Chapter 78 Escort

Lin Yao felt like a pancake, being tossed over and over by Ye Heng.

When being held in Ye Heng's arms, Lin Yao was so tired that he just rode on him.

Ye Heng gently wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, and stroked his spine from top to bottom with his big hand:

"Some of what men say can still be believed, right? Mumu."

Lin Yao was lying there, too tired to say a word, and couldn't even raise his hand to hit him.

Instead, Ye Heng grabbed that hand, pulled it to his lips, and kissed the five fingers devoutly.

Then Ye Heng picked him up and kissed the corner of his eye: "Let's take a bath, okay?"

Lin Yao shook his head in resistance.

But it was of no use. He was firmly nailed to Ye Heng's arms, and every step he took was a torture for him.

For the first time, Lin Yao doubted whether his room was so big.

—

The next morning, Lin Yao was woken up by being sucked.

If you know it, you will think it is a pleasure. If you don’t know it, you will think it is not a collarbone, but a chicken rack!

"Shut up!"

The first thing Lin Yao wanted to do was to withdraw his words and call Baojuan. His voice was ruined by Ye Laoliu.

Seeing that he was awake, Ye Heng happily kissed his cheek and said, "Are you tired? I'll carry you to wash up."

The soldiers' speed really caught Lin Yao off guard. He yelled at the top of his lungs, "Clothes! Clothes!" and then called for pants. He really didn't want to be seen walking with his partner so early in the morning!

After washing up, Lin Yao felt exhausted both physically and mentally. If he could reach it, he would have tasted what his collarbone tasted like and whether it was worth Ye Heng's constant chewing.

After breakfast, Ye Heng gave up his stiff sitting posture for the first time.

Seeing Lin Yao lying on the sofa, he naturally piled up on him.

"What's wrong with you?" Lin Yao inserted his fingers into his hair, smoothing it out bit by bit. "Stop biting my collarbone. It's making me curious about what I smell like."

"Sweet." Ye Heng grazed the soft flesh with his teeth. "I don't want to leave you."

Hearing this, Lin Yao paused, "Are we going back to the Central Star?"

"Well, at the old house..." Ye Heng hugged him with sadness written all over his body.

After the mission on Mingsha Star was completed, the Ye family's old house urged Ye Heng to go back, but Ye Heng kept procrastinating and has not returned yet.

Lin Yao put his arm around Ye Heng's shoulders and patted him repeatedly: "What's your reason this time?"

Ye Heng shook his head and said that it was not the Ye family’s fault, but the Lin family’s.

As soon as these words were spoken, Lin Yao also knew.

The youngest daughter of the head of the Lin family finally became pregnant naturally three years after marrying into the royal family. In order to celebrate this, the Lin family held a banquet.

The youngest daughter of the Lin family is an A-level plant guide; her husband, the third prince, is an S-level sentinel.

Both parties have high mental strength, and this child was conceived naturally. Everyone knows how talented this child will be.

It is normal for the Lin family to hold a banquet to celebrate with this reason.

After all, the royal family will pay more attention to it, and it will definitely not be the Lin family who will host the full month and one year old celebrations after the child is born.

Those invited were all prominent families and high-ranking officials from the Central Star, and the Ye family was naturally among the invited guests.

The Lin family's invitation letter was sent to the Chiying base a month ago. There was no way Ye Heng would not go to attend such a banquet endorsed by the royal family.

The Ye family actually knew that Lin Yao and Ye Heng had registered their marriage, and they were supposed to attend the banquet together this time.

But because the Lin family wants to take this opportunity to reach a so-called resource exchange agreement with the Ye family, that is, a child-bearing agreement.

Previously on Mingsha Star, Lin Yao had a big fight with Ye Heng because of this matter. Cang Lie and Yun Ling were present at the time, so it could not be concealed.

So this time, the Ye family did not allow Ye Heng to bring Lin Yao to attend the banquet.

Lin Yao thought of the two pieces of news he heard yesterday, and muttered to himself: Did the Central Star worship the Goddess of Fertility?

He kissed Ye Heng's hair and comforted him: "Don't be afraid, I'm always here."

"I know," he paused, raised his head, and Lin Yao's face was clearly reflected in his dark green eyes.

Ye Heng's fingertips gently stroked Lin Yao's face, his tone full of worry.

"When I go back this time, you must be extra careful at the base. Pirates have been active in the nearby Black Crow Star Region recently.

Intelligence says they've stockpiled a batch of new energy weapons with immense destructive power. If you're on a mission near there, be sure to bring plenty of people with you and don't underestimate the enemy."

