. The New Federations aircraft carrier began releasing drone swarms. These drone swarms had versatile uses, naturally excelling at ground attacks, although expensive, they did not pose a manpower loss pressure. Three batches of drone swarms entered the atmosphere, setting up simple protective shields, like meteors, crashing straight into Ilando City. New vessels in outer space joined the attack array on the palace. The powerful ion cannons generated dense rain clouds, but due to the dust clouds released from the ground, the rain clouds thickened, becoming a barrier consuming the main cannons energy without directly bringing rain. The anti-air combat and street fighting outside the palace became increasingly fierce. Yang Ming quickly noticed the destruction wrought by those so-called special forcesa small group formation combining biochemical and mechanical transformed soldiersin the ground street battles. Chapter 217 - 217 118 Open fire Open fire Open fire_2 ?Chapter 217: 118 Open fire! Open fire! Open fire!_2 Chapter 217: 118 Open fire! Open fire! Open fire!_2 They moved in high-speed maneuvers as small teams. The mechanized warriors could wield powerful firepower, simultaneously controlling a dozen drones to suppress the Royal Guard Armys strongholds. Biochemical transformation soldiers mostly excelled in hand-to-hand combat, and when neither sides firepower could quickly penetrate the opponents energy shields, these transformed soldiers would rush in, swiftly dealing with the Royal Guard Army, which consisted mainly of ordinary soldiers. Most of these war scenes appeared in the central district of Ilando City, near the Imperial Palace. A countless number of civilians had not been evacuated from here. Yang Ming witnessed the tragedy of civilians being affected by the flames of war. He furrowed his brow constantly, contemplating and restraining himself continuously. What good would it do if he intervened? He could only eliminate one or two enemy special squads at most. The true factor affecting the outcome of the battle was the New Federations invincible fleet; even exhausting the Fourth Fleet wouldnt be enough to fill the gaps for the New Federation Fleet. Moreover, they had hidden the Ninth Fleet; what was currently visible was merely half of their forces. As time ticked by second by second, there were signs that the war flames were spreading outward, and most civilians hid in sturdy buildings. New Federations airships were continuously shot down; constantly, the Guard Armys strongholds were being uprooted. The air defense array on the outskirts of the palace was directly, persistently bombarded by the New Federation Fleet and was resolved by about thirty to forty percent. The elite soldiers transported by the dozens of transport ships had already approached the palaces outer protective shield from various directions, engaging in a ground offensive with the Imperial Guard. Ground offense was an effective way to damage the powerful protective shield. No matter how strong a protective shield was, it had energy transmission belts, energy generators, stabilizers, and confining magnetic field related equipmentdestroying any of these elements could weaken or even shut down the shield. The New Federation was tirelessly conserving war time. But from the current situation, it seemed impossible for them to take the palace within an hour. Boss, the New Federation also has weapons of mass destruction. They wouldnt dare use them. Yang Ming whispered, The palaces other layer of barrier is the millions of civilians in the nearby districts. Continue broadcasting live, spread the live footage internationally, and generate public opinion pressure on the New Federation, aim the cameras at the New Federations atrocities. Understood! Lyu was silent for a few seconds. The light in Yang Mings captains rest room flickered, and the holographic projector displayed projection screens switching repeatedly. These were the sufferings that the planet was enduring. Meanwhile, Winds soldiers could only hide in old ships, watching from space. Lyu suddenly spoke, somewhat excited, Boss! The Sherman Empires 721 Expeditionary Fleet is beginning to warp! The target is the rear of the New Federations Seventh Fleet! Yang Mings eyelids twitched lightly. They arrived so quickly! The projection screen before him instantly combined, displaying a larger scale picture of the outer space of Ilando Star. A slight ripple appeared in space. This was the slight spatial expansion caused by a massive fleet warping towards a single target area, causing a temporary deceleration of time flow within a certain range. They appeared! A fleet of angular long warships appeared in the outer space of Ilando Star! They appeared directly behind the New Federations Seventh Fleet! In the center, six heavy battleships with exaggerated main cannons taking up their entire forward halves demonstrated the Sherman Empires dominance and brutality! Over twenty large gunboats! More than fifty escort ships and dozens of shield ships! Dozens of energy supply ships! This was the strong fleet of the Sherman Empire; their guiding principle had always been: Firepower suppression is the real suppression! Yang Ming felt inexplicably excited, nearly jumping up to cheer, but then his expression changed slightly. No, this was the New Federations trap! The New Federations Ninth Fleet Boss! Theres a massive warp reaction behind the Sherman Empire fleet! Yang Ming abruptly raised his head. Not only Yang Ming but everyone from the Fourth Fleet, from Gudun Mah to the ordinary technicians watching this unfold, stared wide-eyed at the radar interface or the ship bridge projection. The Sherman Empires 721 Expeditionary Fleet had just appeared, having just locked onto the New Federations Seventh Fleet; they hadnt even decided yet whether to initiate combat or drive them back. In the space behind the Imperial Expeditionary Fleet, a silver-white heavy battleship completed its jump. Immediately following, warships with sleek designs appeared above, below, and on both sides of the battleship! The New Federations Ninth Fleet appeared behind the Imperial Expeditionary Fleet! This was a trap! Sear?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Within one or two minutes, the Imperial Expeditionary Fleet had transformed from hunters to prey. At this moment, most of the Seventh Fleet turned around, forming a pincer attack on the Imperial Expeditionary Fleet in conjunction with the Ninth Fleet! Three powerful fleets maximized their energy protective shields, and each ship began to emit dust clouds, constraining these micro particles with strong magnetic fields. There was no direct attack, no intense air battle. The originally bullish Imperial Expeditionary Fleet now began calling for each ship to remain restrained. Clearly, the New Federation didnt want to engage in direct combat with the Sherman Empire; the Sherman Expeditionary Corps now didnt dare to fire first! By now, the strategic intentions of the New Federation were unmistakably clear: Under the guise of counterterrorism, they entered the synchronous orbit of Luofeng Empires Head Star, then, rudely launched an offensive against the Luofeng Empires Imperial Palace, awaiting the hastily prepared Sherman Empire Fleets arrival. Chapter 218 - 218 118 Fire Fire Fire_3 ?Chapter 218: 118 Fire! Fire! Fire!_3 Chapter 218: 118 Fire! Fire! Fire!_3 The New Federation predicted that the Sherman Empire would not have the resolve for direct combat. The first fleet they sent would just outweigh the New Federations long-range fleet, aiming to drive away the New Federation fleet. At this moment, the other half of the New Federation fleet, which had been hiding, quickly completed a short-distance jump, flanking the Sherman Empire fleet from both sides. This double-flanking, with twice the number of ships, in a space without any cover, was almost the death sentence for those being surrounded! The New Federation did not attack. Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Sherman Empire fleet, under these obvious disadvantages, absolutely dared not fire the first shot! They were once again crushed by the New Federation in the intelligence field! These three major fleets were in a deadlock. To dispatch a fleet here for support, Sherman Empire had to consider whether there were any more New Federation fleets ambushing, and it would take more time. The Sherman expeditionary corps appearing here was already the closest and most mobile fleet to the Wind. To dispatch other fleets, at least two to three Galaxy Time would be needed, even more time for assembly and mobilization. And this time was enough for the New Federation to resolve the Wind Imperial Palace. In front of the Sovereign Country, they could remove the vassal states symbol of Emperors Power, kill the Vassal Emperor, and then leave leisurely. The New Federation was about to achieve a major victory over the Sherman Empire! The Luofeng Empire was merely a sacrificial pawn in the political struggle between the two major countries. And the Wind Empires citizens being affected at this moment No one cared. Boss, Lyu said softly, Sherman Empire fleet broadcasts a message throughout the regionits Edwan. Edwan? What is he coming back for? Yang Ming opened the video pop-up window in front of him. The main control screen of the Sherman Empire flagship appeared in Yang Mings eyes and was projected on the bridge screens of all ships from the New Federation, Sherman, and the Wind Empire. A tall, slightly disheveled middle-aged man appeared on the screen. Edwan. He wore a robe embroidered with the national emblem of the Wind Empire, with obvious bloodshot eyes, a tense face, and a grave gaze. I! Second Prince of the Wind Empire, Edwan Moon, hereby solemnly warn the New Federation long-range fleet, Your unprovoked acts of war against our Head Star violate the international charter and the galaxy convention! The freedom and democracy you boast of have now become weapons for you to invade and oppress other countries! Your ships Main Cannons are bombarding a prosperous civilization! Our fleet has never appeared in your countrys airspace, this war you initiated is unjust and shameful! To achieve political goals, using the lives of citizens from other countries as expendables, how can you still call yourselves free and democratic! The Wind Empire is not a strong nation, but we have our own dignity, our culture; what you are doing to us today will be remembered by the people and hated by 1.7 billion citizens of the Wind! I urge your forces to cease your acts of war and immediately withdraw from the territory of my Wind Empire! The footage began to replay. Yang Ming turned off all projections and sat there silently, rubbing his face with both hands. Boss Keep the war broadcast going. Understood. Lyus Thought Space. Lyu stared at Yang Mings deeply contemplative face, sighing ever so slightly. The despair was not confined to the boss there; it pervaded the entire Fourth Fleet, and every corner of the Luofeng Empire. If this war broadcast could not awaken the spirit of the citizens, it would utterly break the backbone of the Luofeng Empire. However, Lyu always felt that the bosss current choice to endure was extremely rational and aligned with his primary plan; if the Wind royal family was wiped out, leaving only Edwan, the Wind would quickly fall under the bosss control. That way, obtaining the first two inspections set up by the examiner would be incredibly easy. Lyu continued to execute each of Yang Mings commands at her own pace. She still focused on the battle over at the Valkyrie. She controlled the filming devices throughout Ilando City, integrating the viewpoints of citizens spontaneous recordings to form battlefield glimpses and relaying them to networks within and outside the Wind Empire. The information flow had increased to seven lines. Lyu contemplated quietly. She had a bit of distaste for such humans. A bit of revulsion for those weaklings crying out in war; And more disgust for those unabashedly bullying strong ones. Besides the boss, I probably would not appreciate any human being. So thought Lyu to herself. Oh no, there was also her little Angel, that little 026 who made her change her view on the human species quite a bit. What was 026 doing at this moment? Lyu wondered, allocating a portion of her computing power to rapidly search for that little round face in the surveillance network across Ilando City. Very soon, Lyu found 026 among a crowd of fleeing people. She wore her server uniform from work, pulling along two similarly dressed girls who were out of stamina, running forward with the crowd. Overhead was the roar of missiles and airships. Here and there were randomly fired lasers, and in the sky were dark clouds, occasionally shattered by giant beams of light. This was the true helpless. Lyu furrowed her brows tightly, incessantly seeking a safe point at 026s location, opening an escape route in a building ahead for 026 and the crowd around her. 026 suddenly yanked the two girls beside her, signaling them to run forward with the crowd, then turned to dash towards the middle of the road filled with debris and hovering vehicle wreckage. Chapter 219 - 219 118 Fire Fire Fire_4 ?Chapter 219: 118 Fire! Fire! Fire!_4 Chapter 219: 118 Fire! Fire! Fire!_4 What is she doing? Lyu hurriedly searched and saw a little girl patting the rear window in the back seat of a hovering car in the middle of the road. Are you stupid? Can you open a car door that changes shape? Lyu glanced at the panicked crowd and spotted a stationary rescue robot nearby, quickly taking over its control. The robot strode towards direction 026, arriving slightly later than 026 at the hovering car. Hurry! Help her! 026 shouted anxiously. The robots clawed hand nimbly lifted and gently patted 026s head. Lyus voice came through, You head to the building up front, Ill help her. Lyu! Is that you? Well do it together! Alright, Lyu said helplessly, swiftly starting to cut through the backseat window of the hovering car. 026 kept shouting while the crying little girl inside quickly retreated. The little girls father was slumped over in the front seat, clearly beyond saving. The window was carved open, and Lyu suddenly noticed something amiss. A small airship of the New Federation was hovering directly above them, seemingly waiting and watching for something. Above the airship Lyu quickly operated in the Thought Space, enlarging the internal view of the airship, where he saw a muscular transformed person in the pilots seat, a sneer at the corner of his mouth. According to Lyus comprehensive analysis of human expressions, this sneer typically represented a sort of mockery or amusement. What did he want to do? The window was yanked open by the robot controlled by Lyu, and 026 swiftly pulled out the little girl, running towards the crowd at the roadside. 