Hear the Command is dead, killed by his own ambush method, External Missile.
Dying by the very means one excels at—could it be a form of tragedy?
From certain perspectives, there is indeed a sense of regret, for this Cosmos has lost another Red-Class Mecha Pilot.
Yet from another angle, it is truly a cause for celebration, as this Cosmos has rid itself of a scoundrel, becoming a little brighter in the process.
As chaos erupted in front of the Administrative Building, Jufeng had already arrived at the entrance of another tall building. A woman hurried down from the high-rise, grasped Jufeng's wrist, and then vanished into the crowd.
It was peak commuting time, coinciding with the day designated for passage by the Suihuan Army. Jufeng and Vera easily evaded their pursuers and entered the vastness of the Cosmos, continuing their journey home.
The news of Hear the Command's death would not go unnoticed; it quickly spread to every corner of the universe.
Discussions about such matters are an eternal spectacle. The departure of a talented yet wicked individual often leaves behind legendary tales in history. What concerns people most is how such a prominent figure met his end. By whose hand did he fall? What conspiracies were at play?
"I hear you killed Hear the Command, impressive indeed. That young man could send chills down my spine even when I met him."
Dragon Elder lay in a hospital bed, gazing at the weary-looking Jufeng by his side, and softly asked. His tone remained gentle, but his words carried an overwhelming fatigue.
It was a weariness that signaled an impending farewell to this world.
Since Jufeng last saw Dragon Elder, time had mercilessly passed over eight years. In that span, Jufeng had transformed from a youthful lad into a man on the cusp of maturity. Meanwhile, Dragon Elder, once sprightly enough to leap over rocks, had become a frail figure lying on a hospital bed, teetering on the brink of life.
Time is indeed the most ruthless of all.
Looking at the old man on the bed, a ray of morning light broke through the window, illuminating his already pale face, causing Jufeng an inexplicable heartache, making him want to shed tears.
"It wasn't me who killed him; you were too vigilant about Fengzi. I can't handle firearms; it was my wife who took care of that."
Jufeng tried to make his tone sound as cheerful as possible, wanting to dispel some of the somberness that hung in the air.
Upon hearing Romain's words, the Dragon Elder chuckled, his wrinkles resembling the deep ravines of a basin, each line telling tales of past ups and downs.
"Having a wife is a good thing; it's that girl you were with before, right? She's also Crimson Rank, quite a match. And that girl is very compassionate and kind; you must treat her well."
Romain nodded; he would certainly heed the Dragon Elder's advice.
The Dragon Elder slowly turned his face toward the ceiling. The hospital ceiling was white, with slightly wrinkled wallpaper that seemed to invite tranquility.
The Dragon Elder fell silent, and Romain didn't know what else to say. In front of an elderly man on the verge of departing this world, it felt as if all words had lost their meaning.
After a long pause, it was still the Dragon Elder who spoke again.
"What do you think about Huankezhao's actions?"
The old man was about to leave, yet with the world in chaos, he couldn't depart with peace of mind. They had just discussed emotions; now it was time for serious matters.
Matters concerning the universe.
Jufeng had a consistent understanding of the situation regarding Huankezhao, and he acted upon it. He was relentlessly pursued, shot in the shoulder, and found himself on the brink of death multiple times. If he could not express his intentions, would it all be in vain?
"Dragon Elder should be aware of my actions throughout this journey. Chen Tan Hua has already sent all the information we could investigate to the military. My only thought is that even if it costs me my life, I will fight Huankezhao to the end."
Upon hearing Jufeng's response, Dragon Elder's expression remained unchanged, revealing no hint of joy or sorrow.
Jufeng felt a sense of confusion; he did not understand why Dragon Elder was indifferent to his answer. Shouldn't he have received some praise? After all, he stood firmly alongside the Universal Police and had caused significant trouble for Shangguan Wangyu—even though Jufeng did not expect any accolades.
In response to Jufeng's bewilderment, Dragon Elder uttered a statement that left him utterly shocked.
"Why bother? Why be so obsessed? It doesn't matter who holds power, as long as the people live in peace and contentment. Whether it's the United Nations or the Suihuan Army ruling this universe, what difference does it make?"
Jufeng's mouth fell open in disbelief; was this elderly man still the Commander of the Universal Ironclad Brigade he knew? Was he not the one who fiercely opposed evil and upheld justice? Why was he pouring such icy cold water on Jufeng's commitment to his red cause?
Stunned into silence, Jufeng's expression froze as he struggled to comprehend. It wasn't until more members of the Universal Police and Senior Management from the United Nations entered to visit the elder that Jufeng dazedly walked out, still unable to regain his composure.
Outside the hospital stretched an endless expanse of green grass. Vera sat in the middle of a grassy field wearing a light green dress, while Sisi, dressed in sporty attire, knelt beside her, eager to share stories from the past three months.
Next to the grassy area was a Bluestone Path where Liu Gulang stood, watching Jufeng emerge with a hint of concern.
Vera rose, Sisi stood up as well, and Liu Gulang stepped aside.
Jufeng walked past them without uttering a word, and no one dared to ask him anything.
He arrived at the end of Bluestone Path, where there was a swimming pool. Chen Tan Hua was basking in the sunlight, and he noticed Jufeng's unusual demeanor, which filled him with an inexplicable sense of unease.
Beside Chen Tan Hua were Tian Feng and Civilization, a group of elites among humanity. They were discussing a wide range of topics, their spirits high, but Jufeng's presence silenced them, leaving a sense of tension in the air.
Tian Feng glanced at Civilization, who was looking further away at the Inpatient Building.
This was the highest-level Inpatient Department of Cosmos, and only a select few could enter—those who stood at the pinnacle of Cosmos.
What could have happened to that old man?
Chen Tan Hua exchanged a glance with Civilization and suddenly felt something was off.
When something a person firmly believes in suddenly appears different in front of someone they thought would agree with them, it can easily lead to a breakdown.
Civilization reflected on the past eight years; if Jufeng had managed to get through them unscathed, what problem could possibly bring him down now?
He offered a reassuring look to those who were watching him.
Vera closely followed Jufeng, while Sisi looked at Vera with concern.
Vera had no idea what kind of issue had struck Jufeng so hard. However, after three months of living together, she was convinced that the current Jufeng was invincible in the universe.
No matter what that old man faced, Jufeng would surely come to terms with it; he just needed some time.
Vera looked at Jufeng's back and suddenly called out, "Wind!"
Jufeng stopped, turned around, and looked at Vera with a gentle smile before saying, "I'm fine."
Everyone felt relieved.
However, just as Jufeng finished speaking, he turned his back to the pool, leaped into the air, and sank to the bottom.
Splash!
A huge splash erupted.
(To be continued)
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