Qi Mountain. Staff Headquarters.

Shen Wuxiang was furious.

The Black Bat Formation was his ace flying unit, renowned for its prestige achieved in numerous air battles.

This was why such an important task was entrusted to them; he knew that if Tang Fei wanted to send Lu Yu's remains back to the Barren Land, they would have to do it quietly...

If they came with great fanfare, that would mean war.

Trying to bypass the heavy forces around the Barren Land was not an easy task.

The Black Bat Formation had numerical and firepower advantages. Once radar locked onto them, how could they possibly escape?

And what was the result?

The entire Black Bat Formation was sacrificed, with every Phantom Fighter worth billions of New Star coins falling into enemy hands.

Even if they wanted to rebuild the Black Bat designation, it would take a very long time.

Phantom Fighters are not readily available; even the Mo Family may not have any in stock.

"Idiots, a bunch of idiots."

"How could they manage to be so stupid... to fail like this?"

"Just a bunch of pigs... charging forward... couldn't possibly all be slaughtered..."

------

Great figures make it a point not to show their emotions.

Once exposed, they fall from their high position.

All along, Shen Wuxiang kept to this.

He did it well, accumulating prestige for years.

But recently, too many things had happened — the Barbarians surrendered, the Dushan Army defected, Golden Red Moon Feng City was lost, Liyu Port changed hands, the Beihai Fleet was severely damaged, Shen Xinglan was critically wounded...

They had prepared a pocket formation, just waiting for Tang Fei to step into the Barren Land's border to strike with thunderous force, encircling them with several flying formations.

And this was the result?

The Black Bat Formation was completely annihilated, leaving only dozens of headless bodies returned.

The Phantom Fighters were nowhere to be found. Even knee-deep in thought, one could tell they had been 'confiscated' by the Lu Clan.

To be honest, Shen Wuxiang felt truly defenseless.

For the first time, the thought crossed his mind: perhaps, destiny favored the other side?

Everyone stood speechless, not daring to speak more.

Shen Wuxiang vented his temper, and his chest felt somewhat relaxed.

"Chen Long, Zheng Jingchuan, Wang Hao... when the Black Bat was ambushed, why didn't you rush to the rescue immediately?" Shen Wuxiang asked.

Chen Long, Zheng Jingchuan, and Wang Hao were the leaders of three other flying formations. In Shen Wuxiang's plan, the four formations guarded their respective sides, supporting each other when one was attacked.

The four working together would trap the enemy completely.

Capture or kill — it was up to their discretion.

"Report to Military Minister, the Magic Cube Team did not receive any distress signal from the Black Bat Squadron." Chen Long replied loudly, head held high.

"Report to Military Minister, the Wind Son Team received no distress signal from the Black Bat Squadron."

"Report to Military Minister, the Cloud Breaking Team also received no distress signal..."

The three of them felt aggrieved too.

The Black Bat Formation discovered the enemy but didn't share with the three of them.

Now the Black Bat was wiped out, and they were scolded along with them.

"..."

Shen Wuxiang stayed silent.

He knew the inside story— the Black Bat Formation discovered Tang Fei's tracks and wanted to claim full credit, so they blocked communication with the other three sides.

Unexpectedly, they were outmatched and completely wiped by Tang Fei...

Were they smart or foolish?

The outcome of separation from the body — was that self-inflicted?

"Military Minister, should we launch an attack on the Barren Land?"

"No." Shen Wuxiang shook his head and replied solemnly, "They've triumphed and should be well-prepared now; a rash attack would only increase casualties."

"What should we do?"

"Intensify the siege on Mechanical City, change the bombing from every three days to daily... extend the bombing duration to a full hour. I want them to go in but not out."

"Understood." everyone obeyed.

Leaving the Staff Headquarters, back in his spacious, luxurious office, Shen Wuxiang asked, "Is Phoenix City ready?"

Secretary General Chang Zhengxin placed the green tea on Shen Wuxiang's desk and respectfully replied, "Military Minister, everything in Phoenix City is arranged. If they dare to come, they won't escape even with wings."

Shen Wuxiang sipped his tea and looked at Chang Zhengxin, saying, "The Black Bat Formation made the same promise when they accepted their task."

"..."

Chang Zhengxin looked embarrassed.

As Shen Wuxiang's chief secretary, he naturally knew the 'outstanding' results achieved by the Black Bat Formation.

He wanted to make a military pledge, but recalling that young man's strange maneuvers...

He dared not.

Seeing Chang Zhengxin's hesitation, Shen Wuxiang gently sighed and said, "Do your utmost."

"Yes, Military Minister."

"If you fail, don't bother coming back."

"..."

Chang Zhengxin looked astonished.

What new trick was the boss up to?

"We can't lose again." Shen Wuxiang said fiercely, "If we keep losing, that youngster will rise in power."

Shen Wuxiang was aware that, in fact, the youngster had already risen.

He had the Qin family's army, the Lu family's technology.

These were the two most bothersome elements. Were it not for the Tang and Lu Families' entanglements, he wouldn't hesitate and would send all armies to crush the bandits.

He also made a breakthrough with the Barbarians, enlisting those fearless warriors for his use.

Now possessing three city territories, Liyu Port, half of the Beihai Fleet...

And having support from the Aus Empire.

At least part of their support.

The thought alone made his head ache.

Why didn't I decisively finish him off when he just arrived at New Star?

I originally wanted to use him as bait, but now...

He's become a voracious shark.