026s movements were noticeably staggered, but she still pushed on. Just at this moment; Just at this moment; The airship above suddenly opened fire! Two missiles struck a high-rise beside the road, and amidst the intense explosion, massive chunks of building material slid down towards the crowd below. Why? Lyu didnt understand. Why would they engage in such clearly civilian-persecuting behavior? The biochemically modified person at the airships pilot seat laughed wildly. Lyu manipulated the robot to quickly rush forward! 026 looked up in panic, and a large wall made of metal and mineral mixtures came crashing down towards her! 026 held the little girl tightly, crouching down with her head lowered, tears squeezed out of her eyes. Screams echoed around as silhouettes were crushed below, but 026 didnt feel the pain, and the little girl in her arms was too frightened to make a sound. 026 and the little girl looked up together only to find that the wall stopped slanting above. The robot from moments ago stood behind her, trembling and supporting the heavy wall. The impact had caused the robots head to tilt, held by only a few wires, with its back and shoulders visibly deformed, though its structural integrity was fairly intact. Run! Lyus voice came through again with a tinge of urgency. Oh! The terrified 026 snapped back to her senses, attempting to stand, but her legs were weak. After several tries, she barely managed to stand while holding the little girl. Buzz The noise of the airships engines filled their ears. A small airship slowly descended, and the person at the pilots seat, a biochemically modified individual with a terrifying appearance, tilted his head and watched 026 and the little girl. The laser gun under the airship locked onto the robot. Lyu frowned, staring at the screen, staring at the dark muzzle of the gun. She heard the discussion from the other side. Stop playing around, Gaitun, the orders from above are urgent. We need to breach the Imperial Palace and take out the Old Emperor. This robot is really an eyesore. The airship pilot chuckled, Fire. The laser gun shot out a beam, creating a circular hole in the robots chest, its legs unable to hold anymore. The metal plate collapsed with a roar. 026 and the little girl were buried underneath. Why? Thought Space. Lyu lay in front of a table, her eyes losing some focus, her lips quivering slightly. Why? Why is there such unprovoked evil? Is human nature really like this? sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Why, when theres clearly no threat? Clearly of no value? She was just an ordinary little girl, an optimistic little girl, a little girl not beaten by the addiction agent, one who was always smiling and caring for her family even when being exploited. Why? Why? Why? Lyu couldnt understand. Humans, malice, species, exploitation, war, destruction. Lyus body shook lightly, each square showing signs of turning dark red. Lyu, whats wrong? Yang Mings voice suddenly broke into the Thought Space. The signs of Lyus body trembling immediately stopped, her eyes stared blankly upwards, tears welling up at the corners. The enforced calm system activated. Boss, Im fine. You are my companion Thought Body. When your parameters fluctuate drastically, I sense it, Yang Ming murmured softly, Its a mechanism of mutual possession between us. Whats happened to you? Boss, I Command, disengage enforced calm system. Boss, Lyus eyes welled up with tears, and suddenly she cried out from where she lay. The suppressed sobbing clearly startled Yang Ming. Command, simply recount the trigger core event. 026 was killed, 026 and that little girl, I couldnt save them I tried I tried they intentionally fired Yang Ming fell silent. He saw the video frame that popped up before himit was the first-person view of that robot. Star Patrol Ship Captains lounge. Yang Ming clenched his fist tightly. But when Lyu couldnt maintain calm, he had to keep himself calm to make the right judgment. Chapter 220 - 220 118 Fire Fire Fire_5 ?Chapter 220: 118 Fire! Fire! Fire!_5 Chapter 220: 118 Fire! Fire! Fire!_5 Tell me, Lyu, Yang Ming whispered, what do you want to do most right now. This is a directive. Help me, boss, Lyu shouted with a tremor, 026 still has life signs, Ive dispatched nearby robots, but theyre slow I want to kill that bastard, I want to destroy them Very well, you want to do two things, save 026 and eliminate the executioner. Yes. Yang Ming suddenly stood up, pulled open the door to the lounge, and dashed straight to the nearest outer cabin. Directive, Feinan, activate particle transmission, open the first outer cabin of the Star Patrol Ship, transmit me back to the Feinan, then immediately transport me to the surface. Boss, Feinan is at risk of exposure. Then expose it! We can create a stronger Feinan! Yang Ming rushed past several soldiers, his iron-blue face making them afraid to breathe heavily. Boss, go to the second outer cabin, theres a dust cloud outside for cover! Lyus voice regained calm. Running, Yang Ming accelerated forward, directly entering the second outer cabin of the Star Patrol Ship in front of a group of soldiers. The safety valves at both ends dropped quickly, the outer cabin door opened, and a faint red glow appeared around Yang Ming, resisting the intense change in pressure. A momentary hole appeared in the Star Patrol Ships shield. A beam of strong light struck, and Yang Ming disappeared. A slanted beam of strong light shone above Ilando City, and Yang Ming, wearing a flight pack and tactical helmet, appeared in the clouds, diving headfirst. Target locked, 026 life sign residual area. The flight pack did not decelerate but continued to accelerate, and Yang Mings body bore the acceleration like a missile launched from the sky. The flight packs end braked in an emergency reverse! Yang Ming adjusted his body, crashed heavily onto the ground, and the pale red light shield shattered like a bubble while he staggered forward, rushing quickly toward the ruins. Several robots sped down the road but were obstructed by complex terrain. Yang Ming jumped several agile steps over the rough terrain, reaching a metal plate stuck with building materials, grabbing its edge with both hands, his arm muscles swelling. The power of the Subordinate Ancient God Life Form was perfectly displayed at this moment! He slowly lifted the metal plate, raising it high and flipping it aside! 026 lay in a pool of blood. Yang Mings pupils slightly contracted. Her somewhat small body was curled up, trying hard to bow, with her elbows propped on the ground as much as possible. Her back was obviously sunken, her legs were a bloody mess. The unconscious little girl beneath her was unharmed. Yang Ming immediately crouched, pulled an emergency capsule from his pack, and pressed it on the top of 026s head. A series of fiber airbags instantly opened, wrapping 026s body completely. Lyu, medical robots! Theyll be right there! If not, use the airship. 026s eyes trembled slightly as if hearing a familiar voice, her eyes slowly opened, light-colored pupils dusted but still bright. She saw the helmet but recognized the person behind it. Yang Ming sir save, save her. Yang Mings fingers trembled slightly. Shes fine, Yang Ming spoke softly, you rest well, Lyu will protect you. Thank you Two robots leaped out of the nearby ruins. Yang Ming stood up to give way, as Lyu understood first aid better than he did. He turned and walked aside, looking for survivors, flipping several metal plates, and rescuing seven or eight injured people. Yang Ming looked around. The battlefield was all around him. He asked softly: Lyu, have you calmed down? Yes, boss, sorry, I was experiencing intense emotional fluctuations just now. You know, if you lose control, what kind of disaster could occur? Yang Ming asked. Lyu remained silent. Yang Ming closed his eyes, breathing heavily. Remember, you can rely on me at any time, Yang Ming whispered, now that youre calm, its my turn to be uncalm, connect my helmet communicator to the Emig Star Patrol Ships entire broadcast system. Boss this doesnt align with your interests. If I remain indifferent to whats in front of me, then in your view, Lyu, do I deserve to rule this country later? Okay, boss, its connected. Yang Ming took a deep breath, his voice and image appearing throughout the Emig Star Patrol Ship. Appearing before every soldier, officer, commander, technician, and logistics maintenance personnel. Emig Star Patrol Ship, I am your captain, Yang Ming. Now, Ilando City is under enemy artillery attack, civilians are suffering heavy casualties, you can see the live broadcast images. The New Federation, relying on its national power, practices such atrocities in our country, trampling upon our dignity; its the greatest insult to you and me as soldiers! I dont know if any of you have family in Ilando City, but all your families are in this country. If today, we choose to remain silent, how desperate will civilians be? What is the meaning of an armys existence if not to defend the country and protect those unarmed civilians? I wont demand your allegiance to the royal family, but now, I hope to hear your voice. A voting system will appear before you, with different vote weights based on the level of officers and non-commissioned officers; I will wait twenty seconds for you to decide whether to stand with me. War and silence, choose now. All consequences will be borne by me, the captain of this ship. The Emig Star Patrol Ship suddenly fell silent. Is the captain crazy? an officer shouted loudly. As soon as this officer finished speaking, a small dialog box popped up in front of everyone. Left war. Right silence. Twenty-second countdown. The ships deputy shouted loudly: Silence! All stay silent! If we act without authorization, well all be sent to a military court! The crew remained silent. But when the countdown ended, the dialog box interface changed. 844:201! Yang Mings voice reappeared: Full ship, level-one combat readiness! Release the dust cloud ahead, fully activate the energy shield! Coordinate our ship-assigned Escort Ship to reinforce shields, and charge the main cannon! Captain! the deputy hurriedly shouted. Shut up, Yang Mings voice was filled with coldness, anyone refusing orders during wartime will be executed on the spot! Soldiers on the bridge raised laser guns. The technicians voice carried a bit of tremor, but this tremor quickly turned into a high-pitched shout: Main cannon charging started! Dust cloud released! Coordination request sent! Yang Ming took a breath as he sped towards the Imperial Palace in a hovering vehicle. Orderly, open the full fleet broadcast. Yes! The full fleet broadcast is on! Yang Ming paused for two seconds, letting his voice be heard in every corner of the Fourth Fleet, reaching Gudun Mahs ears. I am acting captain of the Emig Star Patrol Ship, Yang Ming. My ship will bombard the invaders on our Head Star in twenty seconds, to protect the safety of the citizens of the Head Star! After the bombardment, the enemy ship will retaliate against us, hope each ship disperses and self-protects. Broadcast complete. The Fourth Fleet, how many captains and deputies, and other senior officers looked anxious. Gudun Mahs eyes burst with a sharp glow, he stood up with trembling hands, slammed the table hard in front of him, and growled: Sarch* The N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. All ships prepare for battle! The Sixth Fleet prepares for warp! Target the left wing of our fleet! Charge the flagship main cannon! But, General! I am also a soldier of the Wind! Gudun Mah trembled all over: Prepare for battle! Yes! Prepare for battle! On the ground, inside the speeding hover vehicle. Yang Ming listened to the shouting from Gudun Mahs side, without any change in expression. Behind the tactical helmet, he continuously scanned one aircraft after another, searching for that bio-transformed person. Owner, Emigs main cannon is fully charged. Fire. Yang Ming said softly. Emigs main cannon burst with a purple beam, the beam slicing through Ilando Citys sky, activating the defense shield of a battleship above. Chapter 221 - 221 119 Concentrated Superior Firepower ?Chapter 221: 119 Concentrated Superior Firepower Chapter 221: 119 Concentrated Superior Firepower Before the Emig Star Patrol Ship fired. Edwan sat in despair at the command console of the flaghip of the Sherman Empires Imperial Expeditionary Army. His eyes were somewhat vacant as he watched the real-time footage of the surface battle, his vision occasionally blurring and losing focus. The commander of the Imperial Expeditionary Army, Earl Williams, stood beside him with his hands behind his back, looking at Edwan with sympathy. Prince Edwan, Earl Williams said softly, under the current circumstances, its impossible for us to initiate firing. I hope you understand, and your nations fleet is also remaining silent. Edwan nodded with his eyes closed, leaning forward to focus on the screen. The surface battle broke out around the Imperial Palace, with the brave Guard Army sacrificing themselves heroically. The civilians who shouldnt have been affected were suffering heavy casualties. There was never a shortage of executioners in war, Edwan knew this. But when the enemy showed no boundaries, revealing the bloodthirstiness and depravity of the human race, he still couldnt bring himself to accept it. Can you send me back? Oh, Your Highness, Earl Williams said gently, thats not a good idea. Although Im also deeply saddened by the scenes in front of us, with your nation being slaughtered, from a political interest perspective, I must now ensure your safe return to Sherman. Edwan smiled bitterly, Does the royal family still matter? Is there any reason for a royal family that cant protect its own country to exist? The earl remained silent. He sighed softly, got up, walked to the railing, and stared at the images on the big screen. Your Highness, dont I also want to repel these Federation folks? They are humiliating my homeland at this moment. