Chapter 103: The Plan

Chapter 103: The Plan

When Shen Tingyu regained consciousness, it was already two days later.

The room was quiet, and he was alone.

Everything was exactly as it had been before he fainted, untouched. He found himself lying on the bed.

Clearly, the culprit had not only knocked him out but also considerately moved him to the bed, ensuring he could rest comfortably.

There seemed to be nothing unusual on the starship.

The broadcast continued to announce that they had entered the Tianlong system.

Xu Qingran had disappeared.

Shen Tingyu searched the entire starship but couldn't find any trace of him. Only a hastily scribbled note was left on the bedside table, stating that he had something to prepare before returning to Tianlong and would come back once it was done.

"Colonel Xu? He did go out. When he left, he told us he was just going to handle some matters. Didn't he tell you?"

Shen Tingyu ran into Mu Zixuan, who was studying in the medical department, and inquired about the situation. Only then did he discover that Xu Qingran had left the starship openly after knocking him out. Everyone on the ship, including Mu Zisheng and Mu Zixuan, had encountered him.

It was said that Xu Qingran's demeanor seemed completely normal.

Whenever someone inquired about him, he calmly explained that he had been too tired these past few days and needed to rest.

—This led Mu Zisheng and Mu Zixuan to suspect that their brother was physically weak and even discuss whether they should subtly suggest he take some supplements.

Shen Tingyu mentioned expressionlessly and briefly that Xu Qingran had drugged him.

Yes, he had been drugged, likely through his coffee. The drinks he had during the past few days of rest and casual chats in the room were all prepared by Xu Qingran. Xu Qingran himself had a habit of brewing tea or coffee in the afternoon, so Shen Tingyu didn't suspect anything.

This indicated that Xu Qingran had been planning this for some time.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have made those subtle moves beforehand, gradually acclimating Shen Tingyu to it and easily succeeding.

Mu Zixuan: "...So that's why?"

"The medical department does have sleeping pills or drugs that can induce unconsciousness. Colonel Xu has been in and out of here frequently these days for check-ups, so he is very familiar with the locations of those medicine cabinets. He likely took them when I wasn't paying attention."

Mu Zixuan felt rather guilty.

Shen Tingyu didn't blame him: "It's not your fault. If he wants to do something, he'll achieve his goal no matter what."

Now, they just need to figure out what Xu Qingran is up to behind his back again.

At this thought, Shen Tingyu's forehead veins began to throb.

The last time there was something he couldn't tell him was when he risked his life to find him by prematurely extracting his abilities and pushing them beyond their limits. So he always felt that this time, it wouldn't be something he could accept either.

He asked, "Did Xu Qingran say anything else before he left?"

Mu Zixuan thought for a moment: "We did chat a bit. He asked about some things in the Tianlong system and mentioned a plan to reclaim the old Silver Dragon City... Probably the main focus of this trip back is the arrangement and handling of the devil groups."

It sounded very normal, very much in line with his duties as the officer in charge of Tianlong.

Shen Tingyu suddenly remembered something, and his whole body felt cold.

He didn't even hear Mu Zixuan calling his name several times.

Xu Qingran had said that the Kayan Empire would eventually need him.

This need refers to his ability to deal with demons. Even Shen Tingyu had, until this moment, always considered his thunder-based abilities.

However, due to the laws of the universe, thunder-based abilities cannot be used on a large scale at will.

In such circumstances, Xu Qingran alone can only effectively command, ensuring that he can single-handedly take on high-level demons. With just this, it's impossible to fully achieve the status of being indispensable to the empire.

Therefore, what the empire needs to see is the actual achievements that Xu Qingran can truly make.

The battlefield for these achievements, he has obviously chosen the Tianlong system (Dragon System). Similarly, with his abilities currently restricted, reclaiming Yinsing and the old Yinsing City quickly is challenging.

Thus, there is only one way to quickly achieve victory.

——Xu Qingran has set his sights on the king of the demons, cooperating and merging powers with it, thereby controlling the entire demon group.

When Shen Tingyu realized this possibility, he nearly fainted.

That was something he had experienced in his past life, and he was all too aware of how powerful the consciousness of that ultra-high-level demon was. At that time, influenced by it, he couldn't successfully fight against it and could only choose to perish alongside it.

