Chapter Forty-One: The Envoy from the Ancient Liao Kingdom

Kaba Duer replied, “My Leader, it is as follows. Just now, while we were tracking and monitoring the unidentified spacecraft approaching from the direction of Sirius, we discovered that as it passed Titan, Saturn’s moon, it deployed a probe onto its surface.”

Yuri Gotne listened and said, “So you mean they might take action on Titan?”

Kaba Duer answered, “Yes, my Leader. You see, resources like methane are valuable forms of energy. On Earth, these resources exist only in gaseous form, but Titan is different. There, methane and similar resources exist abundantly in liquid form, making it a treasure trove of ideal resources.”

Yuri Gotne pondered for a moment and said, “No, my Chief of Intelligence. For now, we should remain patient and refrain from acting. However, we must send an unmanned spacecraft to Titan as soon as possible to conduct exploration.”

Kaba Duer asked, “Why, my Leader? If we do not stop them from exploring Titan, their next step may very well be to seize its resources. We ourselves have not surveyed Titan thoroughly yet!”

Yuri Gotne replied, “As I have said, sometimes patience yields greater rewards. The reason I wish to dispatch an unmanned ship is to compete with them in exploration. Do you understand?”

Upon hearing this, Kaba Duer immediately grasped the leader’s intent. He saluted and answered, “Yes, my Leader.”

Without delay, Kaba Duer set out to carry out Yuri Gotne’s orders.

...

Meanwhile, Zhang Desen had completed the data transmission and received a wealth of materials from the original universe. He then introduced Liu, the wealthy patron, and others to General Li Guoshou. Although separated by screens, it did not hinder their acquaintance or understanding.

Afterward, General Li Guoshou said to Zhang Desen, “Comrade Zhang Desen, what I am able to do for now is limited, but do not worry. We will never forget you, and I will continue to communicate with those above. No matter what happens, I believe that gold will eventually shine. I hope you will achieve extraordinary feats in that universe and protect humanity there.”

Zhang Desen saluted and replied, “Rest assured, General. I will not disappoint you. As long as I, Zhang Desen, am here, no alien force will ever wipe out our species.”

General Li Guoshou nodded approvingly, “Good, very good!”

Then he turned to Liu, the wealthy patron, and said, “Mr. Liu, greetings. Though we have only just met, I am certain you are a businessman of great benevolence.”

Liu clasped his hands in respect, “Thank you for your praise, General. I am truly unworthy of such an honor.”

General Li Guoshou continued, “No need for such formality, Mr. Liu. From now on, I entrust Comrade Zhang Desen to your care. He is a young and capable warrior, a steadfast revolutionary soldier, and will surely aid you in many ways.”

---

Liu responded at once, “Rest assured, General. From now on, Zhang Desen is family to me, and I will never allow him to suffer any grievance.”

General Li Guoshou was somewhat moved and nodded. He then looked toward Liu Yuting and the others, saying, “The machine is barely holding together. I cannot give you all my instructions, but I hope you will unite with Comrade Zhang Desen, facing all the storms ahead together.”

After that, the multiverse travel machine broke down completely. The faint spatial communication channel vanished, and the signal was lost. Staring at the screen displaying the interruption warning, Zhang Desen was momentarily at a loss for words.

Liu, the wealthy patron, was the first to speak to Zhang Desen, “It’s all right, Comrade Desen. Everything will be fine. Let us face whatever comes next together.”

Zhang Desen was moved. Whatever intentions Liu might have, he had indeed treated him well. He replied, “Thank you for everything you have done for me. I will fulfill my duties and complete every responsibility entrusted to me.”

Just then, as Liu and his daughter were about to speak, someone outside came to report. Zhang Desen and the others immediately left the spaceship and went to the base entrance, where they were met by Zhou Yongli, a trusted subordinate of Zhao Chengming.