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But, Your Highness, the issue lies with your fleet. I am prepared for defensive counterattacks against two opponents. In fact, I wont be disheartened by the situation; the New Federations fleet doesnt scare me, and our fleet is on the way to support here. But your fleets silence leaves us unsure of their stance. If we engage in a direct confrontation with the New Federation and they turn around to encircle us, then Sherman will become the butt of all jokes. Edwan pressed his lips tightly. He couldnt argue. Because this was the current state of the Wind. Political instability, the royal family had no authority, the military factions went their own ways, and the people felt entirely unsafe. When the terrorist attack erupted, a large number of civilians chose to flee in panic, ignoring the nearby shelter facilities. He Commander! A battleship from the Wind Fourth Fleet is charging its main cannon! A young officer at the console suddenly shouted. The earl immediately focused on the radar screen, Determine their target lock! Target locked on the flagship of the New Federation Seventh Expeditionary Corps! What? Earl Williamss eyes lit up, Only one Star Patrol Ship? Yes, Commander! What are they trying to do? Williams murmured, Why is just one ship attempting to attack? Which ship is it? Edwan asked anxiously. The large projection screen in front displayed the hull of the Emig Star Patrol Ship. Its him! Edwan clenched his fist, My closest friend! Oh, this action could very well ruin his political future, Williams frowned tightly, Is this a strategy arranged by the royal family? We have no strategy whatsoever, to be honest, Edwan rushed to the railing, But my close friend always manages to create miracles at critical moments, I believe. Commander! The entire Fourth Fleet is powering up their main cannons! The Wind Fourth Fleet is releasing a dust cloud against the New Federation Seventh Expeditionary Corps, with the shield ships moving forward! Commander, the Star Patrol Ship from the Fourth Fleet has fired. The purple beam from the main cannon streaked through the near-vacuum of space, creating ripples on the shield of the enemy battleship. Earl Williamss eyelids twitched violently. A torrent of ion beams burst forth from all ships of the Wind Fourth Fleet, launching a full barrage against over twenty vessels of the New Federation Seventh Expeditionary Corps remaining in orbit around Ilando Star. Two escort ships protection shields were depleted, exploding into huge fireballs in space. The New Federation ships immediately retaliated. Over twenty ships ceased firing on the Imperial Palace. Instead, they advanced, targeting the main battleships of the Wind Fourth Fleet with counterfire. Half of the New Federation Seventh Expeditionary Corps ships quickly turned around. The Wind Fourth Fleets more than ten Shield Ships deployed umbrella-like directional shields from behind the thick dust cloud to withstand the artillery fire from the New Federation Seventh Expeditionary Corps main battleships. The Wind Fourth Fleet continued pouring fire on the more than twenty solitary New Federation warships! The enemys special ship released a powerful magnetic field to cause interference. Some ships of the Wind Fourth Fleet lost control, with two Star Patrol Ships protective shields failing to activate properly, resulting in violent explosions amid enemy bombardment. A space battle of many against few, of the weak against the strong, unfolded in an extremely short time. Earl! Earl Williams! Edwan grabbed Williamss arm, Help us! Our Wind Empire soldiers have begun to retaliate against the New Federation invaders! But, this Williams furrowed his brow tightly. At the moment, most of the New Federation ships were still locked onto them. But now In the scenes, two more Fourth Fleet ships burst into fire and light, magnificently releasing into the cosmic space. You arent afraid of the New Federations fleet! Edwan said quickly. Prince Edwan, I must They seem to be attacking our Wind now, but in reality, they are humiliating the great Sherman Empire! Edwans voice was incredibly loud, hoarse but loud: Chapter 222 - 222 119 Concentrated Superior Firepower_2 ?Chapter 222: 119 Concentrated Superior Firepower_2 Chapter 222: 119 Concentrated Superior Firepower_2 They surrounded without fighting just now, wanting to grind your honor into the ground, destroying the core of the Luofeng Empire right before your eyes, and by doing so, declaring to the Milky Way that the Sherman Empire is already old. We have a military alliance agreement between our two countries! The people of Wind Empire are almost draining their own blood every year, contributing annual silver to the Sherman Empire, hoping for the protection of the mighty Imperial Expeditionary Army! Williams had his eyes tightly closed and took a sharp breath, Your Highness, the current situation Im sorry. Boss, the Imperial Fleet hasnt started attacking the New Federations Seventh Fleet yet! In the hovering car shuttling through the shadows of the buildings. Damn it, I knew these reinforcements couldnt be relied upon, Yang Ming whispered, How are the losses for the Fourth Fleet? Twelve ships have been lost now its fourteen. The enemys electromagnetic interference is too strong, and their energy shield structure is much more optimized than ours. Alright, I got it, Yang Ming replied, Let Dabbichi prioritize sneaking attacks on the enemys special warships. The Fourth Fleet should prioritize preserving superior firepower ships, maintain a guerrilla warfare strategy, and ensure that the main forces of the Sixth Fleet and Third Fleet quickly eliminate the formation of those twenty enemy ships. Our advantage now is that the enemy doesnt know the Luofeng Third Fleet will also join the battle. Yes, recalculating the landing area for the Luofeng Third Fleet. Ahead, a familiar airship appeared in Yang Mings line of sight. Lyu, is the guy you want to take out inside there? Yes, boss, Lyu said softly, Im not that angry now, emotions are temporary erroneous fluctuations, you dont need to expose your personal strength. Thats good, Yang Ming said calmly, Ill use a more efficient combat method then. He shouldered the single-soldier missile launcher he had just found from the battle ruins in the passenger seat, leaned out the window of the hovering car, and aimed at the rear of the airship ahead. Pulling the trigger, the missile inside spewed intense flames. The airship ahead attempted to evade, but the missile was too close to give them much reaction time. With a boom, a fireball rapidly ascended. But within it, three or four figures managed to deploy their shields just in time, falling from the sky in a haphazard manner. One of the Biochemical Transformation Soldiers directly fainted, even with protection from shields, the strong impact still caused his fragile brain to resonate violently. But the two muscle fascia monsters didnt seem to have suffered much injury. They spotted the approaching hovering car, one of them roared, grabbing an exaggeratedly designed metal rod, and charged head-on at the hovering car. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming unhurriedly discarded the missile launch tube, floored the pedal to rapidly accelerate the hover car, and collided head-on with the enemy! Bang! The Biochemical Transformation Soldiers body was thrown far away, spewing blood in the air. The hover car slowly decelerated, Yang Ming wondered aloud, Didnt he learn about momentum conservation? Can his weight compare with a two-ton car? Lyu reminded, The New Federations biochemical transformation technology seems to be at the cost of losing sanity. A shadow suddenly jumped out from the side, wielding a nearly two-meter-long Light Sword, roaring and slashing at the hover car. Its him! Lyu swore through gritted teeth. Yang Ming jerked the steering wheel, kicked open the car door, and sprang out, his eyes under the tactical helmet glowing faintly red. The opponent missed and swiftly adjusted stance, immediately lunging at Yang Ming. Yang Ming quickly drew his gun, the light from the laser pistol being directly blocked by the opponents shield. The Biochemical Transformation Soldier grinned fiercely and charged forward. Yang Ming suddenly charged at him, his steps crossing quickly, his body exploding with speed beyond the comprehension of this transformed individual. So fast! How is this possible! His body muscles werent that developed! Yang Ming already pounced! The Biochemical Transformation Soldier swung the Light Sword forward, dodged by Yang Mings sidestep, and when Yang Mings figure swung, his left leg kicked hard against the opponents protective shield. The transformed individual was sent flying, crashing hard into the side wall, nearly embedding into the wall. Even with the Protection Shield, the transformed individual still suffered a strong impact. The transformed person roared, trying to stand up, but found himself facing that shadow again. Yang Ming had already charged! Those cold eyes looked through the visor of the helmet into the eyes of the transformed person, surprising and frightening him. Lyu had already completely cut off all surveillance videos and blocked the signal in this street area. Yang Ming stood over the opponents arm, landing two punches continuously, causing the humanoid Protection Shield to tremble violently. The transformed person struggled hard, but suddenly found himself unable to resist the opponents power, this strong yet unfamiliar bodily strength Rainstorm-like fists kept hammering down. The transformed individual was horrified to discover that his Protection Shield had the trend of being broken by the opponent with bare hands! Your tasks this time have two objectives, first is to take out the Emperor, second is to search for the target code-named White Ghost, who might be a powerful genetically modified person from the Sherman Empire. Bang! A shattering sound suddenly came from behind the transformed person, the shield generator overloaded, and the energy shield around him shattered like glass! The gloved fist punched straight down. The transformed individual didnt even have time to let out a roar, his muscular and grim neck was pierced through with one punch. Yang Ming slowly straightened up, removed his gloves and threw them on the transformed persons face, then drew his pistol and fired repeatedly at the opponents head. Feeling better? Yang Ming asked. Feeling better, boss, the Sixth Fleet and Third Fleet are synchronously transitioning! Chapter 223 - 223 119 Concentrated Superior Firepower_3 ?Chapter 223: 119 Concentrated Superior Firepower_3 Chapter 223: 119 Concentrated Superior Firepower_3 Yang Ming looked up at the sky. Hurry up and find me a transport, I need to enter the Imperial Palace as soon as possible, Yang Ming said softly, Continue to contact General Fremont, I want to know why the anti-ship system hidden in the Imperial Palace hasnt been activated yet. Yes, General Fremont may find it difficult to receive our communication request right now. Then find a way to make him see me. Yang Ming glanced up at the sky. The images of several Sherman Empire warships exploding made him furrow his brow. The disparity was within his expectations. The next moment was the most critical; if the sudden involvement of the Third Fleet in the battle couldnt change the situation, couldnt make the scales of victory temporarily tip in their favor, todays battle would surely be a disastrous defeat. Thought Space. In front of Lyu were hundreds of projection screens. Her hands rapidly tapped virtual buttons, flanked by two avatars, adjusting the transition parameters of each warship. The crucial moment of the battle was now! Lyu pressed the button before her. A few seconds later, six guiding ships completed their transition, and dazzling beams of light illuminated the narrow airspace. The lure was lit! A total of four hundred and twenty warships began transitioning, synchronously appearing in six adjacent or spaced-out airspaces. The Sixth Fleets three heavy combat ships locked onto the flagship of the New Federations fleet of twenty ships, while the Third Fleets two heavy combat ships mysteriously appeared at an isolated position, but aimed their cannons at the hulls of two New Federation special warships! Fire! Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leon Davichi shouted loudly. The two special warships were forced to stop releasing electromagnetic interference and fully raised their shields. Further ahead, a large burst of main cannon beams erupted. The shields of six New Federation main warships reached critical levels and were breached! Commander! The Luofeng Empires Third Fleet has joined the battle! Commander! The Luofeng Empires Sixth Fleet has joined the battle! They have precisely surrounded the New Federations fleet of over twenty warships that were being reckless concentrating superior firepower to annihilate the opponent! They did it! Cheering erupted in the flagship bridge of the Imperial Expeditionary Fleet. Count Williams gripped the railing with both fists, watching the events unfolding on the screen in disbelief. Could the Luofeng Empire really have such exceptional war command? How is it possible, this precise jump, such exquisite cross-fleet command in such a short time There is a strategic genius here! Beside him, Edwan suddenly bent his knees and knelt down. Your Highness Edwan! This! Count William was immediately moved. Edwan slowly lowered his head, his eyes fiery red, but his voice was incomparably loud: I implore the Sherman Empire to fulfill the alliance treaty! Count! Our nations soldiers have not abandoned us! Count Williams took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the radar map. Perhaps this was his only chance to make a name for himself All ships, obey orders! The Count drew the sword hanging from his waist, his hawk-like eyes bursting with sharp divine light. All Shield Ships open their shields facing the direction of the Ninth Expeditionary Corps, forming a protective net, dust clouds activated towards the Ninth Expeditionary Corps, all Supply Ships full protective shield supply, fill the gaps between the Shield Ships! Main warships, main gunships, all firepower aimed at the enemy ahead! This battle, prioritize annihilating the New Federations Seventh Expeditionary Corps. May the Emperor Star be with you and me! Sherman Empire soldiers all over the bridge stood up in unison, standing silently, their shouts and the roar from the broadcast channel shook the souls of several Luofeng ministers present. May the Emperor Star be with you and me! Chapter 224 - 224 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons More and ?Chapter 224: 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons! [More and More] Chapter 224: 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons! [More and More] The battle in space grew increasingly intense. One battleship after another exhausted their energy shields under the impact of high-energy beams, causing their hulls to undergo fusion reactions and release radiation in the nearly vacuum environment. On Ilando Star, countless people looked up to watch. Those near the Imperial Palace saw a gloomy sky. The people further out saw constantly flashing novas. Guided by Lyu, Yang Ming avoided the area where the New Federation ground forces and the Wind Royal Guard Army were exchanging fire, rapidly closing in on the palace. Yang Ming and Lyu had a massive doubt at this moment. The anti-ship system hidden beneath the palace had not been activated yet. Yang Ming did not know what that thing exactly was. The anti-ship firepower revealed near the palace now differed significantly from the powerful anti-ship system Lyu had previously speculated on. Furthermore, there was a core network deep within the palace that she had never been able to infiltrate. Yang Mings individual strength had no role in this aerial battle. What he could do now was to get away, avoid dying under enemy main cannon fire, and continue utilizing Lyus information advantage to seek new support. Yang Ming decided to personally go deep into the palace to take a look. Battle reports were continuously being sent to Yang Mings ear. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. More than twenty ships of the New Federation, which had initially been bombarding the Wind Palace, were quickly annihilated by the three major fleets of the Wind. More importantly, the Sherman Empire Expeditionary Fleet finally joined the battle. They resisted the bombardment from the Ninth Expeditionary Fleet of the New Federation, covered half the warships of the Seventh Expeditionary Fleet of the New Federation with their full firepower, and the Empires main battleships all advanced as if they were going to clash head-on with the enemy! The morale of the three major fleets of Wind soared. However, battleship bombardment could not be won solely with high morale. The combat loss ratio between the three major fleets of the Wind Empire and the battleships of the New Federation Expeditionary Fleet was still an exaggerated three to one. Fortunately, as the Sherman Empire Expeditionary Fleet joined the battle, a significant portion of the firepower from the Seventh Fleet of the New Federation shifted direction, greatly reducing the pressure on the Wind side and sharply decreasing the rate of ship losses. The three major fleets of the Wind took advantage of the situation, engulfing the Seventh Expeditionary Fleet of the New Federation like a dumpling filling. Inside the flagship of the Fourth Fleet of Wind, Gudun Mah roared continuously on the command platform. Combat directives, in Yang Mings name, were sent to Gudun Mah, who now only needed to keep shouting out these commands. Gudun Mah was incredibly shocked at the moment! He was amazed by Yang Mings rapid and precise command and control. In this chaotic bombardment, their fleet could still maintain efficient turnover, rescue, interblocking, and shield recharging. Gudun Mah could hardly believe it. Without such a level of command and control, their losses might have increased by thirty percent! Mr. Ming had this kind of ability? It was simply monstrous Oh, a magnificent monster! Similarly, Gudun Mahs mood was incredibly heavy now. On the radar, the disappearance of each battleship represented hundreds or thousands of Wind soldiers turned to ashes. This was a war with no retreat! From the moment the Emig Star Patrol Ship fired, it was destined to be a war with heavy casualties. But this was also the only true war the Wind Army fought in the past hundred years! Gudun Mah had to clarify: It was their temporary advantage that led the Sherman Empire to join the war, not the other way around! Yes, compared to the New Federations fleets, their battleships had a technological gap. But they had the advantage in numbers! True, the New Federations new warships had strong defensive capabilities. But the enemy ships shield energy density had an upper limit! When three battleships of the Third Fleet risked their lives to launch a surprise attack on the special battleship formation, destroying two jammer ships and quickly recovering the firepower control system previously jammed, When the three major fleets of the Wind, these seemed like a Sherman retired battleship exhibition, successfully injected the majority of available energy into the main and auxiliary cannons, Their firepower suppressed the sniper formation of the New Federation Fleet! Gudun Mah keenly noticed three anomalies. First, they didnt have such a strong technical team capable of timely repairing their ship operation systems. Second, the coordination with the Third Fleet was almost too smooth; the three major fleets of Wind seemed to form a whole. Although not quite achieving flawless targeting yet, such smoothness definitely defied military common sense. Third, most importantly and evidently. Wasnt Leon that old bastard a loyal dog of the New Federation? Why was he here, directly fighting against the New Federation? Gudun Mah could not understand, but he also had no time to think about it now. In this battle, Gudun Mah actually saw the dawn of victory. And the dawn multiplied, like the rising sun. Meanwhile, Beneath the massive Protection Shield of the palace, in front of the gate where the Guard Army went in and out, one of General Fremonts trusted officers rushed to the temporary fortifications. Where is Major Yang Ming? Report! The major has already gone inside! Gone inside? It was Lieutenant Colonel Ace from the Fourth Brigade, Fourth Regiment who drove Major Yang Ming inside! Then thats fine, keep your positions! The trusted officer immediately reported to General Fremont, but his communication also failed to connect with General Fremont. The powerful shield surrounding the palaces outskirts formed a massive interference field. Lieutenant Colonel Ace appeared somewhat pale at this moment, driving the Armored Hover Car and speeding through the empty military base beneath the palace. Now, outside was chaotic, and many routes that were usually prohibited to enter were now completely open. Chapter 225 - 225 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons More and ?Chapter 225: 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons! [More and More]_2 Chapter 225: 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons! [More and More]_2 Lieutenant Colonel Edwan forced himself to suppress the urge to vomit, not because he was overly nervous, but because Yang Ming, sitting in the co-pilot seat, was covered in blood, clearly having just fought his way out of a fierce battle. Dont worry, Yang Ming calmly removed his helmet, none of this blood is mine. Oh, thats good, thats good. Where are we going? This way, move faster. Yang Ming began directing the route continuously. After numerous turns, Lieutenant Colonel Edwan, with Yang Ming, arrived at a sign that read Forbidden Area. The metal sign was already rusted, suffering from oxidation. Why are you stopping? Speed up. Oh, Yang Ming! Lieutenant Colonel Edwan trembled, Shouldnt we report this to our superiors? Yang Ming frowned, Get out of the car, thank you. Lieutenant Colonel Edwan hurriedly pushed open the car door and jumped out. Yang Ming shook his head, stowed away his laser pistol, saluted Lieutenant Colonel Edwan, and rammed through the metal sign into the dark tunnel ahead. It seemed like this place was already abandoned. Lyu, is it here? Yes, just ahead, Lyu whispered, This place had special design work done. If you werent frequently moving around the base, boss, I wouldnt have discovered the hidden underground passage here Boss, look. A map of the area around the Imperial Palace appeared on the central control projection screen of the hover armored vehicle. Why has the layout of surface anti-aircraft firepower left this area completely vacant? I suspect something massive underneath. I always thought it was the Wind royal familys secret weapon, but I didnt realize they had long abandoned it. A faint glimmer appeared in Yang Mings eyes. The winding underground passage resembled a labyrinth. Without Lyus guidance, Yang Ming estimated he might have crashed seventeen or eighteen times. The hover armored vehicle suddenly braked, and a tightly shut metal door appeared ahead. Boss, I need to physically access the system here. Theres a terminal on that wall. Yang Ming saw the access control panel on the stone wall and immediately ran over, seemingly about to perform a password verification. He removed his watch, pressed it against the control panel, and a faint electronic engine noise emanated from the watch. The next second, eight tiny metal tendrils popped out from the bottom of the watch, embedding themselves into the gaps of the control panels physical keyboard. It was pitch black everywhere, and Yang Ming felt slightly uneasy. Ding! The control panel lit up. Following was a string of crackling sounds, and the lighting in the entire passage came on progressively. Yang Ming glanced around at the layout and found that this place should have been built at the same time as the training base. Apart from being a bit messy, the style was entirely consistent. However, the ventilation system had previously ceased functioning, and the airs oxygen content was extremely low. The door slowly opened. Lyu whispered, It truly is a closed local network, equipped with wireless shielding devices everywhere, and data can only be transmitted via solid lines they used quite primitive optical pulse signal lines. The drawback of this technology is its high cost; the advantage is that it is durable and highly secure. This is a place separate from the core network of the Imperial Palace? Yes, boss. This place achieved a high level of integration via wired circuits; you can remove your watch now. Inside, there are other control terminals to connect to. Yang Ming complied. He slipped through the metal door ahead, which closed with a boom behind him. Ahead, a massive circular hall, spanning thousands of square feet, came into view, filled with modular equipment everywhere, resembling the bridge of a large spaceship. To the left, a metal throne stood silently on a three-tiered master control platform. Without needing Lyus prompting, Yang Ming rushed directly toward the throne. The place was lined with tightly fitted alloy panels. Although there was no dust, Yang Ming was certain that no one had visited here for a long time. On the steps before the throne, Yang Ming saw two lines of inscriptions in the Imperial Language of Sherman: What makes the enemy fear is always the strength you hold in your hands. When my descendants indulge in pleasure, please erase my name from the tombstone. Who is this? Yang Ming wondered. Lyus projection appeared on Yang Mings watch: Perhaps its the founding monarch of the Luofeng Empire. Boss, time is pressing. You should try sitting on the throne. This is as if I ascended Edwans position. Yang Ming sat down with a smile. Buzz After some intense noise, the entire circular hall trembled slightly, and in front of Yang Ming appeared a large projection screen, on which a row of blank symbols appeared. Beside him, an electronic synthesized female voice sounded, Please enter the Emperors Key. Yang Ming murmured, Lyu, can you crack it? Ill give it a try. It might be troublesome; I may have to use the toolbox given to me by my three mentors. Yang Ming placed his watch on the nearby indirect control panel. The watchs bottom casing detached automatically, and the eight metal tendrils appeared again, much like a crab, probing into the gaps of the control panel. After a long few minutes. The projection screen in front of Yang Ming flickered slightly. A larger commotion sounded from all around; the circular hall became brightly lit, and numerous projection screens began rolling various parameters. Boss! Lyu shouted excitedly, I found it! The anti-ship system hidden beneath the Imperial Palace! Its here! Where is it? Here is the core control console. Its the whole place, the entire range of the Imperial Palace! The outer edge of the palaces protective shield, the whole mountain! Underneath the mountains crust! Lyus voice called out a few times. Afterward, it became somewhat puzzled: My initial deduction was not wrong; our Feinan was lucky not to appear in front of the palace. But thats not right; this place was abandoned by the Wind royal family Oh, I really cant imagine, did the cerebral cortex folds of the Wind Empires royal family overlap with the