The thoroughfares connected all the Free Stars. The Free Stars were scattered throughout the cosmos, with some systems containing few planets and others holding nearly ten, spread across the universe.

Navigating the cosmos was impossible without established warp points. Yet, the New Thoroughfare held countless hidden jump points, all discovered by pirates and adventurers. Only the unified consortium of all Free Stars could have orchestrated such an undertaking.

Zhong Yun had initially planned to linger on the Free Star in Sector A, but an urgent message from Xiao Ling caused him to change his mind.

Xiao Ling had already dispatched a vessel to wait for him at the Free Star. In fact, a year prior, the Galactic Empire had stationed personnel permanently on this Free Star, located less than a light-year from Imperial space. Their duties alternated between trade and gathering intelligence from the outside world. The one overseeing operations here was Twenty-One.

This had been Yu Daoqing’s idea, issuing the command to Zhong Pingjiang and the others through Xiao Ling, under Zhong Yun’s name.

Zhong Yun didn't even have time to exchange pleasantries with Twenty-One before urgently boarding the waiting ship. Xiao Ling had cited an emergency but failed to specify the nature of the crisis, making Zhong Yun anxious about potential trouble back home.

Once aboard Zhong Yun’s vessel, Qin Erjie finally felt liberated and shed the heavy black cloak that had concealed her from head to toe. Along the way, Zhong Yun had insisted she hide her features for fear she would attract unwanted attention; otherwise, given her allure, a peaceful journey would have been a fantasy.

Wearing such a garment had thoroughly suffocated the second Miss Qin. She strongly protested this secretive behavior, but yielding to Zhong Yun’s imposing authority, she had reluctantly donned it.

Having built up a reservoir of resentment, the moment arrived for release, and she muttered under her breath, "Junk ship, peasant..." As the most outstanding figure among the rising generation of the Qin family, a premier lineage of the Andu Empire, she was accustomed to traveling only in ships of "Planetary Class" or higher. It was natural for her to look down on such a mere "Super-Satellite Class" vessel.

Zhong Yun offered her only the back of his head; consumed by worry over the situation ahead, he had no patience for her complaints. When his attempts to message Xiao Ling received no reply, a knot of unease tightened in his chest.

Then, a thought struck him. If there were truly a crisis, Xiao Ling wouldn't hide it from him. It must be Yunqi missing him, coordinating with Xiao Ling to hurry his return.

Xiao Ling was becoming increasingly human-like lately. He wouldn't have engaged in such "childish" maneuvering before. Thinking of this, Zhong Yun felt a surge of pleasure. He had always regarded Xiao Ling as his best friend, and he welcomed such a positive transformation.

Since returning was momentarily impossible, Zhong Yun set aside his concerns to begin guiding Qin Liuxing.

Over the past few years, Qin Liuxing’s power had advanced rapidly, now breaking through to the first stage, ninth tier, and recently beginning his assault on the second stage.

Zhong Yun shared advice based on his own experience, then directed him to meditate in seclusion within his room.

Having imparted all the necessary teachings, Zhong Yun could offer no more practical help. He wasn't a god who could smooth Qin Liuxing's path or directly facilitate advancement—a feat even Xiao Ling couldn't accomplish.

Suddenly, Zhong Yun remembered the second Miss Qin; he realized he had never asked about her unique ability. Her current power level was second stage, ninth tier—remarkable talent for a woman in her early twenties. Moreover, her prime growth period had only just begun, suggesting future attainment to the fifth level was highly plausible.

The prospect of another fifth-level expert made Zhong Yun’s thoughts stir. The rapid development of the Galactic Empire inevitably brought certain drawbacks. Even with the continent in the "Golden Ruins" capable of elevating the populace, cultivating top-tier masters was not an easy endeavor.

Limited by innate talent, it was nearly impossible for Tianhai, Chen Wen, and Chu Tiange—besides Yunqi and Weiwei—to evolve into fifth-level masters.

At this rate of development, the Galactic Empire could reach advanced civilization status within fifty years. To rely on just a few fifth-level masters to hold the line then would seem meager. Every fifth-level master was an incredibly precious resource. Zhong Yun felt the imperative to make strategic plans early.

"What are you doing here?" The second Miss Qin opened the door upon hearing the chime but was instantly met by the sight of that villain. Alarm flashed across her face, and she held the door, revealing only her head, poised to slam it shut at any moment.

Zhong Yun frowned slightly, beginning to question the wisdom of his recent decision. Seeing her defensive posture, he suspected that once her power grew, she might be the first to seek him out for trouble.

"I need to ask you something." Perhaps out of habit, Zhong Yun’s tone carried an air of command, though he himself was unaware of it.

"Say it here." The second Miss Qin forced her face into a hard expression, trying to appear resolute, but her darting eyes, which dared not meet his, betrayed her resolve.

"Hm?" Zhong Yun's face darkened.

