As the base construction steadily improved, a comprehensive defense system was put into place, all systems running smoothly. The Base Command, controlled by the Gu, Lan, and Qin families, decided to assemble exploration teams to venture outside the base perimeter.

Even as they pushed outward, construction within the base was in full swing. The initial team hadn't brought much in the way of supplies—mostly automated turrets and batteries, engineering robots, and production lines; raw materials were scarce.

From Yun’s perspective, the base's scale already far exceeded the standard capacity for eighty thousand people. The defensive batteries had been pushed out over a thousand kilometers already.

It seemed the Andu Empire had decided to establish a major base here. It wouldn't be long before the Andu Empire dispatched significant follow-up personnel.

The Gu, Lan, and Qin families, having prepared for a long time, along with the Hong family, who reacted the fastest, formed a three-plus-one alliance poised to dominate this base.

Zhong Yun observed from the sidelines with a cool detachment. However, for the Andu Empire, which family held control made little difference.

But for the Andu Empire to claim this entire base for themselves wouldn't be easy. This location was quite far from the Andu Empire; although they shared the same star field, Imperial influence hadn't fully extended this far yet.

Zhong Yun knew from the star chart obtained from Hong Yuting that a high-level civilization state lay only ten thousand light-years away, closer than the Andu Empire.

Such a massive undertaking by the Andu Empire could not be concealed. As neighboring states, they were naturally antagonistic. Though their spheres of influence hadn't yet intersected, both sides surely had intelligence operatives monitoring the other.

However, by the time that neighboring state recognized the strategic value of this location, the Andu Empire would likely already be firmly rooted here. With both nations possessing comparable strength, seizing control wouldn't be simple.

These strategic considerations churned within Zhong Yun’s mind, yet outwardly he appeared unconcerned, carrying on with his routines.

To say Zhong Yun wasn't tempted by this location would be an outright lie. He was, after all, the sovereign of a nation now; how could he fail to see the immense value this continent held for a state?

Thirty days after their arrival, an undercurrent finally stirred within the base. Even though Zhong Yun remained largely detached from the organizational power structure, he could sense the growing unrest.

The base expanded repeatedly, now divided into three distinct zones: the innermost Core Zone, the second layer extending outward, and the outermost Third Zone. To maintain a low profile, Zhong Yun could only take Qin Liuxing to train in the Third Zone.

Accessing the Third Zone required passing through the anti-air turret checkpoints; everywhere else was sown with landmines and pressure-activated laser grids—extremely perilous.

One day, as Zhong Yun passed the anti-air turret, he noticed a subtle shift in the demeanor of the guards stationed inside. With his own power increasing, Zhong Yun’s observational acuity had sharpened dramatically; even the slightest change did not escape his notice.

Zhong Yun scanned the faces of those guards casually, his mind racing, reaching a quiet understanding.

Qin Liuxing beside him remained oblivious, completely absorbed in the sheer joy of his recent power surge. In just over ten days, he had advanced an entire stage, reaching Tier Two of the First Level. He hadn't managed a breakthrough in five full years.

This advancement was an immense morale boost for him, and for Zhong Yun, it inspired gratitude beyond measure.

"Brother Yun, did you offend my older sister?" Qin Liuxing suddenly asked just after they cleared the turret. Thinking of his sister, he reasoned that Brother Yun had helped him so much; he needed to repay that kindness. If Brother Yun married his sister, they’d truly be family.

Zhong Yun’s brow furrowed slightly. Had she told him about that incident? Seeing Qin Liuxing’s persistent grin, he knew he’d misread the situation. If he knew the truth, he wouldn't be wearing that expression now, even if he didn't immediately turn hostile.

"Mm, perhaps so," Zhong Yun replied vaguely, thinking his sister must have mentioned a fragment of it in conversation but withheld the actual details.

But Qin Liuxing was perceptive. Seeing Zhong Yun’s noncommittal answer only solidified his internal conviction. Something significant must have transpired between the two of them. His eyes darted around shrewdly, completely unaware that the reality of what occurred between them was nothing like what he imagined.

"Don't blame my sister; she isn't usually like that. Her temperament is very gentle. Though she appears cold, you know how many suitors chase after her—if she gave everyone a pleasant look, she'd be driven mad by the annoyance. Once you spend more time with her, you'll see her good qualities," Qin Liuxing pledged earnestly, thumping his chest.

Although Zhong Yun found his words slightly odd, he didn't probe deeply, assuming the young man feared he was angry with his sister and was trying to smooth things over. He chuckled, "I don't blame her." In his heart, however, he thought, As long as she doesn't blame me, that's what matters.

"I knew Brother Yun was broad-minded," Qin Liuxing offered a timely compliment. "My sister might have a slight prejudice against you. If she said anything inappropriate, please don't take it to heart."