Lin Yao held his hand, and felt the coolness of his palm from his fingertips: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"Yeah." Ye Heng was still worried and reminded again,

"Before each mission, have the communications soldiers perform several encrypted channel tests. The pirates' signal jammers have been upgraded. Don't let them cut off your retreat.

Also, although the Killing Vines can sense danger, if you encounter an area with abnormal energy fluctuations, you must retreat first and don't act recklessly."

"If you encounter any problems, you can go to Lu Chen."

He talked on and on, from weapons and equipment to communication plans, every detail, as if he wanted to remind everyone of all the conceivable risks in advance.

Lin Yao listened quietly, occasionally nodding in response.

When Ye Heng finally stopped, Lin Yao smiled and pinched his chin:

"Marshal Ye, if you keep saying that, I'm going to think you're not going to the banquet, but are going to say goodbye to me forever."

Ye Heng's brows furrowed instantly, and he said in a serious tone, "Don't say such things."

"Okay, I won't tell you." Lin Yao stopped joking and looked at him seriously.

"It's the same in Central Star. There aren't many good people in the Lin family."

Ye Heng nodded heavily and hugged him tighter: "You are the only person I want to spend my life with."

Lin Yao didn't say anything, just hugged him back.

The sunlight from outside the window quietly seeped in, illuminating the two people's clasped hands.

Whether it was the pirates in the Black Crow Star Domain, the Lin family's banquet, or that disgusting child-bearing agreement, they all seemed to have become a distant background.

The most important thing at this moment is to feel the body temperature of the person in your arms and remember this unspoken tacit understanding and bond.

—

The day Ye Heng left, the wind in Star Harbor was slightly chilly.

Lin Yao stood under the ladder, watching the starship break through the clouds until it turned into a small dot and disappeared into the sky, then he turned around and returned to the base.

The next morning, mission instructions came through the communicator at the Red Shadow Base.

On the holographic screen of the combat command center, the route between the Sphenoid Galaxy and the Black Crow Star Region was highlighted.

A merchant ship fully loaded with energy stones plans to cross this route. Due to the recent rampant pirate activities, it has requested escort from the Red Shadow Legion.

Red Shadow Team 3 was assigned to carry out this mission, and Lin Yao participated as deputy commander.

"Major General Lin, Team Three is ready, please give instructions." The voice of Captain and Commander-in-Chief Guo Quan came from the communicator, with respect for his superiors.

Lin Yao synchronized the optical brain with the command system and said in a steady tone: "Proceed as planned. I will cooperate with you."

When he boarded the ship, he ran into a familiar figure at the cabin door.

The other person was wearing a neat sentry uniform. When he saw Lin Yao, he immediately saluted with a standard military salute with a smile on his face.

"Major General Lin."

"Zhao Feng?" Lin Yao stopped and looked at the other person.

Five months ago, when Lin Yaogang was working in the White Tower, he treated the first sentinel.

He had been telling Ye Heng that Zhao Feng should have returned to the team. Why didn't he see him on Mingsha Star?

Ye Heng said that Zhao Feng was in the process of adapting to his new role at that time, so he did not participate in the mission on Mingsha Star.

Lin Yao looked him up and down: "You've recovered well."

"Thanks to the Major General's treatment." Zhao Feng's cheeks flushed slightly, and his tone was full of gratitude.

"It is my honor to be able to go on this mission with you. I will definitely do my best."

Lin Yao nodded slightly: "Just carry out the mission according to the plan."

After the starship left the base, Xu Li and Zhao Kun also boarded the escort ship.

Before leaving, Ye Heng specifically instructed them to follow Lin Yao closely, and not to take it lightly even if it was just a routine escort mission.

"Major General Lin, the magnetic field in the route between the Sphenoid Galaxy and the Black Crow Star Region is chaotic, and there are also multiple asteroid belts. Communications and navigation may be affected."

Xu Li stood beside Lin Yao and reported to him,

Lin Yao flipped through the report: "The technical soldiers have adjusted the band and will try to maintain real-time communication. If the signal is interrupted, we will rendezvous at the predetermined coordinates according to the backup plan."

"receive."

Lin Yao watched the nebula flying by outside the porthole, and made a few simple operations on the command panel with his fingertips. "What did Captain Guo say?"

"Captain Guo, instructions: After rendezvous with the merchant ship, maintain a triangular escort formation. Once entering the channel, switch to silent mode. Pay close attention to surrounding activities and avoid known pirate activity areas."

