Chapter 368: Arrival
Chapter 368: Chapter 368: Arrival
Although Ning Xuan was still on leave, her official post was with the Second Corps Headquarters. Now that the headquarters had entered a state of war, it was only natural to recall officers on leave. After receiving the notice, Ning Xuan found herself worrying about Lin Mo, who had returned to the Second Legion a while ago.
When Yu Mingche heard the news, he pushed aside his anger at Ning Xuan and went to find her. "Family Head, let Yan Fuzhen accompany you. He can protect you."
"You’re here," Ning Xuan said, her voice full of concern as she reached for Yu Mingche’s clothes. "Let me see if your wounds have healed."
"They’re almost healed. Thank you for your concern, Family Head." Yu Mingche took a step back, his intention to refuse clear.
Ning Xuan’s expression fell as she lowered her hand. "Ming Che, I really didn’t mean to that day. You’re still angry."
Seeing her expression, even though Yu Mingche knew she was putting on a show, he still sighed and stepped forward. "It’s not that I won’t let you look. It’s just that some of the wounds haven’t healed yet, and they’re not a pretty sight," he explained, unable to bear seeing her upset.
Yu Mingche and Ying Yaoshi had previously agreed to pretend they were at odds with each other. This was to make the factions spying on Ning Xuan’s household believe they had an opening. So, when Yan Fuzhen intentionally stirred up trouble, Yu Mingche played along. Ning Xuan was the only one who didn’t know; she had genuinely thought Yu Mingche was making a power grab and had gotten angry.
Seeing Yu Mingche approach, Ning Xuan seized the opportunity to wrap an arm around his waist. She chuckled softly and said, "How could they not be a pretty sight? You’re the most handsome no matter what."
Before the Second Legion entered a state of war, Yun Han had already received news that the Heavenly Might Corps was under attack and had departed for their garrison. Meanwhile, Lan Xin was still recovering from internal injuries and needed more time to heal completely. Chen Nan’s skills were somewhat lacking, and Yu Mingche’s combat prowess was, at best, on par with Ning Xuan’s. Besides, he couldn’t be away from Central Star for too long.
Looking at her options, it seemed Yan Fuzhen truly was the most suitable choice, so Ning Xuan agreed to Yu Mingche’s suggestion.
The summons was urgent, so Ning Xuan quickly packed her belongings and boarded a Starship with Yan Fuzhen, heading for the Second Corps Headquarters.
The Second Corps Headquarters Base wasn’t too far from Central Star, and the Starship dispatched from the base was plenty fast. It quickly entered space, where the once pitch-black void outside the viewport was now shrouded in a dim, crimson light.
In just half a day, the Starship passed through a spatial corridor and arrived at its destination: the Second Corps Headquarters. The headquarters was located on Planet V, which hung suspended in space, its surface covered with gruesome scars—the marks left by years of attacks from Exotic Beasts.
"Miss Ning, we’ve arrived." The major dispatched to escort her let out a breath he’d been holding the entire trip, relieved the Starship had returned safely. He stood ramrod straight as he spoke, medals adorning his uniform. His posture, movements, and tone were all impeccably respectful, leaving nothing to fault.
However, Ning Xuan’s perception was sharp. Despite the major’s excellent job of concealing it, she could still sense that he wasn’t as respectful as he let on.
Viewed from space, the planet’s surface was pockmarked with craters, and several massive rift valleys cut across its continents like gaping wounds. The planet was rich in resources; even after years of mining, rare mineral deposits were still discovered from time to time.
"Miss Ning, the headquarters base is built in the Arctic Region," the major reminded her. "It has a natural geomagnetic shield that can interfere with the Exotic Beasts’ senses. The only problem is that the area is perpetually shrouded in violent gales and a toxic miasma. The Starship is about to begin its descent, so please put on a windbreaker and goggles."
Ning Xuan obediently put on the goggles the officer handed her. The Starship began its descent, vibrating violently as it passed through the atmosphere.
Through the viewport, Ning Xuan watched as details on the surface grew clearer: abandoned city ruins and the skeletal remains of metal structures melted by energy weapons.
In the distance, several blinding beams of energy tore across the sky, a sign that fighting was still underway at the front lines.
"The Insect Race appeared suddenly three days ago. They broke through all three of the outer defensive lines in a single day."
The major’s voice was low. "Their new type of troop secretes a toxic fog that causes people to lose their minds and attack their own allies. It’s also contagious. Our forces have suffered catastrophic losses. I’ve heard you’re highly skilled in detoxification and purification, Miss Ning. I hope you can save them."
The major was dutifully briefing Ning Xuan on the base’s situation, but in truth, he didn’t hold out much hope for her.
In the six months before she went on leave, Miss Ning’s performance in terms of healing had been decidedly average.
The Starship touched down on the base’s landing pad. When the hatch opened, a bone-chilling wind blasted them. Ning Xuan pulled the collar of her outer coat tighter and followed the officer down the ramp with Yan Fuzhen.
The Second Corps Headquarters was massive. A command tower stood at the center of the base, surrounded by armories, barracks, and research institutes in a well-ordered layout.
To withstand the powerful gales, all the buildings here were built low to the ground. Aside from the reactor and the command tower, the tallest structures were only three stories high.
As Ning Xuan stepped off the Starship, she saw maintenance droids and technicians bustling across the base grounds, the air punctuated by the harsh screech of metal welding. A tense energy saturated the atmosphere. Everyone was racing against the clock, working on weapons and equipment destined for the front lines.
The major led Ning Xuan directly to the command center, which was even more hectic inside than out. Holographic projections flickered along the corridor walls, displaying the real-time status of various units at the front. Officers hurried past, their communicators crackling with a constant stream of battle reports and orders.
Ning Xuan noticed that most people were rushing about, their faces grim, and some had bloodshot eyes.
Guided by the major, Ning Xuan soon met the commander of the Second Legion and the supreme commander of the base, Yue Qingtian.
Yue Qingtian appeared to be in his forties or fifties, a tall and powerfully built man. His face lit up with relief upon seeing Ning Xuan. "Miss Ning, thank you so much for returning to the base at a time like this. On behalf of all the wounded in the medical center awaiting treatment, I thank you." His voice was low and gravelly, hoarse from having spoken too much.
Ning Xuan snapped to a standard military salute. "Commander, Ning Xuan, recent graduate of the Central Star Military Academy’s Alchemy Department, reporting for duty. I am prepared and ready to begin work at any time."
"Excellent," Yue Qingtian said, a hint of relief in his voice. "Yue Feng, take Miss Ning to the medical center. Dean Lin is already waiting for her."
Yue Qingtian had already heard about the accomplishments Ning Xuan had achieved on S12 Resource Star during her time away from the Second Corps Headquarters.