Xu Qingran is simply... 「Insane!」

「Host, you are really crazy!!」

Two days were enough for Xu Qingran to lock the jump coordinates based on the news he obtained and arrive at the defense station now occupied by the demon group.

As Xu Qingran's system, it certainly knows best what its host intends to do.

Just as Shen Tingyu guessed, Xu Qingran intends to challenge that—the one with the power to control all demon groups. He thought that if he could obtain the manipulation ability of the king of this demon tribe, things would become much simpler.

30 light-years outside the Kayan Empire's territory.

B29 Defense Station.

Unsurprisingly, all the base facilities and power stations here have been occupied by the demon group.

All types of demons, from low-level to high-level, are present. There are even other foreign races that have infiltrated the area, emboldened by their strength. The relationship between the demons and other races is not harmonious, and occasionally there are disputes and fights, which is a common ecology in space.

However, today the defense station faces a common enemy—humans.

That man is strong and unique.

From the moment he landed, his target was clear—the 'king' guarded by many demon groups. Along the way, various types of demons intercepted him, but they were easily defeated by him extracting source crystals, using long-range gun techniques or close combat, to crush those who obstructed him.

His weapons, in particular, are unlike any they've encountered before.

Whether it's guns or knives, they seem to be equipped with special configurations that allow him to release deadly electricity to most of them while using mental power.

In the cognition of the demon group, once such a special situation occurs, they will subconsciously think that humans have invented military weapons that can better deal with them, and will not think that the power is related to the user himself.

After all, they have never seen a human who can generate electricity by himself.

Xu Qingran walked among the demon group, holding his favorite mental power knife in his hand, with the corpses of their kind lying all over the places he passed.

Holding a sharp knife and full of murderous aura, he now looks like a demon covered in the blood of his own kind in the eyes of the demons. Even though they are angry and want to attack this human, they can only surround him and dare not approach.

Because, the 'king' responsible for giving them orders, not long ago, suddenly ordered them to stop attacking.

Xu Qingran was silently permitted to proceed.

Thus, in the territory where the devil horde gathered, they had no choice but to let him inch closer to their great king. They emitted sharp threats repeatedly, biding their time despite their fear, waiting only for their king's command to attack without regard for life or death.

The system, watching Xu Qingran venture alone into the enemy's lair, was nearly beside itself with worry.

Who knew if these devils had another plan, waiting for him to reach a point of no return before launching a sudden sneak attack.

Xu Qingran glanced at the colossal creature ahead, a slight smirk curling his lips as he mentally responded to the system: "No."

"At least for now, they won't kill me."

His tone was calm and confident.

Where did he get such confidence? the system fumed.

This was Xu Qingran's first time observing the leading king of their devil tribe up close.

Up close, he realized that despite its resemblance to a giant flower, it had a shell as tough as dragon scales. Every part of its body was tightly composed of tiny individuals, akin to those found on other types of devils.

However, unlike other types of devils, the composites on its body were lifeless.

They showed no signs of life and would not unbind like Type I devils when necessary, thus limiting the body's flexibility. They were permanently bonded, neither dissolving into thin, paint-like puddles by day nor losing mobility like high-level devils.

However, their activity would significantly decrease.

Even so, its defensive and offensive capabilities remained formidable even in a non-active state, and it could track any high-tech products approaching it, making direct elimination difficult.

Currently, the leading king's body was clearly degenerating as its energy waned.

Once it died, the devil tribe it led would scatter like headless flies, rushing about chaotically. They would not disband immediately after the leading king's death but would instead vie more fiercely for the territories they coveted.

Until they were all slain.

Or until they had killed all non-tribesmen in the territory.

Once a stable location was secured, all detachable composite devils would converge, forming a colossal creature akin to the leading king. Their individual consciousnesses would engage in internal combat, akin to raising a gu, until only one remained to become the new leading king.

The victor would consume the power of the vanquished.

Hence, the surviving consciousness was immensely powerful.

Though the torch was passed, no leader would willingly relinquish their power.

It had initially sought Shen Tingyu but failed to capture him, and now it had lost his trail. With its body failing, this leading king would undoubtedly seize any promising candidate.

Like now.

Xu Qingran knew that this devil leading king would undoubtedly covet his body as a new vessel.

So before it was refused, it would not easily kill him.

The facts developed just as he predicted.

Even though he had broken through the protective line of the devil tribe, they still had no intention of counterattacking him.