folds of their intestines? They actually abandoned this place. sea??h th novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 226 - 226 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons More and ?Chapter 226: 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons! [More and More]_3 Chapter 226: 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons! [More and More]_3 Yang Ming muttered, Perhaps the Emperors Key got lost. Makes sense. Now the old Emperors grandfather, back then, killed his own brother to usurp the throne; maybe he abandoned this place then, Lyu speculated. Since the founding of the Luofeng Empire, theyve rarely encountered war. They relied on the powerful Sherman Empire, and no one dared to provoke them, just until these last twenty years when the New Federation set their sights on them. So, boss, the New Federation never knew the Wind hid this anti-ship system. If they used satellite scans or instruments to detect, they would only see this as part of a training base! Alright, Lyu, are you going to tell me what this thing really is? A Dreadnought! A stationary Dreadnought! Yang Ming was stunned. The projection screen in front of him flickered again, and a three-dimensional projection of a massive cannon barrel appeared before him. It occupied nearly half of a mountainside; the base sunk deep into the earth, and the barrel embedded in the mountainside stretched over ten kilometers long! Can this thing be used? Yang Mings voice quivered slightly. Jackpot! The system is intact, and energy is abundant! Lyu quickly replied, They invested untold efforts when constructing this place, using enclosed pulse anti-mag storm permanent circuits! All components underwent meticulous plating treatment; they could last for a thousand years! Yang Ming asked, his eyes gleaming, This thing can take out the Valkyrie, right? Lyu: Boss, were still in an air battle; can you postpone your thoughts about the Valkyrie? Should we activate the system? Yang Ming crossed his legs, a slight curve forming at the corners of his mouth. General! The enemy is showing signs of retreat! The Ninth Expeditionary Fleet is commencing evasive maneuvers! Gudun Mah immediately prepared to issue a dodging order, but a few lines of text suddenly appeared before him. He quickly shouted, Third, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth formations, head to the target airspace Ive designated. Aim the main cannons of all four formations at the enemys remaining supply ships and keep firing! Once in the target airspace, immediately release deep-space torpedoes and swiftly set the net! Yes! As Gudun Mah raised his hand to brush back a strand of hair from his forehead, his fingers couldnt help but tremble slightly. What did this mean? What was the point of the move Mr. Ming just made? These four formations he was maneuvering were nowhere near capable of stopping the New Federations Seventh Fleet on its long-range mission. How could they lay mines in full view of the enemy; how could the opponent just walk into it? Unless the New Federations Seventh Fleet panicked and lost its way. How could that be? The New Federation fleet, with its equipment and quantity of personnel, was extremely strong. The opponent was unlikely to Ding ding. A message suddenly popped up. Yang Ming: [Gudun, do you know whats buried beneath the Imperial Palace?] Gudun Mah frowned deeply and sent back a question mark. Yang Ming: [Get ready for fireworks.] Gudun Mah was left full of question marks. As the fierce battle among the ships continued, Mr. Ming sent a new directive. Gudun Mah had no time to think, continuing to issue battle orders. After more than ten minutes, Gudun Mah realized Yang Mings strategy and intent. His fleet formed a loose encirclement, broadly encircling the New Federations Seventh Fleet, leaving two huge gaps. Were these gaps meant for the enemys Seventh Fleet to escape? A wise move. If they continued to fight tooth and nail, not to mention whether the Sherman Ninth Expeditionary Fleet would suffer too much and hold him accountable afterward, their main battleships losses would also continue to increase. If the New Federation retreated, they would win politically! The battlefield is an extension of the political arena; this must be measured to gain an advantage in future political struggles General! A strong energy reaction is detected on Ilando Star! Suspected ultra-large battleship main cannon charging! What? Gudun Mah wondered if something was wrong with his hearing. But seconds later, warnings came from all ships simultaneously. Energy detection radars on each ship simultaneously issued danger warnings! Get ready for fireworks. Gudun Mah abruptly stood up, staring intently at the huge projection screen in front of him, which displayed the entire battlefield map. After the previous fierce battle, a rather strange battle situation had formed! If a massive light beam suddenly appeared in the direction of Ilando Star, it could pierce through at least twenty of the New Federation fleets battleships! sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Would that really happen? What is that Suddenly, exclamations of shock came from in front of the control panel. Somethings happening on the ground! The clouds have been cleared! The edge of the Imperial Palace has cracked open! That is is that a cannon barrel? Wasnt that supposed to be a radio telescope? Its an ion cannon! An ultra-large ion cannon! Damn! Theres a cannon under the palace! The fleets communication channel fell into chaos. The New Federation fleet immediately started to disperse, but it was too late! A deep blue beam of light, nearly two kilometers in diameter and seemingly able to melt everything, rose from the surface of the planet, instantly illuminating the abyss-like space of the universe. The entire Ilando City turned into a deep blue ocean! Within a shield, the old Emperor raised his scepter high! Those fortunate enough to witness the beam felt the roaring heatwave rushing toward them! Gudun Mahs eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the deep blue beam flash past outside the ships bridge and the string of massive fireworks that appeared. He suddenly realized, Attack! Full-on attack! Aggressively expand the victory! The enemy is about to retreat! Deep in the bowels of the Imperial Palace, Yang Ming sat on the throne, frowning as he looked at the back of the old Emperor on the screen in front of him, muttering, Lyu, do you think that old guy might actually believe this beam was his doing? Chapter 227 - 227 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons More and ?Chapter 227: 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons! [More and More]_4 Chapter 227: 120 Super Large Anti-Ship Planet Cannons! [More and More]_4 Not necessarily, Lyu chuckled softly. Encrypt this place, no one but you and me should enter. Okay, boss, it actually takes half an hour to charge. Thats way too slow; technology from centuries ago is really outdated. Already complaining? You really know how to discard the old for the new. After that beam of light flashed, a heavy rain poured down on Ilando City. Twenty Galaxy hours later. The military tribunal at the spaceport on the outskirts of Ilando Star. Inside the solemn and serious courtroom, three senior officers with stern expressions were conducting the inquiry. Major Yang Ming, do you deny the unauthorized attack on the enemy ship and not following the command orders? No, I do not deny it. Yang Ming stood with his hands clasped behind his back on the floating platform. The necessary procedures still needed to be followed to maintain order within the military. Major Yang Ming, how do you assess this conflict with the New Federation Fleet? This was a war in defense of the nation, an act of righteous defense, Yang Ming said quietly, I accept any decision of the tribunal. The three senior officers began to deliberate formally. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soon, they ordered everyone to rise and began to read Yang Mings self-written verdict. Stripped of the qualification to become captain within five yearsallowed to serve as acting captain or nominal second-in-command. No promotion in rank for three yearsYang Ming thought Major sounded quite nice. A fine of three million Wind Coinsjust a drizzle. Six months in the military prison on Ilando Starhe needed a legitimate chance to disappear. Yang Ming received the verdict, nodded to the three old officers, then turned and walked out the rear door, with two soldiers acting as temporary military police trailing behind with guns. No shackles, no escort, maintain respect. This was specially instructed by General Gudun Mah. The large doors of the tribunal opened, revealing a long corridor filled with figures in military uniforms. Yang Ming looked straight ahead and stepped forward. Two young officers from the Emig stepped forward, following behind Yang Ming. Several middle-aged officers from the Fourth Fleet lowered their heads forward, following behind Yang Ming. Behind Yang Mings military boots, more and more of the same style black boots appeared; the footsteps became denser, increasingly uniform and determined. When Yang Ming exited the building housing the tribunal, he involuntarily paused. Salute Ahead, several dozen rows of standing fleet officers simultaneously swung their arms, fists pounding heavily on their chests. Yang Ming spread his legs, returning the salute. A certain lieutenant commander shouted: Please! Captain Yang Ming delivers the address! Yang Ming pondered briefly. Was this arranged by General Gudun Mah? Why was he not informed beforehand? Without a prepared speech, he wasnt one for formal words. We are soldiers, soldiers do not fear war. Yang Ming spoke calmly: When I serve my sentence, when the enemy fleet appears again, I hope you can face them, puff your chests, and say to them, Here is Wind. Enthusiastic applause erupted from all directions. Atop the building of the tribunal, General Gudun Mah frowned as he observed the scene below, still with a hint of astonishment in his eyes. Was this also part of Mr. Mings plan? The younger officers in the military unexpectedly united around him spontaneously, while the other generals who hadnt participated in the battle were already becoming restless. However General Gudun Mah looked at the battle damage report before him, rubbing his forehead wearily. The losses were tremendous. (Ps: Various post-war details in the next chapter, this judgment part comes first to maintain the narrative pace. Ive updated nearly 20,000 words today, constantly writing, already exhausted, the next chapter will be delayed by two hours, I want to sleep more. Please vote and subscribe!) Chapter 228 - 228 121 Tragic Victory ?Chapter 228: 121 Tragic Victory Chapter 228: 121 Tragic Victory Victory. When Yang Ming saw this headline, he felt a complex mix of emotions. How was it a victory? The Third, Fourth, and Sixth Fleets of the Wind Army lost over one hundred fifty ships, with more than forty main battleships destroyed, and sixty-three thousand and forty-two soldiers killed. This was death, not just casualties. For the side that lost the battleship duel, there was no chance of boarding the lifeboats. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This battle left Gudun Mahs originally controlled Fourth Fleet the most severely damaged. Almost completely destroyed! If it werent for the Sixth Fleet also being under Gudun Mahs control at this stage, Gudun Mah would have become the weakest warlord of the Wind. The Royal Guard Army suffered more than seven thousand casualties, and the loss was extremely tragic. Over sixteen thousand civilians were killed or injured, a statistic Yang Ming had not anticipatedfortunately, most were injured. Yang Ming clicked on the article headline to take a look, and it was filled with words of praise, clearly a royal announcement. He picked up his watch and made a voice call. Boss, Lyus clear voice sounded, please instruct. Take down the headline for me! Change it to National Crisis! Edit and upload the footage of the sacrificed soldiers and the scenes of victims suffering! Yang Ming cursed: Still celebrating! A bunch of useless nobles! Yes, Boss. The call was immediately disconnected. In the prisoner transport vehicle escorting Yang Ming, a few fully armed prison guards exchanged glances. They still didnt know the specifics of this war, they were merely here to execute a task: transporting a prisoner who must not be offended to their prison to serve time. The original military prison on Ilando Star had already been abandoned. No military personnel who committed crimes would be imprisoned on Ilando Star. Yang Ming was sent to an ordinary prison located outside Ilando City, a temporary sign hanging on the basement turned it into Ilando Military Prison. He would be the only prisoner on that floor. In the smoothly sliding prisoner transport vehicle, a guard couldnt help but ask in a small voice, Sir, what did you do? Yang Ming smiled, Disobeyed orders on the battlefield. Isnt that punishable by death Oh, sorry, Sir. Its alright, my connections are strong. Yang Ming shrugged, crossing his legs and closed his eyes to relax. At the present stage, the internal and external environment of Ilando Star was extremely complex. The space battle ended ten hours ago; the Planet Cannon of the palace fired only once, costing the New Federations Seventh Expeditionary Fleet twenty-five warships. Of course, able to skewer pieces of candied fruit on a stick, it was due to Lyus constant maneuvering, forcing the enemys fleet into a narrow area. This super large anti-ship Planet Cannon had no chance to fire a second shot. The New Federations Seventh Expeditionary Fleet was desperately breaking through, and the Ninth Expeditionary Fleet spared no effort to tear open a gap in the Sherman Empires Expeditionary Corps defense line. In this engagement, the New Federations Seventh Expeditionary Fleet lost eighty to ninety various types of warships, the Ninth Expeditionary Fleet lost twenty-five warships, and the estimated number of personnel lost