Xu Li relayed the commander-in-chief's instructions.

Lin Yao nodded to show that he understood and would issue warnings and defend according to the movement pattern given by the other party.

Zhao Feng's team was responsible for reconnaissance and surveillance on the left wing. Lin Yao perceived his mental fluctuations as stable and orderly.

Lin Yao occasionally glanced at the mental power map on the monitoring screen, and couldn't help feeling a little relieved.

The sentry who gritted his teeth and persevered five months ago has now been able to return to his post. Perhaps this is the most fulfilling moment as a healer.

The starship traveled in the universe for about three hours and successfully reunited with the merchant ship, and then they sailed together into the channel between the Sphenoid Galaxy and the Black Crow Star Region.

This section of the waterway is narrow and winding, with many asteroids of various sizes floating around. The starlight is blocked and flickers, giving it a somewhat eerie feel.

"Energy fluctuations have been detected two light years ahead. The source is unknown." The scout's voice was a little nervous.

Guo Quan's voice rang out in the tactical channel, steady and powerful:

"Stay alert and maintain your formation.

The investigation team will expand its scope. Major General Lin, you will focus on monitoring changes in energy fluctuations and report promptly."

"Got it." Lin Yao responded, staring intently at the monitoring screen.

The escort fleet navigated the channel cautiously. Asteroids passed by from time to time, and the interference of the magnetic field caused the signal on the command screen to be intermittent.

Shasha stretched out from Lin Yao's wrist, flashing rapidly in ice blue, vigilantly sensing the changes in the surrounding energy, warning him of potential danger.

"Captain Guo, two suspicious starships have been spotted in front of us on the right, and they are rapidly approaching us!" Zhao Kun's voice suddenly rang out in the channel.

Guo Quan quickly ordered: "Adjust the formation, protect the merchant ship! Intercept the suspicious starship!"

"Yes!" Zhao Feng responded with a sharp tone. Lin Yao could feel his mental strength instantly rising, and he had obviously entered a combat state.

Zhao Feng marked the real-time position and movement of the suspicious starship and fed it back to Guo Quan.

Lin Yao also entered combat mode instantly.

—

The early morning of Central Star was torn apart by an urgent interruption of military news.

On the holographic news screen, the anchor reported solemnly: "Yesterday, the Red Shadow Legion's escort fleet encountered a pirate attack in the Sphenoid Bone Galaxy and the Black Crow Star Region, and the escort mission was thwarted.

According to preliminary information, the deputy commander of this mission, Major General Lin Yao, took the initiative to stay behind to protect the merchant ship and his teammates, and his life or death is unknown..."

As soon as the news came out, the entire empire was in an uproar.

The first to be enveloped in despair were the escort team that had just returned.

The moment the hatch opened, there was no triumphant fatigue on the soldiers' faces, only an indescribable heaviness.

Guo Quan took off his helmet and looked at the star-studded flag above the base. His Adam's apple rolled for a long time before he said to his comrades who had gathered around him:

"sorry."

Zhao Feng stood in the crowd, feeling as if all his strength had been drained away.

Five months ago, it was Lin Yao who saved him through cross-level guidance, and this time during the escort mission, Lin Yao even sacrificed his life in exchange for his chance of survival.

Originally, they thought they were just two pirate ships and could intercept them according to the plan.

But less than ten minutes into the exchange of fire, the main force of pirates hiding behind the asteroid belt suddenly swarmed out, and the densely packed ships almost blocked out the starlight in the channel.

That was the entire main force of the Claw-Breaking Pirates, at least thirty armed starships, and the intensity of their firepower far exceeded the intelligence estimates.

"The major general asked us to take the merchant ship and leave first!" Zhao Feng's voice was hoarse as if it had been rubbed with sandpaper, and the memories cut his nerves like a knife.

The pirates' target is merchant ships. As long as they escort the merchant ships to the warp channel, the pirates will not be able to find them.

He came to hold them back, but everyone knew that it was simply suicide!

At that time, the laser beams hit the fleet like a rainstorm, and the shield of the command ship where Lin Yao was located was instantly cracked.

He issued a final command over the tactical channel, his voice unnaturally calm:

"Captain Guo, initiate the emergency jump sequence. Zhao Feng, keep an eye on the merchant ship and don't look back."

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Feng saw Lin Yao's command ship suddenly change direction, and a huge ice-blue energy net unfolded on the surface of the ship.

"He's deliberately luring the pirates to his side!" Guo Quan punched the cabin wall hard, and the metal made a dull sound.

