Chapter 1415 Xiao Dingshan was rescued
Chapter 1415 Xiao Dingshan was rescued
Xiao Ce was also preparing to leave at this moment, because he had other ideas...
Now that he knows the situation, he still decides to activate the Star Network Hub.
After Xiao Ce attempted to contact Ling Xu, he wanted to know about the Star Network Hub.
However, Lingxu told Xiao Ce all the information he knew.
Xiao Ce knew all this, so if he wanted more information, he would have to go to the Star Network Hub to find out.
Having left the cell, he no longer paid any attention to Xiao Dingshan's curses...
After returning home, Yin Pan'er came over anxiously to ask what was wrong.
Xiao Ce embraced Yin Pan'er and recounted in detail every detail of his confrontation with Xiao Dingshan in the prison cell, especially the truth revealed by the other party after being thoroughly provoked and his unbearable breakdown and pleading at the end.
"...So, you guessed right, Pan'er."
Xiao Ce's voice was deep and filled with sincere admiration as he gently stroked Yin Pan'er's hair!
"The 'he' he refers to is very likely a guardian, not a fugitive. The Star Network Hub sent out a distress signal, not a decoy."
The creation base has also been secretly sending signals belonging to their hunters. Our previous judgment was skewed by his lies.
Yin Pan'er nestled in his arms, listening to Xiao Ce's affirmation, feeling a warm current surge in her heart, but more than that, a sense of solemnity.
"Your Highness, so that means the Orion Seventh Raider Fleet... is indeed real, and is very likely on its way?"
"It was Xiao Dingshan who admitted it himself, and judging from his reaction, he believed it without a doubt and was extremely eager for their arrival."
Xiao Ce's eyes sharpened, and he slowly said, "Although he is like a stray dog now, his words, at least regarding the existence of the Seventh Fleet and their purpose for arriving, should be what he believes to be the truth. We need to prepare for the worst."
"Then... what should we do?"
Yin Pan'er raised her head, her clear eyes reflecting her husband's resolute profile!
"Xiao Dingshan is hoping the fleet will come to his rescue, or even help him take revenge. We cannot sit idly by and wait to die. Shutting down the Star Network Hub only stops the Guardian's distress signal, but it cannot stop the wolves that Xiao Dingshan may have already attracted with his signal."
"Moreover, his words also revealed that in a few years... if they were to come over at any time, it would be a disaster for us, a catastrophe..."
Xiao Ce remained silent for a moment, then turned his gaze to the deep night sky outside the window, as if trying to pierce through the endless darkness to see the hidden enemy.
Then, he slowly and clearly stated his decision:
"Restart the Star Network Mechanism."
Yin Pan'er was slightly taken aback, then her eyes lit up, and she instantly understood her husband's intention: "Does Your Highness want to... take the initiative to contact the Guardians for possible reinforcements?"
"Not bad!"
Xiao Ce's eyes flashed with a resolute light, and then he said to Yin Pan'er, "Xiao Dingshan is afraid that the Star Network Hub will attract the Guardians' reinforcements, which is exactly what we need!"
Since the Seventh Fleet he mentioned is very likely coming with malicious intent, we need another force to counterbalance or even confront them.
That fellow countryman of the 'pioneer' and 'guardian' is the most likely ally.
Rather than passively waiting for unknown disasters to strike, it's better to actively open this door and seek a chance for survival.
He paused, his voice heavy yet unwavering: "This is indeed a huge gamble. We cannot be certain whether the Guardians' reinforcements still exist, whether they are strong enough, or even whether they still uphold their belief in protecting the Guardians."
It is impossible to predict whether restarting the signal will first attract reinforcements or instead expose the coordinates, accelerating the Seventh Fleet's lock-on.
The risks are enormous, and it could even lead to faster destruction.
Yin Pan'er listened quietly without speaking immediately.
She knew the weight of this decision; it was practically gambling with the fate of the entire planet and all of human civilization.
Xiao Ce's analysis was incredibly clear, laying bare both the advantages and disadvantages.
Reactivating the Star Network's core is a desperate survival strategy, as well as a courageous act of proactively embracing the unknown storm.
She reminisced about every moment she had shared with Xiao Ce, from their initial weakness to their eventual strength, from their ignorance to their current understanding of interstellar secrets.
They have always faced challenges that seem like hopeless situations. This time, although the danger is unprecedented, the essence is no different.