Xu Qingran looked up.

He couldn't see the 'eyes' of the leading king of the devil horde, but he could clearly sense its gaze.

There are too many uncertainties about whether Shen Tingyu, the E-type, can be apprehended on time. Now, another equally suitable vessel has presented itself right before it. For a consciousness teetering on the edge of collapse and desperate for survival, isn't this also a temptation?

Xu Qingran thought, curling his lips into a light smile.

He deftly slid his psychic blade back into the scabbard at his waist, his tone both proud and provocative: "I heard you're looking for a suitable new vessel."

"What do you think of this body of mine?"

·

On the sixth day of Xu Qingran's disappearance.

The Kayan Empire officially entered a state of alert.

The Imperial Office of Official Affairs issued a public notice stating that the offensive momentum of the devil horde was growing increasingly fierce. The defenses in the outer space regions were on the verge of collapse, and it was expected that the devil army would soon launch a full-scale invasion from both inside and outside.

According to data predictions provided by the biological research team, apart from the Celestial System—home to the palace and the main bases of the two battalions, boasting the most comprehensive defenses and the highest safety rating—all other star systems would fall.

The devil race is considered one of the more moderate high-risk invasive species in the empire's history, relatively speaking.

After all, they are restricted during the day and cannot act, so their initial invasion still provided humans with some breathing room. However, this couldn't last forever. The entire empire has only a dozen or so star systems to flee to, and only the wealthy or noble have the privilege to relocate to high-level star systems like the Celestial System.

Especially since the Celestial System has limited space, the class disparity becomes even more pronounced.

With the sudden surge of people entering the star system, all checkpoints began strictly controlling the flow of people. Only high-ranking officials, wealthy aristocratic families, or individuals of high social standing were granted passage.

Recently, there have been numerous riots at the Celestial System's checkpoints.

The number of military guards at the checkpoints increased severalfold, and in the end, they had no choice but to resort to violent enforcement. Anyone who refused to comply with the screening conditions was labeled a public order disruptor or violent terrorist and shot on the spot.

Only then did the less privileged citizens finally quiet down.

This instinctively reminded everyone of the fall of the Dragon System, where ordinary citizens without wealth or power had no means of escape. To this day, the residents of so-called prosperous star systems could finally understand the helplessness of those trapped in the Dragon System back then.

Online discussions were rampant.

"While we still have internet, let's post a few more comments."

"What's the current military situation? Why is there no news about Colonel Xu or General Shen? I heard that after General Wang Jian led the troops to withdraw from the defense station, he was also injured and had some conflicts with the empire. Will he still represent the Silver Dragon Battalion on the front lines?"

"I'm really worried about the little lunatic."

"You fans are something else. Young Master Xu is already a wanted criminal by the empire, and you're still worried and heartbroken for him?"

"Everyone knows he wouldn't be sent to the Tower of Evil. The verdict was clearly biased!"

"Based on a certain video leaked by the Tower of Evil earlier, this is the first time we've seen such severe censorship across the entire network. The more they try to cover it up, the more it proves someone's guilt, right?"

"Exactly! If I were the little lunatic, I'd find a way to break out too!"

"Correction: the third prince has already shared an official document signed and stamped by His Majesty, proving that the little lunatic was acquitted and released. There's no such thing as escaping from prison! They're just blaming all the incidents in the Tower of Evil on him."

"By the way, has anyone heard about the Supreme Commander of the Golden Wings, His Highness the Crown Prince? Something seems to have happened to him."

"Indeed, it's been a while since we've seen His Highness the Crown Prince. Normally, for major news or events related to the empire, he would be the one representing the royal family. Recently, it's been the Second Princess of the Silver Dragon who's been appearing..."

First, they chattered about Xu Qingran, Shen Tingyu, and Mu Ziyue, who had been missing for a long time.

When the discussions went nowhere, and fearing their accounts might be banned, they gradually shifted to recent events.

"I'm really worried about our home. Do you think it can really withstand this?"

"Didn’t the bio-research team already clarify this? Our years of battling the devil army haven’t been wasted. At least their reproduction rate is below the threshold predicted by the system years ago. Elder Xie said that as long as their numbers stay below this threshold, the empire’s military still has a fighting chance!"

"Then why didn’t the defense stations in the open areas hold?"

