Yang Ying inquired carefully about the Mercenary Guild. Xinnidi was already prepared; with a slight wave of her hand, a data chip materialized out of thin air, which she presented to Yang Ying: "Here is an introductory file on the Hunter's Arm Mercenary Guild. Please accept it."

"Thank you."

Yang Ying extended his right index finger and tapped the data chip. A green data box, palm-sized, immediately appeared above it, displaying in silvery Ge Xing script: "Receive data?" Below were the options "Yes" and "No."

Yang Ying tapped "Yes," and the entire data chip instantly dissolved into a beam of light that merged into his palm. Yang Ying swept his hand through the air, causing several light screens to flicker into existence before him. Vast streams of data flowed across the screens—images interspersed with text—the very files Xinnidi had transmitted.

Yang Ying absorbed the information at a glance, committing it to memory. While multitasking, he still managed an expression of awe, musing that advanced technology had thoroughly blurred the lines between the virtual and the real. The data chip in Xinnidi's hand was not physical, merely an illusion used to represent the data package.

This illusion could be a data chip, a sheet of paper, a pen—or perhaps a flower, a stone, even the sun, the moon, green mountains, and trees. Ultimately, the intangible data package was what mattered; giving it a tangible phantom was merely to facilitate the transfer process.

For Yang Ying, Xinnidi's suggestion was like finding a pillow just when he was sleepy; it offered him a viable path forward. After all, being a mercenary was his old trade, something he knew like the back of his hand, offering battles, status, and access to intelligence channels.

Having rapidly scanned the file, Yang Ying dismissed all the light screens and said to Xinnidi, "Master Xinnidi, your proposal is immensely useful to me. I truly don't know how to thank you adequately."

While Yang Ying was reviewing the file, Xinnidi had watched from the side, without urging him on, presenting a picture of utmost patience. Hearing his thanks, she immediately waved her hand: "Not at all, it was merely a small effort."

Although it was truly a small effort for her, offering such a gesture of casual help could not be entirely without reason. In this world, there was no unprovoked hatred or love, and no unprompted assistance.

Yang Ying’s mind raced, and he correctly guessed that her proactive offer of the Guild's data stemmed from her assumption that he was a "True Human." With a sigh, he asked, "By the way, Master Xinnidi, what makes you think my ambitions lie beyond the solar system?"

Xinnidi lightly touched her chest and smiled faintly: "Just a feeling."

"A feeling? Truly worthy of a peak Master," Yang Ying offered as a compliment, then continued, "I accept this favor. Should you ever require my assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to ask. Within the scope of my ability, I will certainly do my utmost."

Xinnidi's smile widened. Gaining a promise from a "True Human" delighted her beyond measure. Even if Yang Ying hadn't said this, she wouldn't have minded; her intention in providing the file was merely to foster goodwill.

Yang Ying made the commitment because he believed that goodwill was always reciprocal. Investing in kindness was crucial; one-sided goodwill, if never returned, could not last (maternal love excepted, as that seeks no reward). By offering a promise today, Xinnidi would think of him next time something good happened. Who knew what better opportunities might arise later? A miser who refuses to part with a single copper coin gets nowhere.

Subsequently, Yang Ying sought clarification from Xinnidi on a few points raised in the file, and she answered them one by one.

Fortunately, the file was comprehensive, leaving Yang Ying with only two or three questions. Once all were addressed, Yang Ying smiled: "Master Xinnidi, I thank you again for this vital information. It is getting late, and I have certainly taken up much of your valuable time. Perhaps I should take my leave now and we can connect another time."

Xinnidi responded, "It is timely; I need to arrange the logistics for attacking the Kusta outpost. We shall connect again later."

"Farewell." Yang Ying snapped his fingers, and his virtual image vanished instantly.

In the central castle of the Manor City, Yang Ying powered down his virtual equipment in his study. He retrieved a blank, physical data chip, connected it to the device, and transferred the file temporarily stored in the system onto the physical chip.

Then, he summoned Kariya.

"This file details the Hunter's Arm Mercenary Guild; Xinnidi provided it. You are to confer with the General Staff and report the outcome to me," Yang Ying instructed, handing the chip to Kariya.

"Yes, Officer." Kariya accepted the data chip, and Yang Ying dismissed him.

The Ge Xing people proved highly efficient. The fleet set sail that very day, catching the Kusta system forces completely off guard. Their forward outpost was far from complete. Although they had been alerted to their exposure when Yang Ying’s battlecruiser escaped previously and had already requested reinforcements from the rear, they hadn't expected the Ge Xing forces to arrive so quickly; their reinforcements were still en route.