"That shield won't last long. Without him doing this, not only will we not be able to return, but the entire fleet, including the merchant ships, will be reduced to shards in the universe!"

Zhao Feng dug his nails deep into his palms, and blood dripped from between his fingers onto the ground.

He could never forget the last scene he saw through the porthole:

Lin Yao's command ship was surrounded by pirate ships, and laser beams hit the shield densely, like countless poisonous snakes biting.

Then they finally entered the jump channel, the program started, the dazzling white light swallowed up the vision, and when they looked back, there was only stardust in the sky and the sound of distant artillery fire.

"He saved me twice..." Zhao Feng squatted on the ground, his shoulders shaking violently. "He pulled me out of hell five months ago, and now he's forcing his way out on us... If anything happens to him, I'll never forgive myself!"

The soldiers of the escort team stood in silence, some wiped their faces, some turned their backs, and the only sound in the corridor of the base was the suppressed breathing.

They all knew that if Lin Yao had not taken the initiative to stay and use himself as bait to hold up the shield, it would not be them who would be returning at this moment, but the wreckage that the rescue team came to salvage.

The people's reaction to Lin Yaodi's concerns was the most direct and anxious.

Since the battle of Mingsha Star, Lin Yao has gained a large number of fans.

Later, his identity as 'Shadow' was revealed, and those who had previously sincerely pursued 'Shadow' in the National Training Ground quickly joined in.

In just half an hour, topics such as #Major General Lin Yao is safe# #Please save Ying# quickly topped the hot search list.

The comment section of the social platform was flooded with messages of prayer and concern. Some people dug out the blurry images of him left in the battle and watched them repeatedly, while others spontaneously organized online prayer activities. The entire network was worried about the safety of this major general.

Yu Ze sat in the counseling room, his computer screen filled with densely packed unsent messages.

From the moment the news popped up, he began to repeat his previous actions.

The fingertips quickly tapped the screen, sending out sentences like "Where are you?", "Don't worry," and "I'll wait for you."

But it was all in vain, the interface always showed "Failed to send, the other party cannot receive".

He stared at the line of instructions intently, his knuckles turning white from exerting too much force. The drainage chamber made a slight buzzing sound, but it couldn't dispel the panic in his heart.

Unlike the bustling outside world, the Ye family's old house was dead silent.

When Ye Heng received the news, he was accompanying his grandfather to check the guest list for the banquet and saw the news pop up on the computer.

The pen in his hand snapped into two pieces, and the ink splattered all over the white letter paper.

Ye Heng immediately stood up and tried to contact the Chiying base, but Ye Bingzong shouted at him, "Stop!"

Mr. Ye simply raised his eyelids, glanced at the news headline, and pushed the letter back in front of him:

"The Lin family's banquet is coming soon. Don't be distracted by irrelevant people and things."

The indifference in his tone was as if the one who had suffered the disaster was not the partner of the Ye family head, but an unrelated stranger.

The attitudes of other families are even more intriguing.

Those families who were usually eager to curry favor with the Lin family, after hearing the news, said "regret" on the surface, but whispered in private.

"It was better for something to happen sooner or later than the Lin family held such a big banquet. Lin Yao is really good at causing trouble."

"That's right, it's really unlucky."

These words were like tiny needles, circulating silently in the social circle. Between the lines, there was disgust for Lin Yao, as if his experience was just a stain that ruined the atmosphere of the banquet.

Delin family.

The Delincheng family was happy to see Lin Yao make a fool of himself. The Ye family wanted to sign a child-bearing agreement with the Lin family, and they didn't allow Lin Yao to attend the banquet. This was a slap in Lin Yao's face.

What if Ye Heng recognized her? The Ye family didn't recognize this person at all. He was even worse than De Linwei.

At least, Delinwei will give birth to the heir of the Cang family, and that is enough.

Now this person's life or death is unknown. To put it bluntly, this statement is likely to mean that he is dead, which can be regarded as a way to vent their anger for the second branch.

De Linwei was pregnant and smiled when she heard the news. This was one of the few good news she had recently.

Only De Linfeng locked himself in the study for the entire day. Except for housekeeper Zhan, no one else knew what Grandpa De Lin was doing.

The sunlight from the central star gradually rose, illuminating the prosperity and indifference of the planet.

The news about Lin Yao is still fermenting. Some people pray, some worry, some ignore, and some mock.

The protagonist, who is being cared about or discussed by countless people, is now in an unknown danger. His fate is like the stardust hanging in the sky above the Black Crow Star Region, and no one knows where it will drift to.