Chapter 73
The embers of war in the Saigong star field have not yet completely cooled, but the starry sky has ushered in a new dawn.
During the standoff with the Federation, Wen Xunyi was forced to abdicate due to deteriorating health and internal and external pressure. Loyalist generals such as Han Zhong urged Wen Ling to swiftly complete the legal succession process within the Sailiang cabinet. Wen Ling, citing the unstable alliance situation, temporarily shelved the matter, but was granted supreme authority over Sailiang's internal affairs.
In the makeshift meeting hall of the Saigong Palace, representatives from the nine nations gathered for the first time. Around the huge circular conference table, flags representing Sailiang, Saigong, Saijian, Sairang, Saiyi, Saili, Saizhi, Saixin, and Saiwen were arranged in sequence, resembling the nine stars in a line in an ancient epic poem.
Wen Ling sat in the main seat, dressed in a simple white tuxedo with a newly crafted nine-star emblem pinned to his collar. His thin frame seemed thinner against the spacious chair, but his deep green eyes gleamed with undeniable determination. Miao Weizhen stood behind him, still in his usual black uniform. His dark brown eyes scanned the room like a hawk, his protective demeanor evident.
"According to historical records," Wen Ling unfolded an ancient star map, "in the era of our home planet, our ancestors discovered a special star field among the stars—
There is a planet covered by a mirror-like ocean, surrounded by a never-fading peach forest, hence the name "Taoyuan Mirror Sea."
Xinglan projected a holographic image at the perfect moment, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful planet: "An ancient civilization left behind the most complete ruins there, said to hold the secret to the rebirth of civilization."
The Queen of Saiwen leaned forward slightly. "Your Highness, are you referring to that sacred place said to 'illuminate the heart and purify the soul'?"
"Exactly," Miao Weizhen continued, tapping his fingertips to pull up more data. "We've confirmed its coordinates. It will be the spark of a new civilization."
The discussion about leadership was far more intense than expected. The general of the Saiyi Kingdom slammed the table and said, "Your Highness Wen Ling has made invaluable contributions to the war to restore the country, but how can the position of leader of the Nine Kingdoms be decided so rashly?"
"Then what do you think we should do?" Miao Weizhen's voice turned colder. "Continue the internal strife until the remnants of the Federation make a comeback?"
Xing Lan shook his head slightly from the audience and said to Wen Ling through the consciousness link: "He is bluffing. He actually wants to strive for a higher military position."
Wen Ling understood and slowly stood up: "I don't ask anyone to crown me. But if someone is needed to coordinate the various parties, I am willing to take on that responsibility."
His modesty actually earned him more favor. After a day of intense discussion, the final agreement was that Wen Ling would temporarily serve as "Covenant Master," and long-term strategies would be discussed after the base at Jinghai in Taoyuan was completed.
In the evening, an unexpected visitor stirred up another storm at the meeting. Dr. Lin, the former chief scientist of the Federation, entered the meeting room, escorted by Luo Yan, carrying a thick document.
"I'm here to atone for my sins." He bowed deeply. "The 'Star Shuttle Project' is indeed a key, but it doesn't unlock a dimensional passage. Instead, it unlocks... the seal of the Taoyuan Mirror Sea."
The whole audience was in an uproar.
Xing Lan stepped forward quickly, his fingers lightly touching the yellowed pages. "No wonder... the energy fluctuations I sensed within the Heart Crown are so similar to those recorded in the Peach Garden Mirror Sea."
Dr. Lin nodded gravely. "An ancient civilization sealed a terrible secret within the Mirror Sea of Taoyuan. The Federation seeks to control it, yet they are playing with fire."
Miao Weizhen immediately asked: "What secret?"
"A threat... powerful enough to plunge the entire galaxy into chaos."
This news made the already complex situation even more confusing. Representatives from various countries looked at each other in bewilderment, and the newly established trust began to show cracks.
Wen Ling looked around at everyone and said in a steady voice, "Precisely because the road ahead is uncertain, we need unity even more. Tomorrow, I will personally lead the team to Taoyuan Jinghai. Those who wish to join me are welcome; those who choose to wait and see, I understand."
His courage inspired many present. Queen Saiwen was the first to express her willingness: "Saiwen is willing to accompany Your Highness."
Other countries followed suit. By the time the star chart finalized the list of the first expedition teams, the sky outside the window was already filled with stars.
After the meeting, Wen Ling stood alone on the terrace, lost in thought, gazing towards the Mirror Sea of Taoyuan. Miao Weizhen silently walked over to him and draped a robe over his shoulders.
