Chapter 57
Like a precision machine infused with supreme command, the Iron Throne base began to churn at high speed. The coordinates of the target star field were entered into the navigation core, and Han Zhong and Luo Yan began to formulate detailed navigation and combat plans. Energy was prioritized for the fleet. Su Si and Ye Lan led the engineering team in a final inspection and reinforcement of the capital ships, while Lao Lin ensured that all weapon systems were in optimal condition.
The tense atmosphere of preparation for battle permeated every corner, but beneath this solemnity, a firm hope was quietly growing - the long journey to find Xinglan seemed to have finally seen its end.
However, Wen Ling, despite his excitement, remained unusually calm. Late at night, he alone in the database reviewed all the historical records and exploration reports on the target star region, his brow furrowed ever more tightly.
That star field was marked as an "undeveloped area" and there were almost no official records. However, some sporadic informal reports from explorers or smugglers mentioned anomalies there - instrument failure, space distortion, and even... there was no return.
"What are you looking at?" Miao Weizhen's voice sounded from behind him. He had walked in at some point, carrying with him the cool, metallic scent that was unique to the bridge command cabin.
Wen Ling pushed a document marked "Summary of Folk Rumors" in front of him.
"This star region is more dangerous than we imagined. The blankness in the official records itself is suspicious. I suspect that the Federation is not completely ignorant of it, but is deliberately suppressing the news."
Miao Weizhen quickly scanned the documents, his eyes sharp. "Your judgment is likely correct. Qu Beichen will not allow any star region of strategic value or potential threat to escape his control." He tapped the table with his fingertips. "This means that on this trip, we will not only face unknown natural risks, but we may also face an ambush from the Federation."
While the "Iron Throne" was being prepared in full swing, in the distant federal capital, Beichen Prefecture.
President Qu Beichen was leisurely trimming a pot of peculiarly shaped interstellar plants. He listened to his subordinates' reports with an inscrutable smile on his face.
"The Iron Throne is finally moving," he said, cutting off a dead leaf. "Has the target been confirmed?"
"Confirmed, Mr. President," the Intelligence Minister replied with a bow. "They've mobilized all available ships, targeting the Oblivion Vortex. This is exactly as we predicted."
"Very good," Qu Beichen put down the scissors and wiped his hands with the white handkerchief beside him. "Miao Weizhen really still can't let go of his sister. This obsession is his biggest weakness."
He walked to the huge star map and looked at the area marked as the "Forgotten Vortex" with cold eyes.
"There's more than just clues about his sister buried there. Activate the 'net capture' plan. The First and Third Fleets advance to pre-set positions outside the vortex and remain silent. Tell General Raymond that I want the complete 'Iron Throne', especially their core technology, Prince Wen Ling. Try to capture them alive."
"Yes!" The intelligence minister accepted the order, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Mr. President, if... if they really found Miao Xinglan..."
Qu Beichen sneered, a cruel look flashing in his eyes. "Wouldn't that be even better? Let them reunite, and then... catch them all in one fell swoop. I want Miao Weizhen to see with his own eyes how his last hope is extinguished before his eyes."
At the "Iron Throne" base, the last high-level combat meeting.
"...In summary, the risk of the Oblivion Vortex is extremely high, and there's a high probability of a Federation ambush," Wen Ling presented his analysis to everyone. "I suggest that the fleet be divided into two routes, the open route, with General Han leading the main force and making a big show of force to attract attention. The hidden route will involve us aboard camouflaged fast assault ships, carrying a small elite team, and looking for an opportunity to infiltrate the center of the vortex."
"I agree with your highness's plan." Han Zhong was the first to speak out. "This old man, with his old bones, is just the right time to go meet the young men of the Federation."
"Leave the assault ship's camouflage and electronic countermeasures system to Susie and me," Ye Lan said. "We can make it look like a civilian research vessel that strayed into the area."
Miao Weizhen listened silently, his eyes always fixed on the dark vortex in the star map.
Finally, he spoke slowly.
"Just follow Wen Ling's plan, but," he turned to Wen Ling, his eyes deep and complex, "you stay at the base."
Wen Ling was stunned and immediately objected: "No! I must go! I have been involved in Xinglan's affairs for so long, and my ability-"
"Precisely because of your abilities, you must stay." Miao Weizheng interrupted him, his tone unquestionably cold and hard, "If...if we fail, and the federal army approaches, the 'Iron Throne' needs someone to take charge of the overall situation and lead the remaining people to survive. Han Zhong is good at attacking, Luo Yan is good at hiding, Lao Lin is good at weapons, and Dr. Anthony is focused on research...only you, Wen Ling," his eyes swept across everyone present and finally fell back on Wen Ling, "only you can unite everyone, balance all parties, and make the most appropriate decision for the overall situation.
He walked forward, and in front of everyone, for the first time, clearly and almost declaratively, he placed his hand on Wen Ling's shoulder and said in a deep voice:
"You are the hope for the future of Sailiang and the last resort for the Iron Throne. Defending this place is the greatest support for us."
This wasn't a negotiation, but an order, a heavy responsibility. He placed his weakness—the search for his sister—on the other side of the scale, and made a choice.
Wen Ling looked at him and saw the unwavering determination in his eyes, and also saw the hidden pain beneath that determination, perhaps the pain of saying goodbye to his beloved. He understood that this was not a retreat, but that he had been entrusted with a more important mission.
He took a deep breath, suppressed the worry and unwillingness in his heart, straightened his back, and a determined light flashed in his green eyes: "Okay, I'll stay. But Miao Weizhen, you remember——"
He met the other person's gaze and said word by word:
"You must come back alive. This is an order."