"Yes," Chang Zhengxin gritted his teeth and said, "If the task isn't accomplished, I'll return with my head."

Either succeed or become a martyr.

Since that's the case, let's push myself a bit further.

Shen Wuxiang waved his hand and said, "Go."

After saluting, Chang Zhengxin strode outwards.

Soon, he boarded the military aircraft heading to Phoenix City.

------

Tang Fei and Lu Siyu continued visiting and talking with Lu Qingshan in the evening, the old man was clearer now and not frequently 'groaning' anymore.

At any time, learn to dispel charms in others...

When Tang Fei and Lu Siyu suddenly appeared in front of the old man, his body's functions immediately went into an 'excited' state, consuming a massive amount of nutrient solution.

After giving him some time to digest, his bodily functions returned to a 'calm' state once again.

"I know everything you've done outside."

"Good, very good... better than us old folks,"

"To come out of such a crisis, you need both courage and capability... groan..."

Tang Fei held Lu Qingshan's hand, smilingly said: "How could this be just my credit? I'm backed by the Lu Family, the Qin Family... Si Yu is also beside me helping... If I can't even achieve a bit, it only proves my incompetence."

Lu Siyu glanced at Tang Fei but said nothing.

She doesn't like talking, she just feels immensely satisfied staying quietly beside her closest family.

"Shen Wuxiang is arrogant, believing that only he deserves to be the Emperor... I don't buy into that nonsense..."

"If I were decades younger, I'd definitely contend with him... groan..."

"Grandpa, don't get agitated." Tang Fei spoke softly to comfort him: "Just watch from the sidelines... watch me defeat Shen Wuxiang until he's in tatters."

"Good. My grandson has ambition." Lu Qingshan laughed heartily, just laughed a few times, and his bodily functions were stimulated again, once again 'groaning'.

Tang Fei and Lu Siyu again spoke to soothe him, calming his emotions down.

After resting for a moment, Lu Qingshan continued: "What was that saying again? Are lords and ministers born with special lineage? If others can seize, why can't I?"

"Grandpa is right."

"What's in your heart?" Lu Qingshan asked, "Have you thought about sitting in that position?"

When speaking, Lu Qingshan's cloudy yet deep eyes that penetrated one's soul were always fixed on Tang Fei.

Tang Fei knew this was Lu Qingshan inquiring about his ambitions.

Although he had already erected his team, fighting Shen Wuxiang intensely. But what he truly wants to accomplish had never been expressed.

After all, he still pushed Zhong Yu and Xiu Xue to the front, with slogans like 'Clear the ruler's side', 'Punish the traitors', 'Eliminate national traitors'.

If Tang Fei were to shout 'I want to be Emperor' now...

His reputation would be ruined.

His popular support would instantly dissipate massively.

Certain things, before success, it's best not to speak out.

Even if successful, one should only reluctantly accept when others request repeatedly.

This is the ancient favorite 'Three invitations and three refusals'.

If you agree when first invited, people will say that person is power-hungry and has been plotting for a long time.

Doesn't look like a good person.

Tang Fei pondered for a moment, his gaze honest and forthright looking at the old man, and spoke: "Even if I don't sit in that position, I must pull Shen Wuxiang down from it."

Lu Qingshan chuckled, looking at Tang Fei and asked: "If you don't sit, who will?"

Lu Siyu's heart slightly moved, her mind suddenly conjured a clear image.

She surprisingly looked at Tang Fei but slowly concealed her emotions again.

"Find the most suitable person for it." Tang Fei replied.

"Who is the most suitable person?"

"Someone who can let the people live and work peacefully, make the country thriving, someone who can balance all forces and bring benefits to everyone."

"It seems you already have someone in mind."

Lu Qingshan sighed, looked at Tang Fei and said: "I don't know how many days I have left to live..."

"Grandpa..."

Tang Fei hurriedly spoke.

Lu Qingshan patted Tang Fei's hand, signaling him to calm down, and said solemnly: "So, I must say what needs saying quickly, unable to wait until my eyes close, when lots of things aren't clarified."

"I've spoken to Dong Sheng, and instructed others... Tang Fei is my grandson, he belongs to the Lu Family."

"So, we must fully support your cause... give money if money is needed, give people if people needed, give equipment if equipment is needed."

"What belongs to the Lu Family is yours... Tang and Lu Families, no distinction."

"It was like this before... groan... it will be like this in the future."

Tang Fei tightly gripped Lu Qingshan's large hand, solemnly said: "Grandpa, I will absolutely not disappoint your expectations..."

"Nor will I disappoint the Lu Clan."

"No distinction between us."

"No distinction between us."

Stepping out of Lu Qingshan's room, Tang Fei stood in the courtyard and took a deep breath of fresh air.

The air carries a strong earthy smell, a particular scent of the Barren Land.

Tang Fei knew it's due to the resource-rich mines in the Barren Land.

The Lu Clan once chose this place as a 'stronghold' after investigation and careful consideration.

Here lies essential mineral resources for mechanical production.

"Grandpa has entrusted the Lu Clan to you." Lu Siyu stood beside Tang Fei and spoke.

Tang Fei nodded, said: "Therefore, I feel immense pressure, if I fail... how many people would I let down?"

"I believe in you." Lu Siyu spoke: "I believe you'll succeed."

"That's our success." Tang Fei looked at Lu Siyu and laughed, said: "You rarely comfort others."

"Because others are others."

"..."

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