"Are you scared?" Miao Weizhen asked in a low voice.
Wen Ling leaned towards him gently: "Don't be afraid."
Xing Lan's voice came from behind: "I'm already sorting out all the ancient data about Taoyuan Mirror Sea."
She walked over to the two of them, her silver hair flowing in the moonlight. "But now, it's time for you to go eat. Old Lin has specially prepared a celebration banquet."
Miao Weizhen glanced at Wen Ling's thin figure and put his arm around his waist without saying anything: "Let's go."
Under the starry sky, nine flags fluttered gently in the night breeze, while the Taoyuan Mirror Sea in the distance was quietly waiting for their arrival.
The lights in the corridor stretched the three figures, interweaving them into warm silhouettes against the cold metal walls. Miao Weizhen's hand remained firmly on Wen Ling's waist; this protective gesture had become a habit.
"Brother," Xing Lan said, taking two quick steps to join them, his silver hair gleaming softly under the corridor lights. "I just sensed that the general of Saiyi Kingdom actually admires His Highness Wen Ling very much, but he's just too proud to let go."
Wen Ling chuckled, her deep green eyes appearing especially gentle under the light. "I can tell. Every time he objects, he unconsciously touches his sword. It's his habit when he's nervous."
Miao Weizhen nodded slightly: "This habit has been around since he was the border commander of the Saiyi Kingdom."
Wen Ling glanced at him sideways: "You always notice these details."
"After all, there are more people to take care of now." Miao Weizhen's gaze swept over Wen Ling and Xing Lan, with an imperceptible tenderness in his dark brown eyes.
Xing Lan smiled knowingly: "Yes, brother has a lot to worry about now."
The three of them chatted and laughed as they reached the cafeteria entrance, where the enticing aroma of food filled their air. Old Lin, wearing an apron, stood at the entrance. Seeing them, he beamed. "I've been waiting for you! I've specially made traditional Sailiang dishes today." Old Chen peeked out of the kitchen, spoon in hand. "Freshly harvested vegetables from the ecological zone, guaranteed fresh!"
The cafeteria was warm and bright, its long tables laden with a variety of dishes. Han Zhong, already flushed from drinking, was arguing with Anthony. Susie and Ye Lan were sharing a datapad in a corner, occasionally chuckling. Luo Yan sat quietly by the window, a cup of tea before him. A Yuan was distributing her newly cultivated moonflowers to each table.
"Your Highness! Minister!" Han Zhong raised his glass and shouted when he saw them. "We've been waiting for you to start the feast!"
Lao Lin specially led them to the main table, where the dishes were clearly carefully matched.
There were the clear stews that Wen Ling liked, the low-fat and low-salt dishes that Miao Weizhen preferred, and even a few of their mother's specialties that were replicated based on Xing Lan's descriptions.
"This is..." Miao Weizhen looked at a familiar dish with a slightly fixed gaze.
Xinglan's eyes were already red: "These are the jade meatballs that my mother often makes..."
Wen Ling gently touched Miao Weizhen's hand: "I asked Lao Lin to look up your mother's recipe."
Miao Weizhen was silent for a moment, then gracefully picked up the knife and carefully divided the meatballs into three portions: "Since this is a hometown dish, it should be shared by the whole family."
He placed the largest piece on Wen Ling's plate. "You've been working too hard lately."
This natural and intimate gesture warmed Wen Ling's heart. Xing Lan saw it and smiled sweetly.
After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew even more lively. Xing Lan was dragged into a technical discussion by Su Xi and Ye Lan. Old Chen joined in with freshly baked dim sum, and the discussion quickly became a crossover between food and technology.
Wen Ling quietly left the table and walked to the terrace to get some fresh air. The cool night breeze brushed against his slightly hot cheeks, which was very comfortable.
A warm coat was gently draped over his shoulders, and Miao Weizhen's voice came from behind him: "Be careful not to catch a cold."
Wen Ling leaned against the warm chest behind her: "I'm thinking about going to Taoyuan Jinghai tomorrow."
"I'm here." Miao Weizhen's arm naturally wrapped around his waist. "We're a family together. There's nothing to worry about."
Xinglan saw the two people hugging each other through the glass window of the cafeteria and smiled knowingly. Ayuan came over and whispered, "That's great."
"We are a family." Xinglan responded softly.
The stars twinkled quietly in the night sky, witnessing this rare warm night after the war. From meeting to knowing each other, from fighting side by side to becoming each other's most important family, this hard-earned warmth made them cherish it especially.
A new journey will begin at dawn.
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