"The Second Princess explained just the other day, saying the open areas have too many restrictions, making it harder to defend than fighting on our own turf. Moreover, the military personnel at defense stations on other routes are already preparing. Once the devil army fully invades, they’ll circle back to rebuild the lost defense stations. Then we can attack from both sides, turning the tables to trap the devil army in a big net and fight!"

"Well, anyway, we’ve got to trust the empire’s military defenses!"

"Our power defense system is so robust. Unless the devil army can take out the entire galaxy’s power grid in one go, it’s still very difficult for them to force their way in!"

That same afternoon.

The Celestial System, known for its unparalleled security and the highest safety rating in the empire, watched as power stations on its habitable planets exploded and went offline in rapid succession.

In a flash, it went from being the safest galaxy to the most perilous place in the empire.

The high-ranking officials and nobles who had just entered the Celestial System were left in shock.

Netizens and citizens across the empire were equally stunned.

The Celestial System immediately called in military reinforcements from the two camps in other galaxies as a precaution.

They also sent a flood of engineers overnight to rush repairs on all power stations in the galaxy.

This move sparked outrage among the people of other galaxies.

"Oh, so your Celestial System is too good for the rest of us, huh? We’re not worthy to step foot there?"

"Now that you’re in trouble, you’re begging for help from the rest of us? What’s that about?"

"Your precious Celestial System, your highness—our lives mean nothing to you, do they?"

"The military’s already stretched thin, and now you’re pulling them away to protect yourselves. Who’s going to look out for us?"

But the palace wields immense power, especially with Suya in charge and holding the military talisman. The empire’s military personnel have no choice but to obey her orders.

The Golden Wing lost a huge chunk of its personnel, sparking widespread anger and resentment among the Golden Wing’s people.

On the other hand, the Silver Dragon.

They and Suya, also known as Mu Ziyue, were already at odds, despite being on the same side. Moreover, there was a conflict between the two camps recently, and they ignored Commander Mu Ziyu’s orders, forcibly detaining Xu Qingran and planning to mete out their own punishment.

Now you expect Mu Ziyu to send his troops to protect Suya?

"No way!"

Mu Ziyu grabbed the communicator and shouted angrily: "I spent so much time and effort trying to reason with them, and they still refused to release Xu Qingran. Why should I transfer so many military guards from my Silver Dragon base?"

"My father’s still alive, and the palace isn’t Suya’s personal playground!"

"Let the military guards in the base stay obediently guarding the various jurisdictions of the Silver Dragon. As Silver Dragon military personnel, the lives of the Silver Dragon citizens are the first responsibility. Without my orders, ignore everything else!"

Mu Ziyu was unusually firm this time.

Perhaps it’s because the empire’s current situation is too dire, the political power is in chaos, Mu Ziyue is missing, and there’s no news of Xu Qingran. He’s also throwing caution to the wind.

Mu Ziyu is currently at his palace in the Celestial Snake System.

Just after assertively issuing his commands as the chief commander to the staff at the Silver Dragon headquarters, a visitor arrived at his estate.

It was his second sister, Mu Yesha.

Influenced by Xu Qingran, Mu Ziyu, who previously didn't have a great relationship with Mu Yesha, had now broken the ice with her.

They had become genuinely close siblings, despite being half-siblings.

Mu Ziyu had her escorted in and led to the study.

Only after locking the door did they begin discussing serious matters: "Have you... taken care of everyone?"

Mu Yesha was wearing a floral dress today.

After entering, she treated the study as her own home, casually pouring herself a glass of water, elegantly crossing her legs as she sat on the sofa, and assuredly said, "Don't worry, everyone's been taken care of."

"Besides my mom, I've also moved your mother to the villa."

"When I left, they were chatting away happily, and the security system there is top-notch, so there shouldn't be any issues for now."

At this point, Mu Ziyu's expression turned disdainful: "I'm beginning to lose faith in the empire's security systems."

After all, even the Celestial System, touted as the safest place in the entire empire, could experience such an incident, which is a stark reminder that nothing in this world is truly 'the safest.'

Mu Yesha stayed calm.

After finishing her water, she picked up a small mirror and started fixing her makeup, saying as she did, "Do you remember the tip we got a few days ago?"

Mu Ziyu paused.

