Chapter 55

Chapter 55

When Bai Luming descended, He Yilan was next in line.

Citing the Mecha Department cadets' poor technical skills, he directly declined the opportunity to instruct, completing his appearance and return in under three minutes.

Bai Luming sat cross-legged on the ground in the back row, watching as Chu Xiao was enthusiastically surrounded by others. He felt quite satisfied with the outcome of formally handing over the recommendation to the White Army.

The light in front of him dimmed. Looking up, he saw He Yilan return and settle directly beside him. Bai Luming chuckled at this casual act of sitting on the ground, just like him—if memory served, Mr. He was somewhat of a germaphobe. Had this been when they first met, he would likely have complained about the ground being dirty.

He Yilan noticed Bai Luming’s gaze: "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Nothing," Bai Luming replied. "Just thinking how much you’ve matured."

He Yilan: "?"

He cast a silent glance at Bai Luming: "He’s coming."

"Indeed." Bai Luming knew exactly what He Yilan meant. Although Huo Mingyue hadn’t explicitly stated it, judging from his earlier words, the most likely candidate for the ruling was Shen Yanfeng. "The timing is good. From the schedule, he should arrive just in time for the final reserve elimination selection."

He Yilan: "Even so, observing this assessment in that capacity is already making a bigger fuss than necessary."

Bai Luming nodded: "So, we must withdraw immediately after it’s over."

He Yilan said with a faint smile: "Are you sure we can withdraw?"

Regarding Shen Yanfeng, Bai Luming believed he understood him well enough: "What’s there to be unsure about? Xiao Shen has always respected my opinions. His career is flourishing, his future vast—a brief reunion should suffice. What era is this? There’s no need to make a big deal out of some retirement recall, right?"

At this, he pointedly turned to look at He Yilan: "But some people, holding important positions yet neglecting their duties, spending their days on who knows what 'important' matters—is that really okay?"

He Yilan said calmly: "I have my own rhythm."

Bai Luming’s eyebrow twitched: "Oh? Your rhythm means burning the candle at both ends, watching holographic movies in the simulation pod every day?"

He Yilan: "That’s you."

Bai Luming scoffed: "Why quibble? Isn’t that you too?"

"Of course not," He Yilan replied. "I watch holographic operas."

Bai Luming: "...Well, aren’t you cultured."

"Thank you for the compliment," He Yilan responded. "If you’re interested, I can recommend a few classics."

Bai Luming blurted out: "No need, I’m tone-deaf and get dizzy from opera."

"What a pity," He Yilan said, though his expression bore no trace of regret. Instead, as he looked at Bai Luming, a subtle glint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "However, this 'neglecting duties' won’t last much longer."

"Tch, didn’t you just say you had your own rhythm? Now you’re admitting you’re neglecting your duties?"

Bai Luming chuckled, about to tease him further, when He Yilan asked: "After we withdraw from here, have you thought about where you’ll go?"

Bai Luming paused, glancing at He Yilan: "Not yet."

Logically, he should return to Planet 6616, but Lu Wuchen had revealed his hand with that video and even had the repair shop blown up, clearly indicating he no longer needed to stay there. So, going back to that little dilapidated attic seemed unnecessary—it might even attract unwanted attention due to Lu Wuchen’s special status.

Thus, Planet 6616 was essentially out of the question. But if not there, where? He’d been talking about withdrawing for days, but when it came down to it, he truly had nowhere to go for the time being.

Perhaps… the universe is vast; why not explore it?

Bai Luming thought for a moment: "Do you have a suggestion?"

He Yilan: "As a matter of fact, I do."

Bai Luming had asked casually and hadn’t expected a serious response, so he grew curious: "Tell me about it."

"I’ve been with you for so long. If you truly have nowhere to go, you could choose to come back with me."

He Yilan looked at him calmly. "Although there are plenty of vexing matters where I am, I can at least guarantee that if you don’t wish to see someone, they absolutely won’t disturb you."

Just then, a breeze swept by, gently tousling their hair.

Their gazes met in mid-air. After a moment, Bai Luming smiled faintly: "That sounds quite appealing. It’s certainly worth considering."

His light remark lingered briefly before its tail end rose meaningfully: "However, are you sure all that time before was spent—accompanying me?"