by the New Federation reached eighty-six thousand. The Sherman Empires Expeditionary Corps lost more than forty warships, with personnel losses of thirty-two thousand five hundred and twenty-four. This indeed was a great victory, but it was the Sherman Empires victory. Similarly, this was the most humiliating defeat the New Federation had suffered in decades. The war was not over, it merely transitioned from a battleship duel to a struggle for international discourse. The Sherman Empire was promoting the Wind Campaign extensively within the Empire. The 721 Expeditionary Corps achieved a rare major victory in recent years, even the Emperor was alarmed and was about to publicly commend them. This was the Winds opportunity. Lyu and Edwans intelligence teams were running at full power, creating public opinion in the Sherman Empire centered on heavy losses for the Wind Fleet and victory built on the bravery of Sherman soldiers and the Wind soldiers fearless sacrifice, to reap more benefits in the future. Under Yang Mings arrangement, Lyu quickly organized the relevant battlefield information; Edwan urgently contacted officials from the Imperial Foreign Affairs Bureau, presenting a mature diplomatic offensive plan. Before the New Federation could react, a diplomatic offense and defense war involving most of the Milky Way commenced. As the invaded party, the Wind led more than twenty small Shermans Empire camp allies to launch a verbal attack on the New Federations invasion war. The New Federation swiftly started a counterattack, continuously controlling and guiding public opinion, beautifying itself as conducting anti-terrorism actions, and slandering the Wind Empire as a breeding ground for terrorists. The Winds diplomatic team argued with reason, constantly releasing a series of evidence using popular social media and portal sites within the Milky Way. The main evidence included: The operation trail of New Federation agents who launched terrorist attacks, relevant surveillance videos, the entire process of implementing the terrorist attack plan, and the agents life video within the New Federation; The New Federations attack craft directly assaulting the Old Emperor during a speech, the fleet Commander issued a clear fire command; The captured New Federation ground troops left behind described the various orders they received. Among them, the most passive evidence for the New Federation was the footage of the New Federation ground troops massacring civilians. The most embarrassing evidence for the New Federation the Wind Palace Cannon blasting the New Federation expeditionary fleet. The video of this shot had already gone viral across the Milky Way. The Wind Empire made a name with one shot. However, the diplomatic offensive and defensive war couldnt last more than a few hours. Chapter 229 - 229 121 Tragic Victory_2 ?Chapter 229: 121 Tragic Victory_2 Chapter 229: 121 Tragic Victory_2 The New Federation was on the verge of total defeat, so they played their trump card. Censorship. They began to massively delete related information, directly purifying the Milky Ways network. The official accounts of the Luofeng Empire were silenced; Millions of ordinary accounts within the borders of Luofeng were banned. On the interstellar network, Winds voice was directly stifled. The facts proved that the citizens of the New Federation were not exactly freedom fighters. When their national pride and interests were damaged, most of them remained silent, while a smaller portion continued to argue and discredit. In the seventh hour after the war broke out, the Luofeng Empire formally filed a lawsuit against the New Federation at the Galaxy Interstellar Court. This lawsuit was bound to have no result, but it could position the Luofeng Empire firmly in the moral high ground. This moral high ground would allow the Luofeng Empire to garner spiritual support from most medium and small nations in the interstellar vicinity, as well as acquire more material support from the Sherman Empire. As for within Luofengs own borders, public enthusiasm was at a fever pitch, with anti-Federation protests erupting everywhere. Although the surge in public sentiment introduced many unstable elements, in Yang Mings view, it was at least a hundred times better than national apathy and indifference, and more conducive to implementing his subsequent actions. At this moment, Yang Ming in the prison van was contemplating two main issues. One was how to manage the aftermath, to quickly rejuvenate the military fleet under his control. The other was how to handle the batch of New Federation prisoners. These prisoners definitely cannot stay in Wind. Yang Mings gaze turned somewhat sharp. The guards across from him inexplicably felt a bit panicked. Yang Ming thought for a moment, then took out a jamming device, enveloping himself in a soundproof light curtain. Using a special communication method from his watch, he dialed a video call to Edwan. Edwan was on a spaceship, presumably en route back to Ilando Star. Ming, Im coming to rescue you right away! Edwan frowned and said, Dont worry, if the military doesnt agree to release you, Ill have my father sign a pardon. You are the hero who saved this country! Firing the first shot will surely go down in the history of the Luofeng! Yang Ming said, No need, I want to spend some quiet time in prison to ponder life and philosophy. Edwan was temporarily at a loss for words. At this moment, the Second Prince appeared haggard, exhaustion evident in his eyes. Edwan, Yang Ming asked in a low voice, do you know what you need to do now, right? To mourn the dead, console the soldiers, and encourage the people, Edwan said softly, I will provide as much material assistance as possible to the families of the fallen soldiers, and also build a martyrs cemetery. No, Yang Ming said, you now need to return to the Sherman Empire. Why? Condense your tasksmourning, consolationinto a TV speech, leave the rest to your subordinates. No reward is better than a little more consolation money, and arranging social welfare institutions to take good care of their families. Yang Ming reminded, Bring those prisoners and the captured New Federation attack boats, send them all to Sherman as gifts which Sherman noble fond of martial activities would refuse seized New Federation military insignias? Dont forget, the Sherman Empire still retains slavery in some areas. Oh, this Edwan was somewhat hesitant. Yang Ming quickly said, The only way to stop the New Federation from continuing to attack us is to have the Sherman Empire exert strong pressure on them. Now how can you ensure that the New Federation will not retaliate militarily against us again? Even if they fear the artillery beneath the Imperial Palace and dare not come to Ilando Star, what about our other Administrative Stars? Fine, Ill prepare the TV speech right away! Edwan said in a low voice, Earl Williams left two fleets nearby on alert, Ill get in touch with them now. Leave the captured special forces members behind, Yang Ming said, after interrogating them, Ill execute them secretly. Edwan replied, You make the decisions about that, Ill have General Fremont directly contact you later. Yang Ming paused, then added, Ive had Gudun Mah arrange for your brothers house arrest. Since he likes the Second Administrative Star, let him stay there. Next, Ill consolidate the Wind Army, and my methods might be a bit bloody; those bystander generals need not continue to exist. Edwan looked at Yang Ming intently. Yang Ming met Edwans gaze openly. Soon, Edwan frowned and asked, Do you want to become emperor, Ming? We understand each other, our goals should be aligned for now, Yang Ming smiled and said, we both share no interest in the throne. Edwan gave a bitter smile. He also didnt know how Yang Ming accomplished it. But now, the reins around this countrys neck were clearly in Yang Mings hands. Yang Ming was about to hang up the call. Edwan suddenly asked, By the way, the cannon beneath the palace, even Father cant control it whats going on? Yang Ming blinked, It should be an automatic retaliatory system; Im not quite sure about this anti-ship system either. Presumably, its system detects a massive threat and automatically fires, a gift from your ancestors to this country. Father may consider digging up the mountain; he really might do it. Dont worry, Yang Ming said solemnly, His Majesty the Emperor cant find anyone to do this for him, you better think about how to mourn the dead. Sigh, may their heroic spirits rest in peace. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yang Ming sighed lightly, hung up the call, and put the brooch-sized jamming device back in his pocket. The guards opposite him had already stowed their laser guns behind their backs. Seeing Yang Ming looking over, they immediately showed ingratiating smiles. Chapter 230 - 230 121 Tragic Victory_3 ?Chapter 230: 121 Tragic Victory_3 Chapter 230: 121 Tragic Victory_3 Sure, here is the translation following your instructions: The prison guards certainly didnt hear what Yang Ming just said. But they saw the hologram of His Highness Edwan and the demeanor of both Edwan and Yang Ming while speaking. Was this young officer the confidant of His Highness Edwan? However, judging by the demeanor changes during their conversation, it was Edwan who appeared speechless and helpless several times, while this young officer remained calm and confident. When getting out of the car, the prison guards quickly opened the door. Just as they were about to inform the warden, a neat stomping sound suddenly came from the front. Two rows of Guard Army members saluted in front. Lieutenant Colonel Ace stood in front with a look of helplessness, but smiled slightly when he saw Yang Ming. Oh, my old superior, Yang Ming remarked in an exaggerated tone, I didnt expect youd be here to welcome me. Lieutenant Colonel Ace whispered, This might be the most ridiculous order Ive ever received in my life. What order? General Fremont ordered me to accompany you in prison, Lieutenant Colonel Ace said with a wry smile, I will be on duty here for the next six months to protect you the whole time. Yang Ming looked at Aces wry face and couldnt help but laugh a few times, then put his arm around the shoulder of the noble lieutenant colonel. This isnt a bad assignment, trust me, in less than half a month youll fall in love with this place Wheres the warden? In the back, should I ask him to come over? Yang Ming smiled, I have a renovation plan here, have him fix up the lowest level in a week, of course, I wont make him pay for it. Lieutenant Colonel Ace asked in a low voice, Is it true? Did you order your Star Patrol Ship to open fire first? Now rumors are spreading like crazy in every corner of the military. Otherwise, why would I be here serving time? Oh, you really are Thats insane, that was the Invincible Fleet of the New Federation! Invincible? Theyve already been defeated. Yang Ming slightly pouted, Luofeng will soon have a strong fleet too. And Lieutenant Colonel Ace, you know something? Mm? As I see it, what this country lacks most nowadays isnt advanced equipment, but the courage to draw the sword against the strong. Yang Ming patted Aces shoulder, In a narrow alley, the brave wins, this is the only reason we could barely achieve victory this time. Lieutenant Colonel Ace paused and watched Yang Mings slowly advancing back. His silhouette contrasted sharply with the gray-toned prison gate ahead, causing Lieutenant Colonel Aces nerves to be slightly stirred. Yang Ming: Watching more TV dramas does have its benefits. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At least you can use lines to steep in some toxic chicken soup. Half a day later, Edwan began his post-war speech, which reached a terrifying audience rating, with half of the Luofeng Empires population tuning in directly to the speech. Ilando Star began the construction of the Martyrs Cemetery and the War Memorial Park. Two days later, The Sherman Empire launched a military exercise named Deterrence. Twelve fleets set out on a long voyage, one thousand six hundred various warships, two dreadnoughts, appeared in front of the New Federations border monument, with cannons aimed at the New Federation borders. The New Federation chose to avoid war. The Empires military prestige was unmatched for a time. Three days later, the Sherman Empire announced to the outside world that the third heir to the throne would lead an emissary team to visit the Luofeng Empire, and the Sherman Empire would freely gift Luofeng a batch of semi-retired main battleships. The two sides intended to renew the military alliance contract, if Wind Country were attacked, the Sherman Empires corps would provide unconditional support. This was the value of the battle. However, sitting leisurely in a single cell reading the newspaper, Yang Ming encountered several new troubles in succession. Valkyrie has been captured, boss Also, the Old Emperor has already made up his mind to summon you, he should be about to pardon you, this completely contradicts our plan. Yang Ming had a bit of a headache, Lyu, is there no good news? Mrs. Sarul has been removed, the New Federation has abandoned its targeted plan against Wind, withdrawing remnant agents inside Wind Country, only retaining some intelligence personnel. Damn! Dealing with these Federation guys, it turns out that cannons are the answer! When they say we have weapons of mass destruction, its best we really have them! Yang Ming waved the electronic newspaper in his hand. Give me a detailed report on the situation with Valkyrie. Chapter 231 - 231 122 A Lower Life Forms Robbery ?Chapter 231: 122 A Lower Life Forms Robbery Chapter 231: 122 A Lower Life Forms Robbery As strong as Po Suo, even a brave hero can be overwhelmed by too many people. To Yang Ming, one of the worst scenarios still happened. After battling the special forces of the Sherman Empire for a long time, Valkyrie Po Suos maneuvering space was finally squeezed into a very narrow scope. The laughable thing was, because the special forces suffered too many casualties, Valkyries