In fact, a while ago, the whole country was buzzing about, based on data provided by the official research team, that the Celestial System would be the safest galaxy in the event of an alien invasion, and everyone was rushing to move there. However, Mu Ziyu and Mu Yesha had received a different message.

Let's just say, the tip came from an anonymous source.

This anonymous source warned them that the Celestial System would be the most unsafe place and advised them to move any assets, important items, or personnel if necessary, otherwise, they'd regret it if something happened.

The siblings were skeptical when they received the message.

But coincidentally, they didn't like the recent vibe in the Celestial System, so after a night of analysis and discussion, they decided to take a chance on the anonymous tipster and not follow the crowd in clinging to the Celestial System.

Including their respective relatives, they had already sent them out of the Celestial System two days prior.

They initially couldn't understand the siblings' decision, but when the news broke today, and even the border stations were affected and unable to operate, they sighed in relief and praised the siblings for their foresight.

Prompted by Mu Yesha, Mu Ziyu now recalled and felt that the situation was quite strange.

After applying her lipstick, Mu Yesha pursed her lips in the small mirror, looking satisfied, and said, "Don't you think this kind of warning sounds like something a certain friend would do?"

Mu Ziyu hesitated to speak.

Finally, he blushed and said in annoyance, "Wait, who said Xu Qingran and I are friends? I'm the noble third prince—is he even worthy of being my friend?"

Mu Yesha couldn't be bothered to expose her tsundere brother.

She shrugged and said, "Whatever, but if it really was him, at least you can temporarily set aside the worries you've had for so many days. He rushed off to the 60th defense station to save people without a word, and after saving them, there was no news, it's really hard not to think too much."

Mu Ziyu gritted his teeth: "He's just a human disaster, I wish he would disappear sooner and cause me less trouble, who's worried about him?"

Mu Yesha raised an eyebrow at him and said nothing.

After a moment of silence, the conversation gradually shifted toward a more serious tone.

Mu Ziyu frowned, "But do you think the current chaos in the Celestial Realm is all caused by Xu Qingran?"

"Does he really have that kind of power?"

Mu Ningluo chuckled lightly.

Propping her chin on her hand, her slender and delicate fingers playfully tapped near her lips as she retorted, "When has he ever lacked that kind of ability?"

Mu Ziyu recalled past events and was momentarily speechless.

He also remembered the news that broke out last month about the Tower of Evil. As members of the royal family, they knew more than the public, and the situation at the first tower was truly horrifying. Even the system facilities that the Tower of Evil prided itself on were forced to go offline for repairs, which would take at least several years to fully restore.

Such an incredible feat really seems like something only Xu Qingran could accomplish.

Mentioning the Tower of Evil, Mu Ziyu thought of another matter.

With mixed emotions, he asked, "Elder Sister, do you think our eldest brother was really kidnapped by him?"

"What do you think the probability is that he's still alive and unharmed in the hands of Xu Qingran, that lunatic?"

Mu Ningluo tilted her head, "Hmm... About 0.1%?"

The chaos in the empire continued.

The Silver Dragon Battalion's refusal to send more troops to the Celestial Realm and instead ensure the safety of the Silver Dragon citizens not only did not face criticism but also received support and understanding from the Silver Dragon residents. Even the Golden Wing netizens began to express envy.

"Wah, I really miss Commander Shen. If the Commander were here, he would definitely protect us to the end."

"The Shen family stands firm. While most aristocratic families have moved to the Celestial Realm, they chose to stay on Tianlang Star and even provided military supplies and resources to the military. The Shen family's stance is truly worthy of being a great aristocratic family!"

"So, is it true that Commander Shen sacrificed himself heroically? I don't want to believe it."

"It can't be. Among the active officers in the Golden Wing, Commander Shen is the most capable. He must still be alive. Besides, they haven't found his body, right?"

"We, the Silver Dragon people, also miss Colonel Xu."

"I heard that the Colonel went to rescue your Commander and then vanished together, woe."

"Every day, I sigh, despite being from opposing factions, their relationship is really good."

It's been N days since the little lunatic vanished from the public eye.

Even the netizens on the Star Horizon forum have started to miss him. They used to complain about him stirring up trouble every few days, with the forum always abuzz with his outrageous antics, filling the screen with chatter.

Now, they actually hope he would reappear, giving them the chance to flood the forum with posts again and get banned by the moderators.

·

"Mr. Feng, Director Chen is asking about the dinner meeting next week...?"