"Don't worry, I concede to her," Zhong Yun smiled faintly, the image of her weeping on the ground, covered in wounds, flashing through his mind, sparking a touch of guilt. I should find an opportunity to apologize to her, at least to ease the tension.

"What happened?" Upon returning to the Hong family's landing pod, they ran into Hong Yuting, whose smile barely concealed a flicker of deep anxiety. Zhong Yun frowned and inquired.

Hong Yuting paused, then gave a wry smile. "You noticed?" He rubbed his tired eyes and sighed. "They found out…"

The words were incomplete, yet Zhong Yun understood instantly, linking it to the subtle expressions he'd seen on the guards' faces. Clearly, that secret had been discovered by the other families.

"You should be satisfied," Zhong Yun laughed. "You had a twenty-day head start on everyone else. You can't expect to reap all the benefits indefinitely."

Hong Yuting gave a self-deprecating chuckle. "I know that, but I can't help feeling this way…"

"Oh, and one more thing," Hong Yuting's face turned serious. "A few days ago, the base dispatched six exploration teams to scout the exterior. But today, one of those teams lost contact. I fear the worst for them."

"How many people were on each exploration team?" Zhong Yun asked, pondering for a moment.

"One hundred people per team, all drawn from the warriors of the various families. The missing team included two disciples from my Hong family." Hong Yuting felt a pang of loss; his faction was the weakest here. Before reinforcements arrived, every lost warrior meant a tangible reduction in his own strength, causing him significant distress.

"Where did they vanish?" Zhong Yun asked next.

"Seventeen point three five degrees west-northwest of here, only six thousand kilometers away."

Zhong Yun shook his head. "Too close."

"Exactly. Such a short distance—if there are powerful lifeforms there, they could threaten the base's security at any time. So, Gu Yi and the others have decided to send a small, elite squad to investigate the reason for the team's disappearance."

After a brief pause, Hong Yuting glanced apologetically at Zhong Yun. "During the meeting, Qin Lianbai proposed that you also join that investigation squad."

Zhong Yun blinked, then asked, "Who else will be on the team besides me?"

"Qin Lianbai and Lan Yuling will also be in the group."

Zhong Yun nodded. Qin Lianbai wasn't foolish enough to try anything against him at this juncture. However, if an opportunity arose, he would certainly try to eliminate him stealthily. But he needed to guard against Qin Lianbai and Lan Yuling joining forces. If both attacked him simultaneously, the consequences could be dire. While the probability was low, it was a contingency he had to account for.

"When do you depart?"

"Tomorrow."

This continent had no discernible day or night; since their arrival, the light level had remained constant, similar to the deep twilight just before dawn. It was hazy, perhaps, but they had grown accustomed to it.

Out of habit, they still adhered to previous time divisions, maintaining their established schedules.

There were approximately ten hours remaining until the following day.

Zhong Yun returned to his quarters, prepared his gear for the expedition, and then sat on the edge of his cot, awaiting orders.

At eight o'clock on Natural Star morning, the communicator on Zhong Yun’s wrist chimed. "Please report to the Conference Hall within half an hour." It was Gu Yi’s voice.

Zhong Yun rose calmly, adjusted his attire, and headed out.

The so-called Conference Hall was a large structure situated at the base's exact center, recently completed. When Zhong Yun arrived, hundreds of people were already lined up in neat order before the entrance, utterly silent save for the sound of their breathing.

Indeed worthy of being the elites of their respective families. Zhong Yun praised silently. Exceptional individual power was one thing; maintaining such discipline was rare.

Entering the hall, he saw Gu Yi seated in the central position. The Gu Yi before him was far removed from the taciturn old man he’d first encountered. The full, unreserved aura of a Master-level expert radiated from him, an oppressive pressure that held everyone’s breath captive.

Lan Yuling and Qin Lianbai sat on either side, seemingly deferring to Gu Yi, the de facto commander-in-chief.

"Commander Gu, Yun Zhongyu reports for duty." Zhong Yun executed a crisp military salute. The base was operating under martial law, and Gu Yi was the base commander.

Upon seeing Zhong Yun, Gu Yi’s expression softened, and he nodded. "Yuting must have briefed you on this mission. I'm relying on you for this, I'm afraid."

"It is my duty," Zhong Yun replied with formal military courtesy.

Gu Yi nodded, wasting no further pleasantries, and turned to Lan Yuling and Qin Lianbai. "Commander Lan, Commander Qin, this mission is of utmost importance. You must ensure its success."

"Yes," Lan and Qin responded, standing to attention.

"It is time to depart."

A team comprising three Fifth-Level Masters was undeniably luxurious, especially when accompanied by three hundred Five-Star Mechs. They were brimming with confidence regarding this assignment.

Yet, Zhong Yun felt a vague, unsettling premonition.