In the Earth Forces, Li Yuesen was known as the God of War. Having fought countless battles since his youth, when he commanded the defense of the Twin King Stars, the Ancient Legion could not advance a single step beyond the thunder line. His supporters were ubiquitous throughout the army, and he was even deeply revered by the general populace. People believed that as long as Li Yuesen was present, humanity would never lose to the Ancient Legion.

His mere existence somewhat stabilized the entire society, preventing chaos from erupting after the loss of the entire Outer Solar System six months prior.

“I wonder what Li Yuesen’s attitude is toward us,” Kalia said, putting away the archival footage. “This footage clearly shows those politicians attempting to use him to manipulate us—to force us into a war of attrition against the Ancient Legion. However, Li Yuesen himself has made no statement, only accepting the position of Supreme Commander for the Saturn Campaign.”

Yang Ying replied, “His ambiguous intentions don’t matter; we just need to keep an eye on him. Things will become clear eventually.”

Li Yuesen had long been famous. Yang Ying had studied his past battle reports; his military genius was indeed stunning. His tactics were wildly imaginative, often launching attacks from blind spots in the enemy's thinking, instantly crushing them. By the time the enemy realized they had been trapped, it was already too late for recourse.

Even a tactical master like Weng Shale had suffered losses at Li Yuesen’s hands, bleeding forces before the Twin King Stars defense line until Li Yuesen was recalled to Earth, only then was the defense line captured.

Thinking of this, Yang Ying suddenly recalled something. The General Staff had analyzed frontline combat data from the last decade and found that during the fall of the Twin King Stars defense line two years ago, the attack intensity launched by the Ancient Legion was significantly higher than usual—simply incomparable to previous engagements. It looked as if the Ancient Legion had been playing around until that point, only getting serious when it mattered.

“There must be a story here,” Yang Ying thought to himself.

He quickly refocused. He turned to Kalia and said, “Continue investigating this matter. Report back to me if you uncover anything.”

“Yes, Officer,” Kalia replied with a slight bow before withdrawing.

The next morning, Kalia reappeared before Yang Ying to report, “Officer, there is unusual activity from the Ancient Legion in Saturn’s orbit.” He displayed some footage on the screen.

On the screen appeared half of the massive Saturnian rings, distinct, layered circles of light encircling the ochre-colored planet.

Kalia zoomed in the footage, targeting a military fortress on one of the moons, and pointed at the screen saying, “This is real-time imagery captured by an Observer. Please look, Officer. The garrison personnel within the fortress appear to be retreating.”

Yang Ying tapped and zoomed on the screen, manipulating the perspective to survey the entire fortress, confirming Kalia’s observation. The ape-men inside the fortress were indeed withdrawing, and they were even taking the fortress’s weaponry and equipment with them. Things like automated defense cannons and large fortress guns were being loaded onto various transport ships, which then ascended and flew toward the deep void.

“Are they planning to strip the fortress down to an empty shell?” Yang Ying wondered, sitting back on the sofa, tapping a rhythm on the desk.

“Precisely,” Kalia confirmed. “Weng Shale’s fleet is still in Saturn’s orbit. After departing the various fortresses, those transport ships rendezvoused with Weng Shale’s fleet.” He manipulated the screen a few times to show Weng Shale’s fleet, which appeared dense with warships; there were over two thousand large vessels alone.

“What Weng Shale intends to do is obvious,” Yang Ying concluded after a moment of thought. “The Earth Army’s counterattack on Saturn is imminent, and Weng Shale is clearly aware of this. But for him to start moving assets at this juncture clearly shows he doesn't want to fight this battle at Saturn!”

The movement of personnel was manageable, but the transport of weapons, equipment, and supplies presented a different challenge. The Earth Army was about to set off for Saturn; if Weng Shale were pointlessly shuttling materiel and personnel back and forth at this critical time, he wouldn't be Weng Shale.

Kalia clearly shared Yang Ying’s assessment, yet he voiced a concern: “Officer, if this is the case, then the issue concerning those politicians mentioned yesterday…”

Yang Ying understood instantly and nodded. “Exactly. Didn’t they want us to engage in a costly fight with Weng Shale? Then let’s give them a taste of that confrontation!”

How much effort would it take to deal with an enemy who had already decided to withdraw? Wasn’t this a victory delivered right to their doorstep?

Two days later, two more Behemoth-class battlecruisers rolled off the production line and were assigned to Yang Ying’s command.

On that day, the Earth Army posted a war mission in Vorell, the main city of the Mercenary Alliance, targeting Saturn. It called upon all major mercenary corps to join, officially launching the Saturn Campaign!

The Tran Mercenary Corps accepted the mission. Yang Ying led three Behemoth-class battlecruisers, along with several other warships of various sizes, forming a fleet consisting of about fifty large vessels, and arrived at the assembly point outside Vorell.

