"Little Zero..." Stepping back into the main control room of the Mars, Zhong Yun felt as if he had crossed worlds. Looking at ZER, who radiated a chilling aura, his nose stung, much like a traveler returning to a loved one after decades away.

Zhong Yun had envisioned countless scenarios for reuniting with his kin, but now, facing Xiao Ling, the one closest to him, the long-brewing emotion culminated in just one question: "How did you find me?"

"Because you are my Master." Months had passed, yet ZER remained as ice-cold as ever, but this very coldness brought Zhong Yun profound comfort. Only now did his heart settle completely.

"From the moment you became my Master, our connection could never be severed, unless, of course, you die," ZER stated.

"Go on, I'm not dead yet," Zhong Yun scoffed with a laugh, sinking comfortably into the captain's chair.

Then a thought struck him. "So, when the incident happened, I should have just stayed put and waited?"

"Theoretically, yes."

Zhong Yun slapped his own forehead. It seemed his decision to seek hope after losing his cosmic coordinates had been the wrong one. Had he waited, he probably would have met Xiao Ling sooner.

Yet, if he were thrown back to that exact moment, he would make the same choice again. As he always said, waiting for death was not in his nature.

"But the Mars is much faster than that derelict escape pod. Why did it take you so long to locate me?" Zhong Yun wondered aloud.

"I only received news of your predicament ten days ago."

ZER's response startled Zhong Yun. "What happened?"

"Five months ago, when you boarded that vessel, I received a message from Qiyun Star. The message stated that the base had detected an unidentified ship flying toward Qiyun Star. Consequently, I brought the Mars to Qiyun Star for an inspection."

"Is everything alright on Qiyun Star?" Hearing that their home base had been troubled, Zhong Yun instantly grew tense.

"It was just a small pirate gang. They have been eliminated," ZER replied.

Although Xiao Ling made it sound effortless, Zhong Yun could imagine the process was anything but simple; otherwise, he wouldn't have been searched for months.

"It's good that it's over," Zhong Yun sighed in relief. He then licked his lips. "There is one more thing; this planet..."

Though he left his question unfinished, ZER had already guessed his inquiry. "This planet is not officially registered. It remains a natural world."

"Heh heh..." Zhong Yun couldn't suppress his grin. That meant he was about to claim another planet in his name. Even though he had nearly perished several times on this trip, if he could secure a planet out of it, it was all worth it.

Donning the universal translator ZER had prepared for him, Zhong Yun stood up with high spirits. He was going to deal with the final obstacle to claiming this world.

"Right, that woman's Yuan energy level has reached the second tier now. Will it be dangerous for me to go like this?" After taking a couple of steps, Zhong Yun paused and looked back.

"There is absolutely no danger."

Having received the affirmative answer, Zhong Yun walked toward the room where Yu Daoqing was settled. It was the second day since they had left that planet, and he still remembered the sight of Yu Daoqing standing beneath the light pillar, weeping silently that night.

"It's you."

This time, Zhong Yun finally understood the clear, crisp, and melodious words of Yu Daoqing, which sounded like jade beads dropping onto a plate—the automatic translator had done its work. Apparently, she had been speaking in Universal Common.

Seeing her, Zhong Yun froze. "Your face..." After a full day aboard the ship, Yu Daoqing’s clothes had been changed to a spacesuit, but the streaks of red and green paint on her face had not been washed off.

"That requires a special solvent to remove," Yu Daoqing said dismissively, inviting him into her quarters.

Zhong Yun had arranged a large, spacious cabin for her, fully equipped. As they sat down, Yu Daoqing suddenly glanced at him, and a strange light flashed in her amber eyes. "I didn't expect someone so young to command such a large vessel. Your background must be quite significant."

Zhong Yun’s hand, reaching for a drink, paused almost imperceptibly. Was she trying to probe his origins? "Oh, just average. Not from any particularly remarkable family."

Yu Daoqing stared intently at him, seemingly trying to discern if his words were sincere or a mere deflection. After a long moment, she withdrew her gaze and casually inquired, "May I ask why Xiao Yun has come to see me?"

"Can't I visit you just because I want to?" Zhong Yun replied with a smile. "Are you accustomed to life on the ship?"

"You didn't really come just to check on me, did you?" Yu Daoqing looked at him with a faint, knowing smile.

Zhong Yun was not impressed by her habit of packing veiled meanings into every sentence, but he didn't care much either. After all, they were only acquaintances for a short time. Once he delivered her to a safe location, they would part ways, and there would be no further need to interact. Therefore, he didn't even bother to ask where she was from.

Zhong Yun pursed his lips. "I was wondering where would be the most suitable place to drop you off."

A strange, vibrant light suddenly ignited in Yu Daoqing’s amber eyes. Though she tried hard to conceal it, her erratic breathing betrayed her; she was tremendously excited inside.

"Leave me on Liberty Star," Yu Daoqing said softly after a prolonged pause.

This was exactly what Zhong Yun had hoped for. They were not far from Liberty Star; after one space jump, they could arrive in less than ten days. The Mars needed to refuel anyway, and the still-unconscious Zhang Xiao needed to be admitted to a good hospital for treatment. Furthermore, Zhong Yun had a mountain of his own business to attend to.

He certainly didn't have the time or the spare funds to escort her all the way home. Although she had arguably saved him once, he had also removed her from that primitive planet, giving her hope of returning home.

"What nationality are you?" Yu Daoqing suddenly looked up, asking with seriousness.

"I am Martian." Recalling that common phrase from his past life on Earth, Zhong Yun couldn't help but smile.

"Martian?" Yu Daoqing frowned, trying to recall the name, but she drew a blank. "Why haven't I heard of it before?"

You wouldn't have, Zhong Yun thought. He had no intention of letting her uncover his true background, so he simply said, "It's a very remote star sector. It's normal if you haven't heard of it."

Yu Daoqing silently made a mental note.

"Right, there is one thing I need to discuss with you." The small talk concluded, Zhong Yun decided to get down to business. "That planet..."

"You mean that natural world?" Yu Daoqing glanced at him. "If you want it, just take it."

Her generosity utterly surprised Zhong Yun. He had expected to spend a great deal of effort persuading her, perhaps even offering some compensation. He hadn't even brought up the subject, and she had already conceded it.

All the well-rehearsed speeches he had prepared instantly became useless, leaving Zhong Yun with the feeling of throwing a punch into empty air. After a moment of awkward silence, he managed to utter dryly, "Your magnanimity truly outshines the stars themselves."