Miao Weizhen stared at him, the corners of his lips moving ever so slightly, and finally uttered a short syllable:
"Um."
The fleet is about to set sail, heading straight for the "Forgotten Vortex" where the fate is uncertain. Outside the vortex, the Federation has already unsheathed its sharp sword.
The port area of the Iron Throne is busier than ever.
The roar of engines, the clanging of metal, and the shouts of the crew mingled, filling the air with the urgency of pre-battle. General Han Zhong, donning freshly polished, worn shoulder armor, stood at the embarkation gate of his flagship, the Indomitable, delivering a final, resounding mobilization. His words retained his signature, gruff, heroic tone, but deep within his eyes was a look of concern for his men. The "Cangling Guards" he had brought with him had become one with the veterans of the base, a mutual trust flowing between them.
Not far away, the "Scavenger" team led by Luo Yan was conducting a final equipment check. They were silent and efficient, like a dagger about to be unsheathed. Luo Yan's mechanical prosthetic eye scanned each team member, confirming their status. When her eyes passed over the slightly nervous face of a young team member, she paused for the first time, reached out, and straightened the badge on his collar.
A small movement that surprised all the veteran team members. She was still that cold blade, but it seemed that there was a touch of human warmth on the handle.
Susie and Ye Lan were conducting final adjustments in the engine room of the assault ship "Undercurrent." Susie, an energy bar between her lips, her fingers flickering across the screen, muttering parameters that only she understood. Ye Lan calmly monitored the energy flow, occasionally correcting Susie's overly imaginative ideas. The two, one still, the other active, one meticulous, the other daring, worked together seamlessly. They both knew the ship's camouflage and speed were crucial to the success of the infiltration mission.
Old Lin personally took the tools and hammered on the hull of the "Undercurrent," listening to the echoes and judging the structural stress. He looked at Wen Ling approaching, his cloudy eyes showing a rare solemnity: "Your Highness, don't worry, this ship is sturdy."
The words were still concise, yet they carried a weight of weight. Wen Ling recalled how Lao Lin had tested his ability to conceal his abilities when he first entered the base. Now, this trust no longer needed words.
Old Chen was busy loading a batch of specially formulated, high-energy-density nutrient solution and air purification units onto the various ships. "For the journey," he succinctly told the receiving soldier, patting the boxes. "Be frugal." He was no longer just an engineer supervising the circulatory system; his work maintained the expeditionary fleet's most essential lifeline.
Ayuan didn't appear at the port. She stood on the higher covered bridge in the living quarters, silently observing the bustling scene below. She clutched a handful of freshly harvested, plump berries, but ultimately didn't give them away. She knew that her blessings at this moment weren't as important as ensuring the smooth flow of logistics. She turned and continued to check the supply list, her gentleness transforming into a tenacity that supported the front lines.
In the center of everyone's attention, Miao Weizhen and Wen Ling bid their final farewell. There were no extra words, no lingering embraces. Miao Weizhen simply gazed deeply at Wen Ling, as if he wanted to carve his image into his soul. He raised his hand, not to touch Wen Ling's face, but to gently stroke the blue topaz ring on his left thumb with his fingertips.
The ring originally belonged to Wen Xunyi, symbolizing royal authority, and was later put on him by Wen Ling herself.
This subtle action is full of hidden declarations, as if silently emphasizing the unbreakable connection and belonging between each other.
"Hold this place." He repeated what he had said in the meeting in a low voice.
"I'll wait for you to come back," Wen Ling replied, his green eyes filled with complete trust and unquestionable determination, echoing the oath of "together" he had made on the observatory. He saw Miao Weizhen caressing the ring, and something clicked in his heart, realizing that this wasn't just an instruction to him, but Miao Weizhen's determination to completely bind himself to the Iron Throne and his future.
Miao Weizhen turned and strode towards the Undercurrent, the hem of his black uniform slicing a decisive arc. He didn't look back.
Wen Ling stood there until all the ship hatches closed and the port's isolation gates slowly lowered. He turned and walked towards the command center. At this moment, he was no longer a prince in need of protection, but the temporary supreme commander of the "Iron Throne" and everyone's last resort.
When he sat down in front of the command center's main console, he saw a small basket of washed berries next to it. Beneath it was a note written in Ayuan's elegant handwriting: "Your Highness, thank you for your hard work."
On the other side, Old Chen brought him a cup of hot tea steeped in calming herbs. Before leaving, Han Zhong gave him his old data tablet, engraved with the Sailiang eagle emblem, which he had used for years. Luo Yan had already synchronized the highest level of authority for all defense nodes at the base to his interface.
They expressed their support and trust in him in their own ways.
At the same time, General Raymond, commander of the Federal First Fleet, received a coded message from the lurking sentry: "The fish has left the harbor, the direction has been confirmed, and it is swimming towards the 'catch net' according to the predetermined route."
Raymond looked at the two clear spots of light on the star map - the bright spot representing Han Zhong's main force, and the other, weaker, but secret signal representing the "Dark Current" that was captured by the sophisticated monitoring network he had set up, and a grim smile appeared on his face.
"Notify all ships to maintain absolute silence. Let them in, and wait until they reach the center of the whirlpool, then tighten the net." He gave the order as if he could already see the prey struggling in the net.
The expedition to the Iron Throne was exposed to the enemy's sight from the very beginning. Wen Ling's worries were gradually becoming a cruel reality.
On the Undercurrent, Miao Weizhen looked out the porthole at the gradually shrinking Iron Throne base behind him, until it turned into a speck of dust in the sea of stars. He closed his eyes, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the cold jade in his pocket.
Xinglan, my brother is here. No matter what lies ahead, it's the truth or hell.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