Yang Ying took this campaign very seriously. Although he was certain Weng Shale would not commit fully, he had ordered the General Staff to devise updated strategies based on the latest intelligence before accepting the war mission. He had not brought any small or medium-sized vessels, as they would only be a liability even if present. If it weren't for the rule that 'more manpower makes tasks easier,' he might not have brought any other large warships besides his three Behemoths to Vorell.

“Officer, a communication from the Mercenary Alliance has arrived,” reported a staff officer.

“Put it through,” Yang Ying commanded.

He was currently seated on the bridge of the Behemoth, though not in the captain’s chair—the Behemoth’s captain was Howard. Yang Ying occupied a specially added VIP seat, positioned slightly behind and higher than Howard’s command chair, allowing him to overlook the entire bridge with an excellent view.

William, the Chairman of the Mercenary Alliance Committee, appeared on the screen. White-haired, he immediately flashed a very friendly smile upon seeing Yang Ying and said, “Commander Yang Ying, oh no, Master Yang Ying, thank you for coming. I am truly honored to see you here.”

“Chairman William, you are as vigorous as ever. The prosperity of the Asteroid Belt is rapidly returning to its former glory; I trust the Mercenary Alliance is faring well too,” Yang Ying responded with a smile.

“Nowhere near the fighting spirit of the Tran Mercenary Corps. Even the legendary Apex Ape, the Ape Cult Leader Hulas, died by your hand. With a powerhouse like you leading, the future of the Tran Mercenary Corps must be incredibly bright. We are certain to win this battle,” William declared, pounding his chest as if he held absolute faith in Yang Ying.

The Mercenary Alliance had a complex composition, and William, an old man, clearly possessed some considerable skill to hold the position of Alliance Chairman. At least in judging situations, he made no missteps. Once the news of Yang Ying’s ascension to Peak Master spread, anyone with perception could see that in the Asteroid Belt, if the Tran Mercenary Corps claimed second place, no one else dared claim first.

The Mercenary Alliance respected strength above all else, so Chairman William naturally adopted a somewhat deferential tone when addressing Yang Ying.

“Chairman William, enough with the pleasantries,” Yang Ying stated directly. “What did you contact me for? It couldn’t just be to exchange greetings.”

William’s expression shifted, showing a hint of embarrassment. Yang Ying immediately perceived that the call was merely for a greeting. William wiped a slight bead of sweat from his brow and fidgeted with his white hair, seemingly searching for a serious topic to discuss with Yang Ying. Suddenly, he glanced sideways, as if someone beside him were speaking or making a gesture.

His expression instantly smoothed out, gaining some confidence. He turned back to Yang Ying with a smile. “Master Yang Ying, Marshal Li Yuesen of the Earth Forces Supreme Command is online. He just heard you arrived and wished to make your acquaintance.”

It turned out William had glanced aside because an aide had informed him that Marshal Li Yuesen wanted a word with Yang Ying.

“Oh, that is acceptable,” Yang Ying nodded. “Patch the Marshal’s communication through.”

On the screen, William’s image shrunk toward the edge, becoming a picture-in-picture inset, while the main display now showed a middle-aged man dressed immaculately, sporting a somewhat languid expression.

He wore a Marshal’s uniform, his chest adorned with orderly, richly colored medals. At the very top of all the decorations was one shaped like the Taian system, studded with various gems.

Yang Ying recalled he possessed one such medal, awarded to him for saving three hundred thousand lives in the Titan Light upon first arriving in this world.

“Commander Yang Ying, I’ve long admired your reputation. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Li Yuesen said with a smile. He didn't address Yang Ying as ‘Master,’ but Yang Ying paid little mind to titles; besides, ‘Commander’ was not incorrect.

Li Yuesen was well-preserved. Though over fifty, he still possessed a thick head of dark hair, handsome features, and soft facial lines that gave him an academic air, like someone perpetually immersed in books. His eyes were as clear as crystal, seemingly reflecting the vast starry sky—profound and full of wisdom.

“Marshal, you are too kind. As for reputation, mine pales next to yours. Few people in the Inner Solar System have heard my name. But your name, Marshal, is known even by three-year-olds,” Yang Ying responded with a smile.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they considered themselves introduced.

“What are Commander Yang Ying’s thoughts on this upcoming attack on Saturn?” Li Yuesen inquired as if casually.

“You are the Supreme Commander of this Saturn Campaign, Marshal. Why ask me? With your command capabilities, capturing Saturn should be simple, no?” Yang Ying deflected the question smoothly.

Li Yuesen chuckled. “Commander Yang Ying, you spent a considerable time with Titan Light, and you lead the Tran Mercenary Corps. You must have unique insights into the Saturn issue. I would appreciate hearing them, so I can make better arrangements for the campaign.”