Xiao Ce was capable of doing anything he set his mind to, and doing it well.
What she needs to do is actually quite simple...
That is to support Xiao Ce...
After a moment's thought, Yin Pan'er met Xiao Ce's questioning and decisive gaze, and without the slightest hesitation, nodded solemnly and firmly:
“I agree, Your Highness.”
Her voice was clear and strong, and she said to Xiao Ce with a firm tone: "Rather than waiting in silence for the fate of being plundered and destroyed, we should fight hard and actively seek that glimmer of hope."
Xiao Dingshan and his Hunter Council represent greed and destruction, and the guardian 'he' and his compatriots, at least once fought and bled for this land.
I believe that the legacy passed down by guardians is something we should strive for and trust even more.
She grasped Xiao Ce's hand, conveying unconditional support: "Your Highness, you are right."
Reactivating the Star Network Hub and contacting potential allies outside the domain is the most urgent and only step we need to take to break the deadlock.
Risks certainly exist, but the risk of sitting idly by and waiting for death is absolute annihilation! Only by taking a chance can there be hope!
Xiao Ce felt the strength from his wife's palm and the unwavering trust in her heart, and the last trace of gloom caused by the immense pressure in his heart was dispelled. He gripped Yin Pan'er's hand tightly in return, his eyes blazing with dazzling light.
"Excellent! With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for!"
Xiao Ce was filled with heroic spirit and then said, "Since we've made the decision, we shouldn't delay. Although Xiao Dingshan has collapsed, there's no guarantee that the remaining council consciousness in the Creation Base won't act rashly and do something even more outrageous after his mental breakdown."
We must get this done before they do, or at least before the Seventh Fleet actually arrives!
"What do you need me to do?" Yin Pan'er asked immediately, her eyes full of determination.
Xiao Ce held Yin Pan'er's hand, smiled, and then said, "It's enough that you stay by my side..."
Yin Pan'er stood beside him, her beautiful face showing no hesitation.
The moment Xiao Ce finished speaking, her hand gently covered his clenched fist, her cool touch containing an unyielding will. "Wherever you go, I will go."
"Whether it's this star network hub, this creation base, or even the abyss of the universe, we'll venture out together."
Her voice was not loud, but every word was clear, like ice crystals striking a jade plate, carrying an undeniable determination.
Those usually wise and calm eyes were now burning with a flame in sync with Xiao Ce's—a desire to explore the unknown, and a resolute commitment to follow each other through life and death.
Xiao Ce looked at her deeply, feeling the strength from his palm, and all his unspoken words were reduced to a silent nod.
With her by my side, this all-or-nothing journey gained a touch of warmth and confidence.
As for the Star Network Hub, it's located in the outer sea. Xiao Ce just needs to find a safe spot to activate it, log in, and then check it out...
All that's left to do is explain things to Yin Weiyong and the others...
The following morning, the atmosphere in the council hall of the Northern Desert King's Palace was solemn.
Xiao Ce sat upright in the main seat, while Yin Pan'er stood quietly beside him.
Key personnel, including Yin Weiyong, Han Da, Wei Wuji, and Fu Niu, who had been urgently summoned, stood on both sides, each with a solemn expression, sensing that a major decision was about to be made.
"Everyone..."
Xiao Ce cut to the chase, his voice steady and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority, as he addressed the crowd: "Gentlemen, Pan'er and I will be departing immediately to attend to some other matters. We are unsure when we will be leaving completely..."
"However, things might have been urgent, and once we went out, we were gone..."
The hall fell silent instantly, with only the sound of breathing audible.
Han Da's resolute face was taut, Wei Wuji's eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and Fu Niu clenched his fists.
"Your Majesty!"
Yin Weiyong spoke first: "The Royal Palace and the Federation are the foundations built and supported by Your Highness. This old minister, Yin Weiyong, hereby swears that as long as I have a breath left, I will do my utmost, working together with General Han, General Wei, General Niu, and others, to ensure the safety of the northern desert and maintain the stability of the Federation! As for domestic affairs, people's livelihood, and foreign relations, this old man will devote himself to these matters, ensuring that there is no chaos in the rear, and await Your Highness and the Princess's triumphant return!"
His promise was firm and resounding.
Han Da then stepped forward, his military boots clattering on the ground: "Your Highness, rest assured! The Dragon Fang Mecha Legion and the Exoskeleton Corps are ready and waiting! With General Wei, Old Niu, and I here, we will surely make the Xiao Kingdom's territory as solid as a rock! Any villain who dares to cause trouble while Your Highness is away, I will crush them into dust!"