He Yilan remained unfazed by the direct challenge: "If you round it off, that’s one way to interpret it."

Bai Luming stared at him for a long moment before letting out a deep sigh: "Truly, I’ve never seen such a shameless person."

He Yilan: "Now you have. What do you think?"

Bai Luming no longer watched the match on the field, lying back comfortably on the grass with his arms behind his head: "I guess… it’s not entirely unpleasant."

He Yilan glanced at him: "Do you know that assessment, if rounded, could have another interpretation?"

Bai Luming closed his eyes, his voice lazy: "What?"

He Yilan didn’t answer, slowly lying down beside Bai Luming.

He had never lain on the grass so carelessly before. Now that he tried it, it felt quite good.

Not entirely unpleasant.

Rounded, the interpretation was—rather fond of it.

*

The guidance session from the four army representatives concluded, and news that several cadets, including Chu Xiao, had caught the attention of the four armies quickly spread throughout Nawei Fortress.

Some felt regret at not being selected, some envied those who were chosen, but most rallied their spirits and threw themselves more actively into the ranking challenges, hoping to secure a spot in the elite team and perform well in the final selection assessment.

Bai Luming continued his routine of slacking off to watch movies during the day and rushing to clock out at night, counting down the days until a certain someone’s arrival.

Far beyond the reach of the Nawei Military Region’s information station.

A vessel emblazoned with the Blaze Legion’s insignia traveled through the vast starry sea.

As Shen Yanfeng’s adjutant, Han Yuan still had no idea the purpose of the marshal’s trip. As they neared their destination, his curiosity about the remote star sector SW-533 grew.

"Adjutant Han Yuan, there’s a situation here." Hearing the cruiser’s words, Han Yuan quickly walked over. Seeing what was on the screen, his eyes widened in shock. "This is…"

The cruiser’s expression mirrored Han Yuan’s: "These warships seem to be heading in the same direction as us."

The same direction—wasn’t that the SW-533 star sector?

The thought had barely crossed his mind when Han Yuan saw a new communication request appear on the large screen.

After connecting, he maintained his composure to complete the handover. Under the stunned gazes of everyone in the control cabin, he hurried toward the depths of the warship.

Han Yuan knocked on the door of the innermost lounge. Granted entry, he delivered his message immediately upon entering: "Marshal Shen, there’s a meeting request."

Shen Yanfeng looked over: "I don't recall any meeting scheduled at this time."

"It's an impromptu invitation." Han Yuan placed the projection device on Shen Yanfeng's desk. "This meeting is somewhat unusual—it was initiated by... Red Marshal in a personal capacity."

Shen Yanfeng was slightly taken aback: "Red Marshal?"

Apart from the annual interstellar conference on the Imperial Star, the commanders of the Four Great Armies rarely initiate online meetings independently, especially not in such a personal capacity.

After all, the relationship among the four armies is somewhat delicate—not exactly confrontational, but they are indeed all competitors. It’s hardly the time for casual, friendly gatherings.

Moreover, Shen Yanfeng’s status as the newly appointed White Army Marshal is somewhat special. If Bai Luming were here, he might exchange banter with the others, but Shen Yanfeng, in front of Chi Yan, is ultimately a junior in rank.

Han Yuan was just as shocked, if not more, and conveyed the latest report with a troubled expression: "...On the route to the SW-533 star sector, we detected traces of other armies. This invitation might be related to that."

Shen Yanfeng: "..."

A sudden online invitation, headed in the same direction—though he wished otherwise, only one possibility came to mind.

Marshal Bai, just how big of a slip did you make!?

"Understood. You may leave now."

Shen Yanfeng resisted the urge to massage his temples, had Han Yuan leave, and took a moment to compose himself before connecting his micro-terminal to the projection device.

A layer of light expanded from the base of the device, quickly filling the entire room.

The scene changed instantly, and from the military insignias on the walls, it was clear they were in the Red Feather Army’s conference hall.

Shen Yanfeng spotted the three others present immediately. He walked over, pulled out a chair, and took his seat unhurriedly.

No one had expected that the four marshals of the Four Great Armies would gather online in this manner.