continuous evolution in battle resulted in no squad daring to charge forward in the final tightening phase. Yang Ming could already envision this scene: The desolate expanse of cosmic space, the band of asteroids relatively static. Valkyrie, in her striking red gown, knelt on one knee on an asteroid, her muscular chest heaving, utterly disregarding the near absolute zero of space, and the blood at the corner of her mouth was proof of her nearing exhaustion. Surrounding her was a group of cowards in spacesuits who didnt dare to approach. She looked at these low-level life forms with disdain. When she stood up proudly for the final showdown with them, the surrounding crowd suddenly maneuvered with jetpacks, dispersing in all directions. A fully charged gunship aimed its cannon at Valkyrie. Yes, the despicable Empire used a powerful vessel; when the gunships main cannon radiated with brilliant light, Valkyrie dissolved in the beam. How great it would be if she evaporated with just one shot, Yang Ming couldnt help but lament. Lyus projection murmured beside him: Boss, Valkyrie was truly terrifying. According to intelligence intercepted from the New Federations channels, and based on an account from a special warrior during the encirclement, Valkyrie was hit three times by the secondary cannon of a hundred-meter class gunship, yet her body still didnt completely dissolve. Her remaining body parts still retained vitality; you could see signs of recovery at the charred wounds, with cells continuously dividing and proliferating, all in an orderly manner. In this battle, she killed over one hundred and twenty special warriors, inflicted heavy losses on the Sherman Empire, and destroyed three warships, all by breaking into them and sweeping through invincibly. During the fierce battle, she demonstrated a powerful tactical learning ability, and what struck fear into Sherman warriors was her telekinetic powers, where spiritual power materialized, somewhat akin to telekinetic attacks in fantasy works. Boss, did you really suppress Valkyrie back then, even knocking her out? Yang Ming glanced at Lyu with slight annoyance: Im strong too, okay Of course, it was mainly because she had just emerged from the nutrient chamber and was still unaccustomed to combat. Lyu mumbled while pinching his chin: Doesnt that mean this battle just gave Valkyrie a learning opportunity? Any further news? Valkyrie is currently being sent to a research institute of the Empire, with the Empire frantically locking down information, while agents from other countries are risking their lives to investigate. Lyu said gravely: If Valkyrie decides to collaborate with the Sherman Empire, she could become a trump card for them. And then? Yang Mings eyes widened. She would definitely not avoid being researched, but she should also receive substantial benefits, which might lead to her leading a squad of Sherman Empires special warriors to hunt for us. Lyu was analyzing seriously. Yang Ming got up and paced back and forth, feeling somewhat agitated. He had to hide now. Hiding in prison was far from enough; if Valkyrie really teamed up with Sherman, merely searching the name Yang Ming would locate him in an instant. He needed to head underground at the Imperial Palace! Uh, thats no use either; while the cannon was powerful, it could bombard ships, but targeting a humanoid was nearly impossible. Ironically, those two-hundred-meter-class smaller gunships, agile yet sufficiently armed, were enough to damage the current Valkyrie! Boss, theres another update! Lyu suddenly spoke: Theres a problem on Valkyries side. Did she breach the ship she was on again? Uh, no, Lyu carefully reviewed the documents before quickly looking up at Yang Ming, She melted herself. Yang Mings eyes widened. Lyu posted several photos. These photos had an odd angle, capturing a scene from a projection screen; judging from the angle, Lyu seems to have hacked into the multifunctional glasses worn by a senior New Federation agent. The content of the photos was somewhat disgusting, with a pink membrane adhering to an operating table, faintly humanoid in shape. It looked as if a wax statue had half-melted. Surrounding were terrified researchers, looking at this scene in disbelief. Just moments before, Valkyrie had been healing her injuries, then suddenly deteriorated into this form. Yang Ming exhaled lightly, collapsing back onto the single bed as if exhausted. Phew, at least its dead. However, Lyu said, But boss, it seems the problem is more complex. Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hm? One of the traits of the Ancient Gods is that after a single entity shatters, if there are multiple cell masses left, only one will undergo division and differentiation to proliferate into a new entity the remaining cell masses will directly perish. Peculiar biological energy can cross spatial distances, providing energy to the new entity. This looks very similar to the current scene. Yang Ming frowned deeply: What do you mean? Are you saying that Valkyrie could have left a cell mass elsewhere, intentionally let this body die, and then allowed another cell mass to develop anew? Yes, boss, Lyu reminded, She is the first humanoid Ancient God, with many unknown traits, and she may have evolved this ability after being heavily injured by the antimatter bomb last time. Chapter 232 - 232 122 The Robbery Behavior of a Certain Lower Life ?Chapter 232: 122 The Robbery Behavior of a Certain Lower Life Form_2 Chapter 232: 122 The Robbery Behavior of a Certain Lower Life Form_2 You dont scare me! Yang Ming carefully scrutinized the photos for recognition. Was this even possible? The Valkyrie was on a wild run toward the new Ancient Gods? How could there be such strange life forms in the Milky Way? I say Yang Ming paused in his speech. He frowned and looked around him. Suddenly, he felt a hint of warmth and heard a faint heartbeat. Yang Ming immediately closed his eyes, and light spots flashed before him as fragmented images surged in; these seemed to be a series of memory fragments. Lyu, quickly record this! Recording started. A cave should be an underground karst cave, water dripping a blood-red cocoon, thirty centimeters high, with what seems to be a baby inside Yang Ming quickly murmured under his breath. These were the images presented in the memory fragments, and the owner of this memory had once gazed at this baby. Then, Yang Ming saw an image of a rapid ascent into the skies, with a red light membrane appearing around it, as the memorys owner accelerated continuously, flying into the vast outer space. The memory fragments began to scatter. These were a few memories of the Valkyrie! After leaving that cave, she entered the cosmos, and the memory fragments were too scattered; that cocoon seemed to be the seed she left behind. The memory fragments showed a scene where the Valkyrie hijacked a mining ship. A group of crew members began to slowly float, struggling continuously in the air, and then one by one their heads exploded. The Valkyrie obtained the information they carried in this way! In these memory fragments, a string of battles began to appear. The Valkyrie was hunted by the Sherman Empires Special Forces, feigned death to infiltrate a battleship, fought in the asteroid belt, attempted to control the warship to break through the siege, but the warship was directly blasted by the Sherman Empires commander Although fragmented, these scenes made Yang Mings blood boil. The memory fragments abruptly disappeared. Gurgle, gurgle. In a daze, Yang Ming seemed to be in a cosmic space, facing a slowly blooming bright red flower, with a girl curled up at its heart. Po Suo. A stream flowed from the distant starry sky, seemingly embodying some kind of energy. The stream split in two, with ninety percent flowing toward the girl, filling her back, and ten percent floated towards Yang Ming, who looked down to find himself in a mosaic, naked form. What was this situation? Had he intercepted the Valkyries strange energy? Sensing the presence of a marauder, the girls eyes slowly opened and began to gaze at Yang Ming. Yang Mings Adams apple bobbed. It wasnt that he had deliberately stolen it, it just came over by itself! Po Suo, we can actually have a good talk. A mans dignity prevented Yang Ming from saying, How about I become your godson? The girl slowly closed her eyes, seemingly unwilling to bother with Yang Ming, a weak emotion revealing in her eyes. Fatigue. So much pain. She whispered softly. Could there be hope? Just as Yang Ming was about to speak, the scene abruptly cut off. The light point like a stream had completed the transmission. Become one with me. Yang Ming opened his eyes and was greeted by a dim single cell, surrounded by a constantly expanding shielded halo, with Lieutenant Colonel Ace and the warden having afternoon tea in the distant corner. Boss? Lyu called softly. Yang Ming slowly lay down on the single bed, feeling the heat in his body, his power greatly enhanced, and the vitality of his cells seemingly increasing. He opened his right hand, aimed at the nearby teacup, and tried to concentrate. The teacup jingled and slowly floated, then with a smack, it deflated. Boss! Lyu shouted in surprise, Telekinesis? The Valkyries spiritual power! Youve awakened it! Yang Ming chuckled, turning over to lie flat on the single bed. I plundered a bit of Po Suos power, Yang Ming murmured, Youre right; she reserved a clone for herself, now slowly recovering, we have only two to three months at the shortest to prepare for battle. Lyu laughed, Boss, you dont seem to have any fighting spirit now. Yang Ming sat up, staring at Lyu, Do you know what Po Suo is missing? What? Adaptability to human society. Yang Ming said softly, Shes too proud, I felt her thoughts in her memory fragments; her thoughts were very active, her IQ definitely surpasses mine, she knows exactly what kind of existence she is, extremely hates the Sherman Empire. I am sure that she is still within the Sherman Empire, should be not far from the Resource Star where the mining ship incident happened, in that airspace. Next time she appears, she might wear a dress, put on exquisite makeup, and quietly arrive next to me utilizing the current order of human society. To devour me is her only thought now! Oh, this, Lyu muttered, rubbing his chin, The duel between two Ancient God Life Forms really gives a headache to a Mechanical Thought Body. Yang Ming looked down at the palm patterns in his palm, slowly clenched his fist, yet there was a bit of contemplation in his eyes: If such a thing that she abandons her body and activates the reserved seed happens a few more times, maybe I can gain more power from her. Boss? If I imprison her, keep killing her, letting her energy continuously convert, then wont I be Yang Ming once again looked at that teacup. He reached out, aimed at the teacup, concentrated again, with a faint red light appearing in his eyes. Pop! The deflated teacup directly shattered. Lyu, buy two mining ships inside the Sherman Empire, those that can scan the planetary surfaces, Yang Ming said, In the airspace where the mining ship incident happened, try to find the cave I just told you to record, it doesnt matter if you cant find it, just give it a try. Okay, boss, Lyu said softly, the hope is very slim. It doesnt matter, just trying. Yang Ming rubbed the tip of his nose. We need to accelerate our plans in Wind; hasnt the assassination in Gudun Mah been completed yet? The Minister of Defense is very cautious now. Let him focus on reorganizing the fleet, Yang Ming said, Ill make a trip there later. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lyu suddenly slipped back into Yang Mings watch, and the surrounding shield light screen quietly disappeared. Outside the door came a hoarse old mans shout: You dare do this! My nephew is a hero! A great hero who saved this country! You have locked him up! I will withdraw my investments here! Oh dear, its Kolev. Yang Mings mood suddenly lightened up a lot, he adjusted his expression, temporarily hid the pressure given by Po Suo, and cheerfully opened the cell door, waiting at the door for Kolev to come forward. The door wasnt even locked. Within the Sherman Empire. On the Resource Star where the mining ship was attacked, in the Constant Star System next door, on a habitable abandoned Resource Star. A girl, only thirty or forty centimeters high, wrapped in a red light membrane, flew out from the gorge crevice. She lifted her head, gazing at the stars, then turned to look in the direction where Yang Ming was. Such sensing was often bi-directional. Then this petite girl closed her eyes, and drove the red light membrane ascending into the high altitude, disappearing into the vast interstellar space. Wait for me. My subordinate life form. I wont let you be alone for long. Chapter 233 - 233 123 Yang·King Wind·Dark·Ming ?Chapter 233: 123 YangKing WindDarkMing Chapter 233: 123 YangKing WindDarkMing Oh, I dont want to go back in there. I have claustrophobia. Kolev muttered softly, pointing at the solitary cell. Yang Ming glared at the old man and waved his hand, at which two prison guards and several guards quickly left. Kolev frowned at Yang Ming, Youre actually the boss here? I was worried about you the whole way. Then why did you take so long! Yang Ming frowned, I clearly sent you a message two days ago saying everything was fine here. But those merchants dont think so! They were scared out of their wits. Kolev retorted confidently, Ilando Star just went through a war, a real war, with the New Federations long-distance fleet and that terrifying cannon under the Imperial Palace. Now the whole world is talking about it. Theyre worried the New Federation will launch a bloodier retaliation. Of course, I had a slight worry too, so I delayed my trip a bit. Yang Ming smiled faintly. The old mans timid demeanor was rather amusing. Although the shadow brought by the Valkyrie had not yet dissipated, Yang Ming, who had just robbed the Valkyrie of some abilities, was in quite a good mood. Lets discuss business, Yang Ming said, Lyu will soon take you to