Consequently, the garrison force at the outpost was no match for the Ge Xing superior numbers. After a night of fierce fighting, the entire outpost was uprooted, with few of their supporting vessels managing to escape.

The next morning, the Ge Xing fleet returned victorious, though the returning force had still sustained the loss of over a hundred warships, with hundreds more damaged—a considerable casualty rate.

Yang Ying immediately contacted the Ge Xing Embassy to offer congratulations and condolences, inquiring about the battle situation.

Xinnidi replied to him again: "Fortunately, we moved quickly. Their reinforcements hadn't arrived, giving us ample time and force to surround all the Kusta personnel at the outpost, maximizing our kills. After wiping out the outpost and its defending fleet, their reinforcements finally showed up, leading to another massive engagement. The Kusta reinforcement numbers, even combined with the outpost, were fewer than our fleet strength, but by eliminating the outpost first, their arrival merely presented us with opportunities for piecemeal destruction."

"It must have been a thoroughly exhilarating victory," Yang Ying remarked.

"Precisely so." Xinnidi sounded genuinely elated when discussing the results. "We sunk or heavily damaged twelve hundred Kusta warships—ten times our own losses. Remember, we only deployed a total force of two thousand vessels. Such a resounding victory is exceedingly rare; one might not encounter its like in an entire year. We will certainly be commended upon our return."

"Then allow me to congratulate you first."

"In truth, this victory is inseparable from your contribution," Xinnidi stated sincerely. "If you hadn't discovered the outpost, we wouldn't have had this great opportunity."

"I appreciate that, but it would be best if this matter does not appear in any official documents."

"Naturally. This entire operation, from start to finish, will be handled solely by the Ge Xing people, without mentioning Earth once."

"That is good."

Following this battle, the incident concerning the outpost ceased to be a solar system matter, regardless of how the Ge Xing and Kusta systems argued or even fought; however, the Kusta system clearly was not willing to let Earth off easily, frequently using diplomatic channels to test the nerves of Terrans.

It was much like how, back on Earth, the United States would accuse Iran of attempting to develop nuclear weapons and slander Iraq for possessing weapons of mass destruction (even using it as a pretext for war, only to find nothing and later hang Saddam Hussein), constantly stirring up trouble. If not for the lingering mystery surrounding Hardak's death, which gave the Kusta system pause, one could only imagine the extent of their arrogance.

Under Kusta pressure, the solar system's defense structure continued to be built at a steady pace, while Yang Ying's territory began expanding beyond the solar system, starting with eight mineral planets.

Originally, the planet in the thirteenth star system where the Kusta outpost was built could have been developed into a mineral planet, but Yang Ying had no immediate intention of infringing on that system; he decided to delay things until the immediate turbulence passed.

Over the following week, Yang Ying visited those eight mineral planets one by one, establishing Human mineral bases on each. Fortunately, the structures on the Floating Continent could fly; Yang Ying could summon hundreds or thousands at once, which was slightly more convenient than the Protoss's ability to teleport cities. The only drawback was that he had to perform this task personally: wherever he went, he summoned the Human architecture, whereas the Protoss could delegate such work to Probes.

Whenever he located a suitable ore vein, Yang Ying would use Golden Light Flash to deploy numerous Human structures. The number deployed varied depending on the size of the vein. They hovered in the air, each seeking empty ground to take root.

Of course, Yang Ying also ensured that he established Protoss Stargates in hidden locations surrounding the mining zones, facilitating the transport of ore and mutual exchange with other strongholds.

Within seven days, Yang Ying had opened one thousand six hundred and forty-eight mining veins across the eight mineral planets, deployed over one hundred thousand Human structures, and left behind 1.6 million CVs plus several escort units.

This was essentially the limit of what the Human faction could afford to relocate. This massive migration left even the Human territories on the Floating Continent noticeably sparser.

However, many mineral veins remained untapped on the eight planets. Yang Ying only selected the highest value and most urgently needed veins for initial development, covering less than one-thousandth of all exploitable deposits on the planets.

With such abundant resource support, Yang Ying was filled with confidence in the future. He could almost visualize himself soaring through the star seas commanding tens of thousands of battlecruisers.

Yet, things had to be done step by step. After establishing the initial framework for the mining industries on the eight planets, Yang Ying began preparing for his next departure from the solar system—a long voyage. The General Staff had completed their study of the Mercenary Guild files and deemed joining it feasible. Therefore, Yang Ying resolved to visit this Mercenary Guild soon.

