When the Mercury was two hundred and fifty thousand kilometers behind them, their speed began to decrease. This halt lasted for several hours.

Zhong Yun was curious, intensely wanting to know why they had stopped. However, due to the vast distance, all he could detect was that they had paused near a small celestial body orbiting a star.

After much deliberation, he summoned Chu Tiange and the others, explaining the current situation.

Although the news of discovering traces of a human spacecraft generated palpable excitement, they managed to restrain themselves, patiently listening to every word Zhong Yun spoke. This composure greatly satisfied him. While the six of them were often boisterous, they possessed the composure required for critical moments.

“That is the situation,” Zhong Yun concluded, looking at them expectantly.

The six listened intently, deep in thought. Twenty-One suddenly looked up, “You want us to scout ahead and assess the situation.”

“Yes.” Zhong Yun’s gaze locked directly onto his eyes. He employed no trickery, nor did he offer false justifications; instead, he gave a straightforward nod. Having spent these days together, he understood the straightforward nature of these individuals; any pretense would only earn their contempt.

As expected, Chu Tiange smiled, “No problem, leave it to us.”

“No, I don't plan for all of you to go together.”

Zhong Yun unexpectedly rejected the offer. “You are going to gather intelligence; having too many people will actually be inconvenient.”

“You are the commanding officer; whatever you decide goes,” Zeng Xiaosan said indifferently.

Zhong Yun didn't stand on ceremony. He tapped his fingers on the table, issuing his order. “Xiao Er. Ruomeng. The two of you will make the trip.”

“Consider it done,” Wang Xiaoer and Chang Ran Ruomeng agreed without a hint of hesitation. They stood up and moved toward the door.

“Wait.” Zhong Yun called them back. “Use my mechs. They are in Launch Bay Three, Egress Ports Thirteen and Fourteen.”

“The models?” Wang Xiaoer frowned. Switching to new mechs on short notice was rarely a good idea. Mastering a mech’s performance took significant time. Even the best mech, if operated clumsily, was inferior to a familiar, lower-grade unit.

Chang Ran Ruomeng blinked at him, conveying the same sentiment.

How could Zhong Yun not understand this logic? He softly uttered two names, “‘Shadow Wraith Type Five.’ ‘Spike Type Five.’”

The six, who had remained outwardly calm upon hearing about the discovered spacecraft, suddenly saw their eyes widen to their absolute limit. Especially Wang Xiaoer and Chang Ran Ruomeng, whose bodies trembled with excitement.

“Wh-what?”

Zhong Yun smiled. For a mech pilot, nothing was more moving than the offer of high-grade mechs. The six-man unit had performed excellently in battle, accumulating significant merits, yet the best they had managed to acquire were only three-star mechs. It was only due to the intercession of their superior, the Fleet Commander, that they were allowed to keep those mechs upon retirement.

In truth, the three-star mechs could never fully unleash their capabilities. They dreamed constantly of owning a four-star mech.

But four-star mechs were exceptionally rare; in Davo, only the military, the great aristocratic houses, or major powers possessed them. Within the military, only Brigadier Generals and above were allocated four-star units. Given their current ranks and lack of connections, they knew they would never reach General status in their lifetimes.

Although their skills were formidable, the base they were associated with was directly overseen by Yu Daoqing. Following her disappearance, and the death of every supervisor, the base remained un-rebuilt. Returning to the Yidao Group offered no viable path.

Other factions would not take in people like them; after all, they bore the indelible mark of the Yidao Group, and no one could guarantee they weren't playing a double game. There was no shortage of expert pilots; why take such a risk?

With no path forward and lacking alternative specialized skills, they could only rely on the severance pay provided by the military, opening a small bodyguard company. Earning a modest income was feasible, but owning a four-star mech for the rest of their lives was a lost cause.

Yet, fate offered them another chance when Ming Yunyu’s management agency approached them, presenting an incredibly generous offer: to serve as Ming Yunyu’s bodyguards, escorting her to the Yanbin Empire, with the down payment being six four-star mechs.

This extravagant display immediately won them over. To serve whom one served mattered little; with a shared resolution, the six accepted the contract.

Thus, the six experienced a massive upgrade in capability, securing a four-star mech and elevating their overall strength to a new plateau. Frankly, merely obtaining four-star mechs had already satisfied them beyond measure.

In Davo, a nation in the first stage of intermediate civilization, four-star mechs were already the stuff of legend. Five-star? Not only in Davo, but even nations in the second stage of intermediate civilization might not possess one. They simply did not appear at auctions on the Free Stars, regardless of the price one could offer.

But Zhong Yun, at the very first mention, offered two five-star mechs, and moreover, they belonged to the same series as the units Wang Xiaoer and Chang Ran Ruomeng piloted. They could scarcely believe their ears, staring blankly at Zhong Yun, unable to process the reality.

Every mech model possessed higher iterations. For instance, the ‘Shadow Wraith Type Four’ used by Wang Xiaoer was an advanced version of the ‘Shadow Wraith Type One,’ with Type Two, Type Three, and even higher Types like Five and Six existing in between. They were lineage-based; a pilot familiar with the ‘Shadow Wraith Type One’ would find it significantly easier to adapt to the ‘Shadow Wraith Type Two.’