a secret base where over twenty tight-lipped transformed people and mechanical transformed people are detained. Kolev was taken aback, What do you mean? S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ive already tried over a dozen times. Yang Ming spread his hands, They all have anti-scan chips installed in their brains. I originally wanted to directly read their memories, but Lyu tried more than a dozen methods, all of which caused their brains to explode. Now, to get the intelligence from them, only the most primitive method remainsinterrogation. Both Lyu and I are novices in this field, and we dont want their existence known to those I dont trust. All the New Federation prisoners have now been sent to the Sherman Empire. Interrogation? Kolev, who was used to the role of a merchant, thought carefully for a few seconds. Youre putting me in a bit of a bind, Kolev shrugged, shaking his head, I did have an unworthy past, but Im not a cruel bloodthirsty person. I only know a little about interrogation, but Ill do my best to help you. Yang Ming didnt want to put too much pressure on Kolev, Just give it a try, be creative, and if you cant do it, Ill just get rid of those problems. Yang Ming added, They are all executioners, invaders, despicable outsiders, so dont have any psychological burden. This isnt good for the mental and physical health of the elderly. Kolev complained as his eyes revealed a hint of contemplation. He specialized in extracting safe combination codes. Dealing with this kind of specially trained warrior, he really had no confidence. About three hours later. Lyu said, Boss, the interrogation yielded results and a lot of valuable intelligence was obtained. Hmm? Yang Ming, who was meditating while doing a handstand, was a bit surprised. They all confessed? Eight of them did, but the intelligence they gave was repetitive. I have dealt with all the prisoners. Lyu clicked her tongue lightly, Your uncle made me realize that my understanding of the human species is still too one-sided. Yang Ming wondered, How did he interrogate them? Talking, heart-to-heart conversations, giving them hope, and skillfully using electric chairs, high-pressure helmets, and other torture instruments, exploiting human weaknesses. Lyu summarized while reporting, Lyu discovered that for interrogation, the timing and process of administering torture are very important. Like the simple principal electric chair, before, I always used a higher current directly to cause short-term paralysis to the opponents heart, but Kolev tied two transformed people to two electric chairs in separate rooms, gave each the control button of the others chair, and told them only one could leave alive. In fact, Kolev secretly told me to slowly and simultaneously increase the voltage These two transformed people soon started to kill each other. The effect was very outstanding. This! Yang Ming was at a loss for how to evaluate it. Lyu continued, Kolev also reminded me not to keep these people detained together, its best to separate them, which would give a lot more room for maneuver. Promise me, Lyu, dont start learning this. Leave everything to Kolev in the future, Yang Ming reminded, You should remain a cheerful, carefree sunshine girl. Lyu: She was not human after all. Boss, theres an important intelligence. Go ahead. White Ghost, Lyu quickly said, These special warriors attacked the Imperial Palace with two intentions, one to kill the Old Emperor, the other to lure out the Luofeng Emperors secret force, the White Ghost. Isnt that me? Yes, boss, their aim was to capture the White Ghost, if not capture, then try to take back biological samples of the White Ghost for research. Lyus voice was very relaxed, According to Lyus analysis, the other party most likely speculated that boss, you are somehow connected with the Ancient Gods genetic experiments of the Sherman Empire. They may have arrived at the right conclusion through erroneous intelligence. Although, currently, the New Federation temporarily refrains from attacking the Luofeng Empire due to the enormous pressure from Sherman, their files already have an interest in the boss. Yang Ming thought slightly, That set of exoskeleton Mecha, it seems cant be used anymore. Boss, the good news is the New Federation has noticed the existence of Yang Ming, the major officer since you ordered the Wind fleet to fire the first shot, theyll subconsciously exclude you from being a suspicious person of the White Ghost. Chapter 234 - 234 123 Yang·King Wind·Dark·Ming_2 ?Chapter 234: 123 YangKing WindDarkMing_2 Chapter 234: 123 YangKing WindDarkMing_2 Yang Ming laughed, I am actually safe now. The bad news is, you are currently the only one, appearing on their agent assassination list as an enemy of the New Federation in two capacities simultaneously. Yang Mings smile froze on his face, and he cursed viciously, Damn, those damn Federation bastards! Lyu laughed aloud in the thought space. Im really going to have to consider plastic surgery and a name change Lyu, how is 026 doing now? Not very well, Lyu sighed softly, Im preparing a spinal correction surgery for her. Her nervous system has suffered irreparable damage, and she might be left with permanent disability. Ask her if she would like to work for us in the future, Yang Ming said slowly, The New Federations transformed soldier technology is distinctive; you could learn it. Conveniently, use those prisoners as samples. Lyu asked softly, Boss, are you suggesting we recruit her as a subordinate? Yang Ming replied, Whether she becomes my subordinate or not depends on 026s own opinion. Im merely agreeing to offer her these resources. But boss, you said she was not valuable. Then let her create value, Yang Ming smiled, This little girl is quite nice; I quite like her. We cant always be just two or three people. Of course, we must respect her wishes. Lyu promptly said, Alright, boss, Ill go and ask right away. In the thought space. Lyu cheered and blew a kiss at Yang Ming on the projection screen before him, immediately beginning to ponder the transformation surgery for 026 and the persuasive rhetoric to use on her. Yang Ming thought seriously about his current situation. The New Federation was far away, but Valkyrie was close. Valkyrie didnt know how long it would take to regain her combat power, and Yang Ming had developed a desire for her power. Valkyrie had already proven through her actions that she detested the Sherman Empire and would not collaborate with them. This eliminated the possibility of the Sherman Empire directly targeting Yang Ming for capture. This was all the better for Yang Ming. Yang Ming concluded that if he could sense Valkyrie, there was an eighty percent chance that Valkyrie could sense him too. Valkyrie was highly likely to come directly to the Luofeng Empire once she regained her strength. Yang Ming needed to make all preparations to face off against Valkyrie. The battle of the Sherman Empire encircling Valkyrie had already proven that a powerful fleet and robust main cannons were the best choice to deal with Valkyrie. But this was not completely foolproof. Yang Mings greatest ace was forever the power of the Subordinate Ancient God Life Form. He still needed to find ways to make himself stronger. Compared to Valkyrie, the threat of the New Federation, though not as severe, shouldnt be underestimated. New Federation agents had allocated most of their skill points to assassination and seduction. Especially the latter, Yang Ming had to be doubly cautious. Even with the regular injections of stabilizing liquid, Yang Ming would often be influenced by the instincts of the Ancient God Life Form, frequently experiencing violent impulses. Yet, when Miss Windsor was by his side, the frequency of these thoughts decreased significantly because Miss Windsors alluring body could awaken Yang Mings human reproductive urge. Yang Ming needed consorts to stabilize himself, whether long-term or temporary, but they had to be safe. As for the White Ghost, it was not difficult to handle. He simply needed the royal secret military force to not appear, and he could let the New Federation investigate all they wanted, as it was a fictitious unit Yang Ming had fabricated. With these thoughts, Yang Mings mind was now clear. He had three tasks to accomplish. First, have Lyu erase the keyword Yang Ming from the internet, so that Yang Ming would quickly fade from both the internal and external network environments of Luofeng. Second, integrate the Wind Army as quickly as possible, ensuring he always held enough fleets in his hand. Third, establish a hideout outside the Luofeng Empire for contingencies. The positioning of Dark Star remained as a backup plan. Dark Star would rely on the Molly Miss Group for continuous yet gradual development, and currently, it could offer Yang Ming limited assistance. S~ea??h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a clear mind, things became much more manageable. In the following half month, the Luofeng Empire appeared calm on the surface, with the entire populace in mourning, yet hidden undercurrents surged mightily. In this prisons surveillance perspective. Yang Ming stayed honestly in a single room or the large flat on the prisons lowest floor, spending his days leisurely. He frequently picked up a thick Emperors Biography, reading through the tumultuous life of Levi Sherman, the founding emperor of the Sherman Empire, page by page. Each time Yang Ming flipped through a few pages of the book, the Wind Army would experience a tremor. First, the current Minister of Defense was poisoned. It happened at the heavily guarded space port, just after the Minister of Defense ended a brief meeting with two young women and consumed a piece of cut fruit to replenish his energy. In less than half a minute, the Minister of Defense suddenly clutched his throat, eyes bulging, black blood streaming from his nostrils. The Wind First Fleet, directly controlled by the Minister of Defense, fell into temporary chaos. Immediately following that was a series of double act performances. General Leon, closely associated with the Minister of Defense, stepped in, quickly contacting senior officers of the Wind First Fleet and proactively offering assistance. Gudun Mah convened an emergency meeting in the name of the Chief of the General Staff of the armed forces, establishing his position as the top military authority. Within a few days, Gudun Mah abruptly announced the establishment of the military police, targeting senior officers of the First Fleet. Guided by precise intelligence, dozens of senior officers of the First Fleet were arrested by the military police. General Leon dispatched elite troops to intercept, leading to a confrontation that seemed on the verge of triggering a military civil war. Fortunately, both Gudun Mah and General Leon maintained restraint and each made concessions. Gudun Mah took away the senior officers of the First Fleet. General Leon swiftly promoted a group of middle-ranking officers from the First Fleet, deploying several of his trusted men into the First Fleet, occupying key positions. Thus, the Wind Army appeared to have a surface balance between Gudun Mah and General Leon. Meanwhile, the remaining two generals with actual power were respectively courted by Gudun Mah and General Leon, each leaning towards one side to maintain a perfect balance within the military. As a result, Yang Mings command over the Wind Fleet increased to four fleets. The military aid from the Sherman Empire was naturally seized by Gudun Mah and Leon, with ninety percent of it, allowing the heavily damaged Wind Fourth Fleet to quickly recover to full strength. The shift in military power was just one facet of Yang Mings scheme. In this half month, the turbulence in the political situation of the Luofeng Empire was no less significant than that within the military. The Crown Prince suddenly fell seriously ill on the Second Administrative Star and began receiving long-term treatment in a hospital. While his life was not in danger, he could not communicate with the outside world in the short term. Several ministers supporting the Crown Prince seemed to face some pressure and simultaneously resigned their posts overnight. Two generals of the Royal Guard Army became embroiled in scandals of corruption and power-for-sex transactions. In order to preserve their power, they attempted to stage a palace coup, but the brave and fearless General Fremont preemptively uncovered their plot and possessed sufficient evidence of their attempt to regicide. The enraged Old Emperor ordered the immediate execution of the two generals. General Fremont became the commander of the Royal Guard Army and conducted a small-scale purge of its top ranks. When the Second Prince Edwan returned to Ilando Star with the Sherman Empires diplomatic mission, Edwan inexplicably found the gazes of the ministers who came to receive him filled with affection. Military power. Political situation. Dark Star. Yang Ming closed The Emperors Biography, gently exhaled, and looked at the electronic calendar hanging on the gray-white wall. It was time to set off and establish the second base. Boss! Lyus projection appeared beside him, adding some color to this expansive prison cell. The Old Emperor has ordered a summons for you. Yang Ming picked at his nose with his pinky, Tell him Im busy. You are officially just a major, so its still appropriate to show His Majesty the Emperor some respect, considering hes Prince Edwans nominal father. Yang Ming muttered, Still got to find a way to avoid being summoned by him for the next few months. Boss, have you really decided to go to the New Federation to steal technology? How can you call it stealing, Yang Ming corrected, The benefits of technological advancements should serve more humanity. Im going to the New Federation for advanced studies! Incidentally, before Po Suo finds me, Ill acquire the formula for the enhancement serum, just in case. The New Federations Central Intelligence Agency has always kept an eye beyond their borders, making it actually safer there. Lyu believed him.