Wang Ce naturally caught the hidden meaning in Lin Ming’s words as well.
He replied with a hearty laugh, "You can rest assured, that won’t happen."
"That’s good to hear."
Lin Ming nodded slightly in response.
Lin Yixuan opened the mecha’s cockpit and climbed down.
Li Yun ran straight to the dueling platform and hugged Lin Yixuan tightly, her eyes red as she spoke.
"I’m just glad you’re okay."
"I’m fine, sorry for making you worry," Lin Yixuan replied, his body trembling slightly, feeling an unprecedented sense of happiness.
However, at that moment, an unwilling and resentful voice rang out.
Wang Bin, who had come down from the cockpit, forehead veins bulging, glared at Lin Yixuan through gritted teeth.
He couldn’t believe he had lost to this guy—it was a disgrace. And to add insult to injury, this damned fellow was now holding Li Yun in his arms.
Li Yun instinctively stood in front of Lin Yixuan, protecting him.
"Get out of the way, Li Yun. This has nothing to do with you. I haven’t settled things with him, you piece of trash!" Wang Bin roared, losing control of himself.
He couldn’t accept his loss to Lin Yixuan, especially not in front of everyone, when victory should have been his.
A voice, neither heavy nor light, called out from behind Wang Bin.
Wang Bin’s body shivered, and he quickly regained his composure. He turned his head to look back.
Wang Ce and Lin Ming, among others, had approached. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel•fire.net
"You’ve disappointed me today. Go back and reflect in confinement. Someone from the GT department will apply for your leave," Wang Ce said impassively.
"But, Grandfather... I understand."
Wang Bin wanted to argue, but catching Wang Ce’s look, he immediately shut his mouth and lowered his head.
"Sorry, my energy isn’t what it used to be in my old age, so we will take our leave now," Wang Ce said, turning and smiling at Lin Ming.
"Take care," Lin Ming politely replied.
Then the people from the Wang Family followed Wang Ce and left.
"Xiao Xuan fought well, you didn’t disgrace our Lin Family. But this was too reckless; in the future, no matter what it is, always talk to Big Brother. Don’t hide anything. Don’t you trust your Big Brother?" Lin Ming said, his hand patting Lin Yixuan’s shoulder, speaking heartily.
"Mhm, got it, Big Brother," Lin Yixuan said, deeply moved.
"That’s right, little brother, discuss anything with us. We are all family, there’s nothing we can’t talk about. We Lin Family members are not so easily bullied, we’ve got your back," Lin Hai and the others chimed in one after another.
Su Mo watched the scene unfold and stretched lazily before turning to Sun Duoxiang and saying,
"All’s well that ends well. Let’s go."
Sun Duoxiang was very happy. After all, he had a close relationship with Lin Ming and naturally hoped for Lin Yixuan’s victory.
Just as Su Mo and Sun Duoxiang had not walked far, footsteps followed from behind.
"Commander Su Mo, wait, please."
Su Mo stopped in his tracks and turned to look back.
Lin Yixuan had caught up with him, and he bowed deeply to Su Mo.
"Thank you, Commander Su Mo! I don’t even know how to begin to thank you. Without your help, winning would have been impossible for me."
"We’re friends, there’s no need for thanks. I’ve done what I could to help you; the rest is up to you. Remember what I said: to forge iron, you must be strong yourself. If you want to protect those you care for, you must work hard to enhance your own strength."
Su Mo patted Lin Yixuan on the shoulder and, after giving his instructions, left directly.
Left behind, Lin Yixuan stood in place with an expression full of gratitude.
At that moment, in his heart, he had come to see Su Mo as a role model to pursue.
On the edge of the Silido Star Region.
The Black Brilliance swiftly approached from the distant starry sky.
Inside the command center, Li Ruiqi looked at the star map and addressed Spade and Augustus.
"We have entered the Silido Star Region," he said, "and we expect to reach the designated coordinates in a few days, at which point joint combat operations will begin."
"Hmm, there are no issues on my end. The GT department is in top condition and ready for combat at any time,"
Spade responded gravely.
At that moment, Augustus suddenly spoke up, "Spade, you oversee the GT department, and I naturally have full confidence in you. However, I’ve recently heard something rather troubling."
Spade asked with a slight frown.
"It seems that within the GT department, some combatants have been openly fighting over a woman. During such a critical period, don’t you find that absurd? The GT department, as a core combat force of the Federation, has the duty to protect the Federation—not engage in petty squabbles and infighting over jealousy!"
Augustus said, evidently displeased.
"I’m aware of this issue. The NCO who dealt with it has already reported to me."
Spade replied. He too found the situation ridiculous, but the issue lay with who had reported it.
"Hmph, is this how your people handle things? It’s utterly preposterous, and that officer is responsible as well!"
Augustus stated, his displeasure unabated.
"Well, how about we put this aside for now?"
Spade suggested vaguely.
"Cough, cough, I concur with Lord Spade’s idea," said Li Ruiqi with a cough. "Let’s set the matter aside and deal with it later. The pressing issue is what’s important."
"Li Ruiqi, I heard that the duelists come from the Z area. Are you trying to plead on their behalf?"
Augustus asked directly.
"That’s not what I meant. I just think it’s inappropriate for you to address this issue right now, given that we’re about to launch a military operation."
"It’s precisely because we are about to conduct a joint operation that we need to make an example out of them—to nip such absurd behavior in the bud. Therefore, none of those involved can be spared; they must be dealt with harshly."
"Alright then, I’ll send Su Mo to the Black and White Organization so he can reflect properly. He doesn’t need to be involved in the upcoming operations," Li Ruiqi said helplessly.
"What has this got to do with Su Mo? Don’t change the subject. Wait, don’t tell me the officer you’re talking about is him?"
Augustus suddenly realized.
Li Ruiqi gave a resigned smile. Which other GT department NCO would suggest the ridiculous idea of letting subordinates resolve their fight through a duel?
"Cough, cough, let’s discuss this after the operation," Augustus said, looking as if he had swallowed a fly, before turning on his heel and leaving.
Spade let out a long sigh.
Several days later, Su Mo was in the G12 training area, exercising his body.
It was then that an announcement suddenly came over the Black Brilliance’s broadcast system.
"Important notice, everyone, this is Captain Li Ruiqi speaking. I am here to announce that the Black Brilliance will soon rendezvous deep within the Silido Star Region with the Yanas Kingdom’s Green Gore fleet. We will join forces with the Green Gore fleet to commence a joint combat operation, launching an attack on the Insect Nests in this sector. As such, the Black Brilliance will now enter combat-ready status. All combat personnel are to immediately stand by and await battle orders..."
Surprised by the news, Su Mo thought, Joint combat operations? And a last-minute notice?
He quickly realized that the recent full-body checks were to confirm their physical state for combat readiness.
Such stringent security measures.
Suddenly, Su Mo’s phone vibrated.
He took it out and looked.
"Major Su Mo, please immediately proceed to the G4 area and enter battle-ready status."
Su Mo got up and ran straight to the G4 area. It seemed this battle was for real. He was curious how Beilo and the others managed to convince Li Rui and his team to engage in joint combat.