Veda Prime, three thousand light-years from Earth. The entire planet was the property of the Hunter's Arm Mercenary Guild. Half its surface was desert, the other half ocean, with not a trace of green. Jagged, uneven mountain ranges crisscrossed the surface like hideous scars.

The data provided by Xinnidi indicated that Veda Prime had never naturally supported life, but its temperature was highly suitable for habitation. Thus, the Mercenary Guild slightly modified the atmospheric composition and used high-powered air purifiers to stabilize it, serving the function of plant life, making it habitable.

On this day, thirty million kilometers outside Veda Prime, a blocky warship leaped out of hyperspace and slowly sailed toward the planet—it was the Behemoth, carrying Yang Ying and his retinue.

"This planet's interference with hyperspace extends thirty million kilometers—ten times the radius of Earth's equivalent equipment. Calculated spatially, that’s a thousand times the coverage. Truly worthy of an inter-civilizational stellar organization," Yang Ying remarked with a hint of awe inside the Behemoth's bridge.

This level of hyperspace jamming equipment, even if gifted to Earth, would be prohibitively expensive. It required constant energy consumption, and interfering with hyperspace meant the energy drain was far from negligible. Veda Prime’s ability to sustain this cost indirectly testified to the Guild's strength.

Furthermore, according to the data, Veda Prime was merely a branch office. If this were the headquarters, its defensive systems would be ten times more robust!

The reason for visiting the branch rather than the headquarters was that the Guild’s main base was situated within the territory of the Galan system, fourteen thousand light-years from Earth. Even using speeds of one hundred thousand times the speed of light for spatial jumps, the journey would take at least a month and a half. Reaching Veda Prime, however, required only about ten days.

Yang Ying only intended to register a mercenary detachment, which could be handled at a branch. Why travel the extra eleven thousand light-years?

The Behemoth traversed the thirty-million-kilometer distance using conventional travel mode and descended onto Veda Prime.

In a sense, Veda Prime was a Class I resupply planet, though established not by a single high-level civilization but by the Mercenary Guild specifically to serve mercenaries.

Veda Prime hosted one main city, Veda City, where the Mercenary Guild branch office was located at its center. Besides Veda City, there were dozens of other cities, or perhaps more accurately described as large military barracks. Many mercenary groups with headquarters closer to this sector maintained barracks and stationed troops on Veda Prime, with some even relocating their main headquarters here to gain proximity to assignments.

Naturally, every inch of Veda Prime belonged to the Mercenary Guild. Establishing barracks required not only a certain standing within the mercenary world but also payment of substantial rent. Smaller mercenary groups simply couldn't afford it.

Large mercenary groups were limited, meaning Veda Prime was sparsely populated with plenty of empty space remaining.

On the landing pad, the Behemoth's ramp lowered, and Yang Ying stepped out with WarrenGas and 4-P. He left the others aboard the vessel to await his signal.

WarrenGas had undergone complete and in-depth cosmetic surgery—his subcutaneous tissue, muscles, and even facial bones had been altered. Even acquaintances would not recognize him. As for his obese figure, there was little need to conceal it; most Burkes were as porcine as they were, considering it a mark of beauty.

After completing the necessary entry procedures, the two of them and the robot began exploring the streets.

As they walked, WarrenGas briefed Yang Ying. Though he had been mentally controlled, his lifetime of experience remained. As a senior explorer, he was far from unfamiliar with the Mercenary Guild.

"Voss, do they speak Ge Xing language in the Guild?"

To avoid issues arising from WarrenGas's original name, they had decided before disembarking that on Veda Prime, he would be addressed as Voss.

"Of course. Galan language, Cycro language, Loa language, Kusta language, and Ge Xing language are the five common tongues of the Guild. You can speak Ge Xing here; there's no need to worry about being misunderstood," WarrenGas replied.

Yang Ying nodded, glancing around. Most people walking by carried weapons openly, and the proportion of those with psychic abilities was high. Judging by their gazes and postures, many were clearly decisive figures, their aura of killing intent alone sufficient to scare away birds and beasts within a hundred meters. It was little wonder that few animals were seen in the city.

"Veda Prime inherently lacks resources, with few mineral veins of low quality, and extraction is inconvenient. After the original few veins were exhausted, the previous owners sold the entire planet to the Mercenary Guild to establish a branch office; otherwise, this whole world would likely have been abandoned," WarrenGas explained as they walked.

They reached the main branch building of the Mercenary Guild in the city center, and the two plus the robot entered.