Since Wang Xiaoer was proficient with the ‘Shadow Wraith Type Four,’ transitioning to the Type Five would present no issues, even on the first use. That was the reason behind Zhong Yun’s confidence. More critically, both mechs were stealth-capable, offering immense concealment—perfect for this kind of reconnaissance mission.

“Boss, you are truly wise and mighty!” Zeng Xiaosan suddenly leaped up, throwing himself at Zhong Yun, tears and snot flying. He deftly dodged the embrace and then regarded Zhong Yun with an expression of absolute purity, “Boss, I know you must have more.”

Zhong Yun smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying the implication.

Zeng Xiaosan scratched his head frantically, unsure what to do next.

Wang Xiaoer and Chang Ran Ruomeng had already bolted out the door, impatient to witness what their long-dreamed-of five-star mechs were truly like.

The remaining four stared intensely at Zhong Yun, wishing they could physically force the answer from him regarding any additional five-star mechs. They understood the immense value of a single five-star mech; it could command the loyalty of pilots stronger than themselves. No mech pilot could resist such a temptation.

Yet, they couldn't restrain themselves. Even if they couldn't own one, simply seeing it, or perhaps piloting it once, would make their lives complete.

Zhong Yun leisurely sipped his tea, pretending not to notice their hopeful gazes.

Five hours later, Wang Xiaoer finally returned. The remnants of excitement had not yet faded from his face as he entered. The other four regarded him with an envy sharp enough to kill.

“Where is Ruomeng?” Zhong Yun’s brow furrowed deeply.

“He is still out there monitoring them; I returned first to report the situation.” Wang Xiaoer stood rigidly, his posture perfectly straight, eyes fixed forward. The slight excitement from moments before had completely vanished. The military Wang Xiaoer had returned.

“Understood.” Zhong Yun nodded, his expression softening slightly. “Tell me everything you discovered.”

“Yes.” Wang Xiaoer responded loudly and began his report.

The opposing force consisted of only one ship, comparable in size to the Mercury.

Nationality remains undetermined; combat personnel exceed ten thousand. Preliminary assessment suggests it is a mining vessel.

They are stationed on that celestial body, engaged in resource extraction, constantly ferrying ore into the ship.

The enemy exhibits extremely high levels of vigilance and superior equipment. The mechs deployed for perimeter security are all high-grade; although I couldn't identify the exact models, their level is certainly above four-star.

After hearing Wang Xiaoer’s report, Zhong Yun fell into deep thought. The five others held their breath, terrified of disturbing him.

Uniformly four-star or higher mechs, casually mining ore…

The entire scene felt bizarre, yet one fact was certain: since they were calmly extracting minerals here, they were clearly not stranded or suffering misfortune like his own crew.

Did this suggest they were deeply familiar with this location?

Zhong Yun’s heart gave a jolt. An idea sparked within him: Had they finally left the Dead Zone? Otherwise, how would they encounter a mining vessel?

This thought set his emotions surging. He suppressed the urge to immediately engage them; the more pivotal the moment, the greater the need for caution. He would not make contact, but he could certainly trail them stealthily. Regardless of the possibility, Zhong Yun would not relinquish this opportunity.

The mere thought of escaping this desolate place made Zhong Yun feel so emotional he nearly wept.

“What do we do now?” Twenty-One, keenly observing Zhong Yun’s demeanor, sensed a decision had been reached and asked.

Zhong Yun only spoke four words: “Wait and observe.”

Wang Xiaoer left again after reporting, needing to return and rendezvous with Chang Ran Ruomeng.

“Oh, right, one more thing,” Bai Yuwan suddenly interjected. “The captain of the Pearl has been insistent on seeing you.”

Zhong Yun tugged his earlobe. If Bai Yuwan hadn't mentioned it, he might have forgotten about the eight thousand distressed survivors aboard the Mercury. Indeed, after months confined within the vessel, their patience must have reached its absolute limit; arguments were likely brewing. The captain must be their chosen representative for negotiations.

Frankly, he had no desire to meet them. He had saved these people without asking for anything in return. The best repayment they could offer was to leave him in peace.

He was about to refuse when a sudden thought struck him, changing the words on his lips. “Then, please invite the Captain over. Remember, only the Captain, alone.”

After a pause, he added, “Hmm, while you're at it, please ask Miss Ming to come as well. To show good faith, Brother Yuwan, please make this trip yourself.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Bai Yuwan replied with a smile.

Zhong Yun stood up. “Twenty-One, when the Captain arrives, you will speak with him on my behalf first. If he makes any demands, stall him. When Miss Ming arrives, have her come to me first.”

Twenty-One nodded, confirming his understanding.

Seeing this, Zhong Yun left the main hall and entered the adjacent room.

A moment later, Ming Yunyu walked in. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yes, sit.” Zhong Yun handed her a glass of orange juice. “I need to ask you for a favor.”

“Ask me for a favor?” Ming Yunyu’s eyes widened suddenly.

P: I will release the next chapter tomorrow. Also, to those who have monthly passes, please wait until the 28th to cast them, as there will be a double-vote event then. I implore you. .

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