"Young Shen is here. Shall we begin now?" Jin Wumian’s striking gold eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned the others, his patience wearing thin. "Can someone please explain what treasure lies within the Nawei Military Region that has all of you making such a big deal?"

Qing Yileng glanced at him: "You don’t even know what’s going on, yet you’re here just to see what’s happening?"

Jin Wumian let out an indifferent "Tch." "Why not? I’m not like you, analyzing every move with a full cost-benefit analysis. Since there’s nothing urgent in my army lately, I came when I heard there was something interesting."

As he spoke, his slender finger pointed at Qing Yileng, then slowly shifted to Chi Yan, and finally settled on Shen Yanfeng: "You, you, and you—all three of your armies are involved. For the sake of completeness, I should join in. Otherwise, it’d be a shame to miss out."

Qing Yileng responded with a dismissive, cold laugh: "The only one feeling regret is you."

Jin Wumian lifted his chin slightly and gave a cold, haughty look toward Chi Yan: "A-Yan, look, this machine is bullying me again."

Chi Yan ignored Jin Wumian’s remark. From the beginning, his gaze had been locked on Shen Yanfeng.

When he spoke, it was as blunt as ever: "Marshal Shen, I’m glad you accepted the invitation. Since we’ve gathered here today, it seems you’ve also received some news."

If Shen Yanfeng had held onto any hope before, it was now clear that these individuals shared the same objective.

In response to Chi Yan’s words, he replied calmly: "It seems Red Marshal’s sources are better-informed than mine."

The distances from each army’s territory to the SW-533 star sector varied, yet these armies had arrived at roughly the same time—indicating they had obtained the intelligence earlier than he had.

"Not necessarily well-informed," Chi Yan replied. "It’s just that the records on the military intranet were breached, so I investigated it."

"The military intranet?" Shen Yanfeng had already confirmed the situation with Huo Mingyue. According to frontline reports, Marshal Bai had maintained an unremarkable personal performance. Who would have thought he’d gone after the Red Army’s ranking records on the intranet?

Could it be that Marshal Bai wasn’t intentionally hiding his abilities?

Chi Yan didn’t hide anything. With a few simple operations, he displayed a screenshot of the rankings for the mecha project.

A temporary account at the top stood out prominently.

Jin Wumian smiled faintly: "I heard about A-Yan’s record being surpassed. Given how worked up everyone is, I guessed it was about this person. To think it’s actually a cadet from the Nawei Military Region—interesting. It looks like all four armies are planning to compete for this person?"

Qing Yileng: "...Don’t worry, that won’t happen. You won’t be able to recruit this person."

Jin Wumian frowned slightly: "Won’t be able to recruit? Is it not a cadet but an already assigned soldier? Even if they’re assigned, they can still be reassigned if desired."

Qing Yileng didn’t engage further and glanced at the time: "I have mecha testing to attend to. I’ll take my leave now."

Chi Yan nodded: "It’s about time. I should head to practical training as well."

"A robot and a workaholic—you’ll work yourselves to death." Jin Wumian waved dismissively. "Go on, then. Both of you are so secretive—I couldn’t get a word out of either. I’m leaving too."

Chi Yan: "Marshal Shen, see you at the Nawei Military Region."

Shen Yanfeng nodded: "See you at the Nawei Military Region."

As he spoke, the surroundings flickered a few times.

In moments, everything in sight faded like a receding tide, vanishing completely.

Shen Yanfeng sat quietly on the sofa for a moment before summoning Han Yuan: "Send a request to the Nawei Military Region. We’ll land at the military airfield in three days."

Han Yuan: "Understood."

*

Several consecutive notification alerts sounded at the Nawei Military Region’s information desk.

After receiving the first message, they received three more landing applications.

When they saw the senders’ signatures, the staff pinched themselves hard to confirm it wasn’t a hallucination.

After a long pause, someone spoke in a trembling voice: "Is this... f-f-f-four marshals arriving in person!?"

The words still felt surreal.

Everyone present exchanged glances, each seeing a look of sheer disbelief in the others’ eyes.

Were they really awake?

The information officer finally snapped back to reality: "Quick! Report to the general!"

Four marshals arriving at their Nawei Military Region.

Things are about to change dramatically!