The second Miss Qin jumped, startled. Throughout their journey, Zhong Yun had mostly ignored her. While his demeanor hadn't been pleasant, he hadn't threatened her. Seeing his face suddenly turn grim, fear immediately took hold of her, and she retreated two steps like a frightened rabbit, stammering, "You... you..."

Zhong Yun pushed the door open, walked in, settled onto the sofa, and gestured toward the sofa opposite him. The second Miss Qin dared not disobey, sitting down nervously, clutching a throw pillow tightly to her chest.

Seeing her so frightened, Zhong Yun felt a pang of frustration. Her fear of him seemed deeply ingrained and wouldn't dissipate quickly.

Determined to secure the allegiance of this future master-level expert, Zhong Yun adopted a gentle tone. "Are you settling in all right here?"

Never having heard him speak so softly, the second Miss Qin looked up in surprise. She saw him smiling, his eyes shining with a strange light, and her heart gave a sudden jolt.

She recalled what her younger brother had told her: that he deeply cared for her and looked out for her—which, of course, was nonsense.

But he definitely harbored intentions toward her.

She was acutely aware of the destructive power of her appearance; no man since childhood had ever resisted her charm. Now, with his face twisted into a cunning smile and his eyes glowing with lustful intent, what else could it be?

In an instant, she almost fled in panic, but she couldn't—fear had paralyzed her so completely that she lacked the strength even to stand. Has it finally come? she lamented her fate, having just escaped one hell only to fall into the hands of another demon. Why must my life be so bitter?

While she was indulging in self-pity, Zhong Yun grew somewhat impatient. After waiting for a while, she hadn't spoken, her face cycling inexplicably between flushed and pale, wearing an expression of profound sorrow. If Qin Liuxing saw this, he might mistakenly believe Zhong Yun had abused her.

Women were troublesome, Zhong Yun thought, massaging his temples. Truthfully, he harbored no ill intentions toward her. Yes, she was undeniably beautiful, beautiful enough to drive anyone mad with desire. However, his son had just been born, and he spent every day video-calling the child, currently brimming with paternal affection. He genuinely had no time for dalliances.

"Are you alright? Are you unwell?" Zhong Yun asked softly.

"I... I only beg... I only beg one thing..." The second Miss Qin sobbed, tears spilling down her face like pearls.

Zhong Yun felt a bit bewildered, wondering what had seized her, but he prompted, "Tell me."

"You... you... you agreed?" The second Miss Qin blinked her tear-swollen eyes, asking timidly.

If you don't say what it is, how can I agree? Zhong Yun thought helplessly. But emotional women needed appeasement. Although he didn't know why she was so agitated, placating her was the safest course. Once her emotions settled, he could gently guide her. This was a good opportunity to foster a closer relationship. "Yes, I agreed."

"You... swear it." The second Miss Qin summoned all her courage to utter the demand.

This request is excessive, Zhong Yun thought, on the verge of losing his temper, until he remembered his current role. He was here to secure a future master for the Empire, trading a promise for a potential fifth-level powerhouse. After a quick calculation, he deemed the exchange highly profitable. He quickly reached a conclusion.

"I can swear it. However, I have one condition." Zhong Yun fixed his gaze upon her, sharp and unwavering.

"You... say it." The second Miss Qin’s heart trembled.

"I will grant your request, but from this moment forward, you belong to the Galactic Empire, and you may never betray it." Zhong Yun’s gaze, like a keen arrow, shot directly into the depths of her heart.

The second Miss Qin offered a mournful smile. As expected...

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes. "I agree." Those four words weighed more than a thousand mountains. As she spoke them, she felt her heart shatter into countless pieces.

"State your demand," Zhong Yun announced proudly. As long as she agreed, the rest could be managed. With a few subtle maneuvers later to increase her sense of belonging, and using Qin Liuxing as leverage, he was confident he could keep her bound to him.

Gaining two masters at once brought Zhong Yun immense satisfaction.

"I demand that you swear, you, Zhong Yun, will never harm my younger brother in any form." The second Miss Qin finished in one breath and paused. "If you fulfill this, from this day forward, I... I am yours..."

"Done," Zhong Yun replied, completely missing the true implication of her words. He understood her to mean she would become a subject of the "Galactic Empire," whereas the second Miss Qin meant she would become "his person." While the phrases sounded similar, their actual meanings were vastly different.

Zhong Yun solemnly issued an oath. This vow wasn't entirely without weight; if Qin Liuxing continued to assist him, Zhong Yun wouldn't sabotage his own efforts. But if they ever truly turned against him, he certainly wouldn't honor it.

To secure a future powerhouse with a mere oath—could anything be a better bargain?

"You..." The second Miss Qin, hearing the oath concluded, closed her eyes, bracing for his violation. Her body trembled uncontrollably. Has this moment finally arrived? The most precious thing I've preserved for twenty-two years, I never offered to the one I love. Perhaps, people like me are not destined to know love.