In the opulent VIP lounge.

Feng Jin was sitting on a long sofa, going over work and scheduling with his secretary in front of him. A few meters away, at the dressing table, Mu Ningluo was holding her phone, speaking to someone, her brow deeply furrowed, her expression both worried and serious.

Feng Jin lowered his eyes, considering his plans for next week, and finally declined, "Decline on my behalf."

"I have plans next week, no time to attend."

The empire is now on high alert.

The planets are still functioning, and the sun rises and sets as usual. So before the devil horde launches their attack, life in various star systems continues as usual.

"Okay."

After confirming everything with Feng Jin, the middle-aged male secretary left the lounge.

They are currently staying in a hotel on a planet in the Tian Snake system.

Feng Jin is here today for a brand launch event in collaboration with the Pei family, so he arrived early to prepare.

After the secretary left, Feng Jin, finally free from work for the moment, rubbed his forehead and took out his phone.

He received a message, and his sharp gaze softened slightly.

Meanwhile, Mu Ningluo, who had just hung up the phone, turned to look at him: "Husband, my ninth brother told me the situation in Tian Shen seems really bad."

"I don’t know what Zi Yu is thinking, refusing to send troops to Yin Long!"

"I’ve called him several times, but he won’t answer. He’s becoming more and more disrespectful!"

Feng Jin, whose operations are mostly in the Tian Snake system, didn’t seem concerned. Without looking up, he said coldly, "I told you before, if something happens, no part of the empire will be spared. You even argued with me about this back then."

"Now you see how right I was to refuse moving to Tian Shen."

Mu Ningluo pursed her lips quietly, knowing she was in the wrong.

She didn’t argue, instead walking behind his sofa to massage his shoulders: "Yes, yes, I’m not as capable or experienced as you."

From her angle, she could see Feng Jin’s phone screen.

He was browsing the financial news.

Mu Ningluo glanced briefly before getting to the point: "I can only send the guards from my palace to Tian Shen temporarily to help my siblings."

"But my brother didn’t leave me many military guards. Ah Jin, we’re family. Can the Feng family provide funds and resources to recruit troops and upgrade their equipment?"

"Don’t you have connections with arms dealers?"

"My sisters and sisters-in-law have been calling me all day, saying they might need the Feng family’s help..."

Feng Jin pushed her hand away, annoyed by her flattery.

He said coldly, "What? Do you think the Feng family is a charity?"

"Every time you need help, you come running to the Feng family."

"Shouldn’t the royal family be richer than us commoners?"

Mu Ningluo smiled awkwardly: "We royal relatives only have a nice title, who can interfere with military affairs except the palace?"

"Only your Feng family is more powerful, with more connections and channels. In times of emergency, we have to rely on you..."

Feng Jin was not moved by her words.

"I've already given your siblings many favors. The Feng family has many business headquarters outside Tian Shen that need protection. If the guards and weapons are given to Tian Shen, what will the Feng family's industries use to defend themselves?"

"Stop thinking about this, I won't agree."

After finishing his words, Feng Jin slammed the door and left.

Mu Ningluo was left in the lounge, both angry and worried.

A few minutes later, there was a sudden knock on the lounge door.

Mu Ningluo answered the door impatiently, and a hotel waiter, accompanied by her personal guard, walked in.

The waiter handed her a small package that had been checked by the guard and confirmed to contain no dangerous items, saying, "Princess Ningluo, this was delivered to the front desk for you."

Mu Ningluo accepted it.

Curious, she opened it and discovered a thin memory chip.

The sender had been considerate.

Concerned she might lack a card reader, they included a device to play the memory card's contents.

After dismissing the waiter and guard, she sat on the sofa, inserted the card, and began watching.

A few minutes later, her face gradually turned pale. Her shocked eyes burned with fury, as if she had witnessed something deeply humiliating and enraging.

...

Mu Zisheng's starship had successfully landed at the North City base on Dragon Moon Star.

As exiles from the empire, he and his team had forged a mutually beneficial alliance with the rebellious Southern Continent years ago. They gained intel on the empire from Dragon Moon, while the impoverished Southern Continent occasionally received scavenged resources.

Their relationship was strongest in North City.

Unlike the empire's military guards, Mu Zisheng's starship was granted smooth passage by the space station.