Upon entry, Yang Ying glanced around and nodded internally. Even though this was only a branch, it exuded considerable grandeur. The entrance led into a crystal hall where dozens of variously sized light screens—circular, square, even ribbon-ring shaped—floated in the air, scrolling various commission notices. Below, the floor was crowded with hundreds of individuals from various races squeezed into the hall, yet it didn't feel cramped, as if perfectly sized for the flow of people coming and going, creating an atmosphere of public bustling activity.

At the far end of the hall was a row of reception windows, staffed by Guild employees wearing uniform attire but belonging to different species.

Yang Ying approached an unoccupied window and asked, "Do you speak Ge Xing?"

"Certainly, it is one of the standard common languages." The figure behind the window was an alien with a horse-like face and four eyes, each positioned atop one of its four antennae, blinking intermittently.

"I wish to register a mercenary group. What is required?" Yang Ying asked.

"The commander's official identification document, a deposit of one million Galan standard coins, and filling out a form," the horse-faced alien responded with practiced ease.

"Agreed." Yang Ying presented a data card. This was an identification document issued by Earth's Provisional Government, now aligned with high-level civilizations; a few months prior, Earth wouldn't have been qualified to issue such papers. Given Yang Ying's relationship with the Provisional Government, he could acquire as many of these documents as he wanted, and the fabricated data within could be wildly contradictory without issue.

The horse-faced alien swiped the data card through a machine, focusing one eye on the screen while the other three observed. "I see you are from Earth, recently elevated to a high-level civilization. Welcome to the ranks of the high-level civilizations. I was just wondering why I’d never seen your species before." He glanced at WarrenGas: "And you have a Burke with you? How did you come to be allied?"

"A chance meeting; we got along well," Yang Ying fabricated casually, sensing the alien was merely making polite conversation and had no intention of probing the answer.

Indeed, the horse-faced alien dropped the line of questioning, handing the swiped data card back. "Next is the deposit. A newly registered mercenary group has no established credibility. Employers, unsure of your background, fear you might intentionally violate mercenary rules—such as kidnapping the employer or absconding with funds. The deposit serves to reassure them. A mercenary group that fails to gain employer trust cannot secure a single mission. Once the deposit is paid, if you violate regulations, it will be instantly confiscated. Low-level new groups cannot take on high-tier missions, so one million Galan coins should generally suffice."

Perhaps assuming the Earthlings were newly promoted from a lower civilization, the horse-faced alien explained the details with extra care. Yang Ying understood the goodwill behind it and didn't mind the thoroughness. "If I pay in Ge Xing coins, how much is one million Galan coins?"

The horse-faced alien manipulated a few controls. "Based on today's exchange rate, that converts to one million nine hundred six thousand four hundred twenty-two Ge Xing coins."

"Done." Yang Ying swiped his Ge Xing ring over the payment terminal.

"The final step is the form." The alien opened a light screen displaying a form. He provided further instructions on filling it out, but for a newly formed group, much of it was unnecessary detail, which could be skipped. The most crucial elements were the mercenary group's name and emblem.

The group's name would naturally remain the Terran Mercenary Group. For the emblem, Yang Ying paused, then drew the representative badge of the Terran race from StarCraft 2: a red shield background, overlaid with a V-shaped bent arm, with a five-pointed star above the arm.

The horse-faced alien took the form and nodded. "That drawing is quite good. To render something like that directly on a light screen... you must be a psychic, or perhaps an artist, though an artist becoming a mercenary is highly improbable."

The long-faced alien spoke rapidly while his hands danced over the controls; as he finished his sentence, he also finished his task, handing a magnetic card to Yang Ying: "The Telan Mercenary Group has been registered here. You are currently a Level Zero mercenary group. Upon completion of your first mission, you will automatically be upgraded to a Level One group. Aside from Level Zero, mercenary groups are divided into seven tiers, and missions are likewise divided into seven tiers. As a Level Zero group, you are only eligible for Level One missions. You can download the available missions and the specific regulations from any information terminal within this hall. Welcome to the Mercenary Guild. Next!"

Yang Ying mused internally: "The Telan Mercenary Group on Earth long ago surpassed the limits of mercenaries, far exceeding even the super mercenary groups. To think that upon entering the galaxy, we have to start again from Level Zero. It would be best to raise our rank as quickly as possible. Right, I could do that..."

The rules of the Guild had been detailed in the data provided by Cindy, and Yang Ying suddenly recalled one specific clause: If a mercenary group below Level Three were to recruit a master at the peak of Level Three, the group could be immediately upgraded to Level Three.