Zhang Xiaoman’s original plan was to directly initiate Unlimited Teleportation back to the Dawn.
However, with Master Liu by his side, he could only change his approach.
After operating on his wristwatch a few times, an idle Anti-gravity Car immediately set off from Rebirth Island, heading towards their location.
After waiting less than twenty minutes, the military reconnaissance-level "Dawn" had traveled over three thousand kilometers and appeared silently before them.
During the wait, Zhang Xiaoman took the time to give Master Liu a brief introduction to what Alien Species were, as well as some information about the Star Alliance.
Little Fox Jiu Jiu also listened attentively by his side, nodding her head from time to time with a "jiu jiu," looking incredibly solemn.
Pei Laoliu, on the other hand, listened intently, much like how Zhang Xiaoman used to when he listened to stories as a child.
Only now, their roles had been reversed, and all of this was no mere story.
"So, you’ve been busy establishing the Star Alliance recently, and the reason you didn’t want to tell me before is because of that... what was it, thought conformity?"
Pei Laoliu summarized.
Zhang Xiaoman nodded.
"Basically, the Star Alliance has now recruited quite a few people, with over fifty official members just at the main base. There are some things I can tell you about now."
"As for thought conformity, that was inevitable. After all, the Great Fusion is not far off for us. When the time comes, you’ll know about these things. It’s better to be prepared early than to rush at the last moment."
Pei Laoliu laughed, "Well then, I didn’t expect you to be so capable, to have built up such a big operation. Truly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Alright, I won’t ask any more; anyhow, I’m lucky to have you this time, Master Liu."
"Heh heh, Master Liu, you’re too polite with me. Hmm...the car is here; let’s set off. I have something to take care of in a place today, I’ll take you to widen your horizons."
Zhang Xiaoman was also in a good mood.
He had been busy with the Star Alliance recently.
As the leader of the organization, he often needed to maintain an air of mystery and calm and had gradually begun to walk a solitary path.
Having spent time with Master Liu today, he felt a rare sense of nostalgia, which he cherished greatly.
The Anti-gravity Car had already arrived, and it wasn’t the first time Pei Laoliu had seen it.
Last time he moved from Qionghua City to Dragon Sleep Mountain, it was on board the Dawn.
"So, Xiao Man, are we heading to your Star Alliance now? How long will it take if we fly there in this thing?"
Zhang Xiaoman waved his hand and said:
"No rush. If you want to go to Rebirth Island, Master Liu, I can take you there later. The place we are going right now is what the organization plans to develop as the second major subdivision base."
"Hey, you’re still keeping me in suspense. Where exactly are we going?"
Zhang Xiaoman pointed to the sky.
"We’re going up there."
The two men and one fox boarded the Dawn and began their ascent.
Master Liu experienced the holographic Anti-gravity Car again. At first, he felt some discomfort, but he gradually became accustomed to it.
Jiu Jiu lay on Zhang Xiaoman’s shoulder, looking around with big eyes, scurrying from left to right, then from right to above his head, quite restless.
Pei Laoliu had never seen such a magical creature before. After observing it for a while and seeing that it didn’t seem aggressive, he thought of reaching out to touch it.
But as soon as he made a move, Jiu Jiu became alert, perked up her ears, and darted straight into Zhang Xiaoman’s arms, refusing to be touched.
"Um... cough cough cough..."
Master Liu held up his hand, coughed awkwardly a couple of times, and then reluctantly withdrew it.
Seeing this scene, Zhang Xiaoman couldn’t help but smile and said:
"Jiu Jiu is quite shy around strangers. You’ll be more familiar with it later. Besides, it’s more affectionate towards Awakeners. In a while, I’ll conduct an Enlightenment Ceremony just for you, Master Liu; after that, it probably won’t resist you."
Pei Laoliu was taken aback.
"Enlightenment Ceremony, is that what you just mentioned, the method of transforming ordinary people into Awakeners?"
"Then... if you just help me awaken like that... wouldn’t it be somewhat inappropriate...?"
Master Liu showed an uncharacteristically coy expression.
"After all, I think I heard you say that those members need to go through some kind of assessment to become Awakeners..."
Moved, Zhang Xiaoman assured Pei Laoliu with a comforting look:
"All right, Master Liu, you don’t need to worry. As the master of the Star Alliance, what’s wrong with bending the rules to help you? Just keep it low-key afterward and don’t talk about it everywhere."
Pei Laoliu glared, "Hey, what kind of person do you take me for, Master Liu? Am I the kind to brag?"
Zhang Xiaoman laughed, "That’s settled then. I trust your word, Master Liu. Once we arrive, I’ll proceed with your Enlightenment."
As they talked, the Anti-gravity Car had already soared above the troposphere.
The Dawn was floating there, only invisible because of its stealth mode, unnoticed by others.
The surrounding light suddenly darkened, and Pei Laoliu saw that he had entered a pitch-black space.