The dawn light, unobstructed by clouds, spread from the distance to the near, illuminating the world. The fish-belly white became even more translucent, brewing a hint of rosy glow that gradually blurred at the edges.
As the morning light graced the earth, it swept over forests and climbed high mountains, until the last remnants of darkness were dispelled, bathing the entire world in a sea of light.
Indeed, dawn had arrived.
For the Pirate Planet, it was a memorable yet unpleasant night. The noise had persisted throughout, leaving the disturbed residents feeling like the Azure Trees in the forest that had just been ravaged—exhausted and lifeless. Yet, what truly instilled fear was not knowing. The uncertainty of what had happened was the most torturous, much like the tragic ignorance that had plagued Dawn for centuries.
Those who knew the truth were no longer pitiable, but their emotional turmoil was even more acute.
“Brother, do you think he managed to escape?”
Onboard a manned mech flying into space, Lu Qijia wore a worried expression. Bill had just shared an overview of events with the Lu siblings. Although lacking in details, their keen minds could genuinely sense the looming crisis. Two against fifty; as a former professional soldier, Lu Hongyu had never heard of anyone winning under such circumstances. Although Jufeng only needed to escape in the end, having delayed for so long meant their chances were slim.
“To be honest, I’m not sure either, but I choose to believe in him!”
Upon hearing this, his sister fell silent, her worry deepening. She quietly closed her eyes and clasped her hands together; that moment felt particularly sacred.
Lu Hongyu observed his sister's actions and held back a thought that remained unspoken: someone who could save strangers they had only known for half a month at such a critical moment must surely be favored by fate!
...
At dawn's first light, atop a high mountain.
Two mechs surged forward like climbing apes on steep paths, occasionally sweeping away large rocks with their Iron Arms to hinder their pursuers behind them. They paid no mind to aiming accurately; they only wished to slightly delay those chasing them.
At this point in battle, even the lone wolf who hadn’t dismantled his Shell was out of supplies. The mountaintop was still far away, yet he couldn’t shake off his burdens for even a moment.
Jufeng’s mech had become a one-armed Hero; behind him were only about ten remaining minions of the Azure Dragon Monk. The lone wolf was on the brink of collapse due to leg injuries and continuous fighting. The only fortunate aspect was that their agreed-upon time was nearly upon them.
“Brother Jufeng, let’s ascend.”
The reminder from the Lone Wolf echoed in Jufeng's ears. He calculated the time and realized it should be enough for Bill and the others to return to space, so he began preparing for takeoff.
One hundred meters, fifty meters, twenty meters—the mountain path was coming to an end, with a cliff abyss ahead. However, Jufeng and his companion showed no signs of stopping.
"Boom!" Jufeng and the Lone Wolf landed heavily on the ground just before the cliff, then leaped with all their might.
The ground was marked by four deep impressions as two mechs soared into the air.
"Watch me give them a surprise!"
The Lone Wolf twisted in mid-air, producing a series of crisp metallic sounds as a small Shell appeared on his shoulder. This was the Micro Electromagnetic Interference Shell, capable of incapacitating the control systems of mechs within a certain range for three seconds.
Don't underestimate those three seconds; they can be crucial at decisive moments.
Like now.
The Shell was launched instantly, striking the pursuers who had just lifted off the ground and hadn't activated their propulsion systems yet. Naturally, a dozen mechs began to plummet like dumplings boiling in water. However, they wouldn't crash to their deaths; they could regain control before hitting the ground. But the Lone Wolf's goal was achieved because by the time they regained altitude, they found no trace of the enemy in sight.
"Boss, should we continue chasing?"
A member of the Special Operations Team asked his captain, only to be met with a barrage of scolding.
"Continue chasing? What nonsense! Do you want to end up like those brothers? Damn it, if our Special Operations Team has no good members left, do you think Azure Dragon Monk will appreciate your risking your life for him? The first one to die will be you! Idiot!"
The team member remained silent under the reprimand, while his companions fell silent as well.
"It seems we need to prepare for a retreat."
The universe was vast and boundless, and a spaceship was cruising steadily, just moments away from reaching its destination: Earth.
Jufeng had changed into casual attire, his large hand always holding onto a delicate one. The Lu siblings were both talented and stood out wherever they went. Liu Gulang was accompanied by his wife and son, followed closely by an Old Horse, who was engaged in a lively conversation with Bill. This scene at the dining table was picturesque, surrounded by the brilliant starry sky, unembellished yet exceptionally warm.
Everyone sat down to eat. Old Horse and Bill were rather boisterous, quickly setting down their chopsticks. The military family siblings also exhibited a military demeanor, generally putting down their bowls and chopsticks alongside Liu Gulang. Only two adults remained, savoring their food alongside the two children.
“Brother Lu, are you sure you and your sister don’t want to return to Earth with me?”
While serving Chuyang some food, Jufeng turned to the Lu siblings. Lu Hongyu glanced at his sister and, after receiving her confirmation, replied, “No, I’m more suited for the world outside. Qi Jia wants to explore more as well; it’s perfect to travel with Liu brother.”
The Lu siblings felt deeply grateful for Jufeng's kindness but were relieved that he did not force them into servitude; he allowed them to choose their own paths. Once her brother finished speaking, the sister quickly added, “When you marry Jia'er, remember to send us a message.”
The girl named Qi Jia smiled sweetly but with an inexplicable sentiment.
Jufeng smiled in acknowledgment. Although he had rescued the siblings, he never intended to demand their loyalty; he regarded them as friends.
“Old Liu, once we reach Earth, I’ll arrange for you to have proper identities. You’ll help me transfer funds to the Large Magellanic Cloud and bring two people there with you. Together, you’ll help expand my company. Also, it’s crucial that you find a way to inform Huankezhao about the Azure Dragon Monk situation. Since he dared to get involved in this matter, we can’t let him off easily.”
“Sure thing.”
It was truly remarkable how Jufeng had forged a bond of revolutionary friendship with Liu Gulang despite having stabbed him five times—figuratively speaking. The more time spent together revealed Romain's leadership qualities; while civilization and politeness were equally intelligent, they were reluctant to lead others. Liu Gulang was quite similar to Xue and possessed considerable strength himself. Observing how someone could command respect from those around him—like Old Horse, who clearly had sharp instincts—illustrated Romain's undeniable charm.
From Pirate Star to their escape, everyone began to understand each other better as they grew closer and worked together more seamlessly. Now, a group of adults watched two children eat without feeling awkward at all.
“Dad, can I go to Earth with Uncle Feng?”
The boy who had been focused on his meal suddenly looked up at his father and asked. The adults present turned their attention toward him momentarily, causing him to feel shy as he quickly lowered his head again.
“Oh? Liu Xing, Uncle wants to ask you why you want to come with me?”
"I'm... I'm..." The boy named Liu Xing stammered, especially when his gaze flickered towards Chuyang, quickly looking away.
Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but laugh. Star Mom affectionately patted her son's head, just about to gently dissuade him from his intentions when unexpectedly, her husband readily agreed.
"Brother Jufeng, if you don't mind him being baggage, let him follow you."
Upon hearing this, Jufeng didn't hesitate and immediately agreed. Liu Xing was particularly delighted by the response, while Chuyang scoffed dismissively a few times.
Dinner soon reached its conclusion, with Earth just ahead. Jufeng gazed into the deep starry sea, his thoughts drifting to old friends back on Earth.
How is Jia'er? Are all four sisters doing well? How has the Zongheng Express been managed? And what about those enemies, the Unification Alliance? Have you all washed your necks, waiting for the master to swing the knife?
(To be continued)
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