His eyes gleamed with the light of a steely soldier, brimming with confidence.
Wei Wuji added succinctly: "The Ghost Squad has spread its intelligence network to monitor all anomalies and ensure there are no blind spots."
Axe-Bull roared like thunder: "My axe is only for chopping down the heads of blind dogs! Your Highness, go ahead, we'll guard the home!"
Looking at these loyal ministers who had followed him through countless battles and built his vast empire, Xiao Ce felt a warmth in his heart.
He nodded slightly and said to Yin Weiyong, "Prime Minister Yin, you have been busy with all the internal and external affairs. I will leave some of the mechs behind and temporarily hand them over to you."
"As for Han Da, Wei Wuji, Axe Ox, and Night Cat, you all have your own people under your command, right? You're all supposed to come with me..."
Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, the group's eyes lit up, and they immediately said to him, "Your Highness, that's wonderful..."
They've been together for so long, they've developed a strong understanding of each other!
There's no need to say too much.
Xiao Ce said with a smile, "It's just a temporary farewell, which is nothing new to us!"
The group nodded in agreement; they had noticed some worry in Xiao Ce's eyes!
But they knew very well!
With Xiao Ce around, all difficulties can be resolved!
However, just as Xiao Ce was about to explain the details further, Yin Pan'er also wanted to add information about the connection of the rear intelligence network.
A cry for help came from outside the door!
"Your Highness! No...something terrible has happened!"
The guard's voice was hoarse and broken, filled with deep-seated terror and disbelief, "The...the dungeon! Xiao Dingshan...has been kidnapped!"
The roar was like a thunderclap, instantly shattering the solemnity and determination that had just been formed in the council hall.
"what?!"
Han Da, Wei Wuji, and Fu Niu roared almost simultaneously, their overwhelming aura and killing intent sweeping out uncontrollably.
Han Da took a step forward, causing the ground to tremble slightly, and shouted sharply, "Who dares to be so bold?! The dungeon is heavily guarded! How could that old scoundrel Xiao Dingshan, who is only half a body, have been abducted?!"
Even the usually composed and prudent Yin Weiyong was startled, his beard and hair trembling slightly. He asked urgently, "Speak quickly! What happened? How many enemies are there? Where did they come from?"
The guard took a deep breath, his eyes still filled with shock and deep confusion: "Reporting to Your Highness, reporting to the generals, Prime Minister Yin... the enemy... there aren't many enemies, they just look... just an ordinary merchant caravan!"
"A caravan?!" Wei Wuji's brows furrowed like sharp blades! "Which caravan dares to trespass into the dungeon of my Northern Desert King's Palace? Are they courting death?!"
"It's...it's true!" the guard hurriedly explained, his voice trembling with tears. "They...they numbered only a dozen or so, dressed in the most ordinary linen clothes, driving a few dilapidated delivery carts...they said they were merchants supplying goods to the Prince's Palace."
The truck was piled high with mountain goods and furs... Our men were just about to question them!
He gasped, his fear deepening: "Who knew that the seemingly honest-looking coachman would suddenly attack! He... he wasn't human! His skin gleamed with a metallic sheen, and his hands... his hands could deform!"
It turned into... turned into a drill that emitted blue light! In an instant... it pierced through the chests of two brothers!
The other 'guys' also acted simultaneously, their movements so fast...so fast they were practically invisible! They...they all had strange abilities; some could breathe fire, some possessed immense strength capable of withstanding heavy armor, and others...and still others blended into the shadows of the walls like shadows..."
"Even more...even more terrifying is the force field barrier in the dungeon!"
The guard's voice was filled with despair as he said, "Those 'merchants'...they...they have something! Something...something that looks like a compass or a jade disc, pointed at the alloy door of the prison cell...like...like a hot knife cutting through butter...melted a huge hole in it!"
They...they stormed in, hacked down the guards...and dragged that old devil Xiao Dingshan...off the restraint platform! Then they left...we were all killed...I only managed to escape at the last second..."
"The Creation Council!"
Yin Pan'er gasped, her beautiful face drained of color. She gripped Xiao Ce's arm tightly and cried out, "Your Highness! It must be the Creation Council that Xiao Dingshan mentioned! Those remaining consciousness entities!"
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