Meanwhile, Shen Tingyu piloted a spacecraft, jumping to the devil swarm's attack route and nearby stations in search of Xu Qingran. But by the eighth day, even after returning to Dragon Moon Star, Xu Qingran remained missing.

However, at the B29 station 30 light-years away, he found the 'shell' of a super-high-level devil leader.

It resembled a massive flower, lifeless and devoid of vitality. The controlling consciousness had clearly departed, leaving behind a hollow, nearly lifeless shell.

The other devils had retreated, leaving only scattered alien stragglers.

Shen Tingyu followed their attack route to look for more forward stations, but because the devil clan's power was gradually expanding, and the empire began to slack off and give up after failing to hold the 60th station, the speed of the devil's attacks became very fast.

Each time he arrived, he was just a step behind.

The base guards had vanished, as if swept away by a tornado, leaving only small devils wandering like ghosts.

"Any updates from the camp?"

Shen Tingyu had no choice but to return to Dragon Moon Star first and join forces with Mu Zisheng and others who were responsible for staying there to keep an eye on the situation.

Mu Zisheng shook his head: "I just checked with the North City guards—still no word on Xu Qingran."

"The people of Dragon Moon are worried about him, hoping he's safe."

Xu Qingran had worked tirelessly to overhaul Dragon Moon.

So this is undoubtedly where he'll return. It's just unclear in what state or form he'll return.

Shen Tingyu had no patience for anyone else.

Upon hearing the news from Mu Zisheng, he returned alone to the aircraft, locking himself in the small space to cool off.

On the back of Xu Qingran's note was a small line.

As if expecting him to figure out why he disappeared, and like a mischievous child, he obediently added—Don’t worry, this is the last one. After this, I’m out—no more crazy stunts.

Shen Tingyu clenched his fist, sighed, and lightly tapped his forehead.

You’re something else, Xu Qingran.

Their bond still held strong.

At least, he could sense Xu Qingran was still alive in spirit.

Shen Tingyu drifted into thought.

He had an unshakable faith in Xu Qingran. With things beyond his control, he started to reflect.

Reflecting on what he’d failed to do in his past life.

Could Xu Qingran pull it off?

Tianlong System - Silver Star.

A once-thriving planet now left in ruins.

It had long been overrun by devil swarms.

Every corner of the planet was teeming with devils.

At night, they emerged like flowers, dancing under the moonlight.

Most buildings stood as they once had.

But the scars of war had left even the grandest buildings marred.

And the once-thriving old city.

At the main base camp, the majestic and grand building, the pure silver dragon still sat atop it, looking up at the sky, ready to take flight.

In the dark, areas without power were eerily lifeless.

The full moon tonight cast a clear light on the lone figure walking the city streets.

Dressed in his signature silver-black outfit, his boots clicked against the stone-paved streets.

His long trench coat swayed with each step. His military cap, adorned with a silver dragon emblem, gleamed faintly in the moonlight.

The city was crawling with devils.

They danced and reveled, oblivious to the figure moving among them as if he were one of their own.

Until he reached the iconic building in the old city, climbed to the rooftop, and effortlessly ascended to the highest point.

The head of the silver dragon.

He finally sat down, one leg bent, surveying the city below.

The cold wind from above couldn't help but be drawn to this handsome man.

It deliberately circled around him, playing with his hair and his clothing.

Xu Qingran squinted his eyes, enjoying the touch of the cold wind.

After a long while, he finally raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

From such a great distance away.

This sound might go unheard by people on the ground floor.

But the horde of demons wandering the city.

Even from very far away, they seemed to hear the call, all looking toward the building where the coiled dragon was. They stared intently, motionless, as if waiting for the next command.

The man on the silver dragon's head narrowed his beautiful peach blossom eyes.

When he smiled, it seemed to add a touch of elegance to this lifeless city.

He spoke calmly: "Thank you for your continuous efforts."

Underneath his deep amber eyes, the brilliance of spiritual power swirled like storm clouds.

In the next moment, he continued: "Now—you can disappear."

The instant the command was given.

All the devils in the city erupted into chaos. They started attacking their companions or the buildings, tearing themselves apart.

Under the night sky.

The fog made of shards exploded one after another.

One figure after another collapsed at his command.

The shattered pieces fell like scattered flowers.

On the empty and silent city road, they lay like a colorful tapestry.