Zhou Yongli reported to Liu, “Sir, latest news. One of the five grand marshals of the Liao Ancient Kingdom, Invincible Wanlu, has arrived in Daxing with the kingdom’s foremost warrior, Arrogant Libar, and others. They claim to be visiting their brother nation’s ruler to discuss friendly relations.”

Liu was startled and asked Zhou Yongli, “Tell me in detail what happened.”

Zhou Yongli replied, “Yes, Sir, here is what happened...”

It turned out that the Liao Ancient Kingdom’s emperor, Wanlu Tianbao, sent his own younger brother—one of the five grand marshals, Invincible Wanlu—as an envoy, escorting five thousand troops and a batch of gifts for Emperor Zhao Xinglong of Daxing. Among their ranks was even the kingdom’s foremost warrior, Arrogant Libar.

Liu found this hard to believe. His business spanned the globe, and wherever he operated, he made it his duty to understand local affairs. He was very familiar with the Liao Ancient Kingdom, a fierce northern nation notorious for annexing or bullying others. It was inconceivable they would suddenly extend goodwill without reason. Yet the presence of Invincible Wanlu and Arrogant Libar suggested there was more to the story.

Liu said, “In that case, let us pay them no mind for now. Instruct everyone to avoid contact with those from the Liao Ancient Kingdom. If they come to shop at our firm, let them finish their business and be sent off promptly.”

Zhou Yongli looked troubled, “Sir, that may be difficult to accomplish...”

Liu was taken aback, “Why?”

Zhou Yongli explained the cause—it had to do with Minister Qian. Apparently, the Liao Ancient Kingdom had sent some envoys ahead to negotiate with Qian and others. Minister Qian then suggested to Emperor Zhao Xinglong that a grand palace banquet be held, with contests of martial skill to display Daxing’s might, and that all nobles of the Western Capital bring their families without exception.

Liu commented, “This is strange. If the Liao envoys brought their foremost warrior, Minister Qian couldn’t be unaware. Why didn’t the Liao delegation propose the martial contest themselves? Why must we bring it up? It defies logic. Perhaps Minister Qian is muddleheaded. No matter—it doesn’t concern us commoners.”

---

But Zhou Yongli replied, “Sir, that too may be impossible.”

Liu was surprised, “Why?”

Zhou Yongli, troubled, explained, “Because of Minister Qian’s suggestion, a new imperial edict has been issued. All merchants in the city with daughters must bring them to attend the banquet at noon the day after tomorrow. No exceptions are allowed—failure to appear will result in confiscation of property and execution.”

Upon hearing this, Liu was angry yet helpless. He could only say, “Very well, we shall obey the decree…”

Turning to Zhang Desen, Liu said, “Desen, stay at the base and organize the new information you’ve received. Do not attend the banquet unless something unexpected happens. If you’re needed, you will be our secret trump card.”

This was exactly what Zhang Desen had hoped. Given Liu’s influence, he doubted anyone would dare trouble him at such an occasion. He said, “No problem. I will not betray your trust.”

Liu waved his hand, “Good.”

...

The next morning, the five thousand strong Liao Ancient Kingdom army, led by Marshal Invincible Wanlu, marched imposingly into Daxing’s Western Capital.

To prevent trouble from their arrival, Daxing’s great general Feng Yucai mobilized twenty-five thousand troops to the city as a precaution.

General Feng Yucai, nearly forty, had distinguished himself in youth. When the nations of Dangxia and Haijin invaded Daxing or harassed its borders, it was always Feng Yucai who repelled them, often launching counterattacks and annexing enemy territory, making him a terror to neighboring states.

Thus, he was known as the Tiger General, and for nearly a decade, no country dared invade Daxing while he was present. His prestige in the army was unmatched, and his word represented the official stance of the military.

He was upright and principled, disdainful of corrupt officials, and frequently confronted or berated those he found disagreeable, regardless of occasion. Though loyal and honorable, he was unpopular with powerful courtiers. Yet his reputation was so formidable that no one dared challenge him.

For this reason, Emperor Zhao Xinglong summoned him specifically to guard against any unforeseen incidents.

Meanwhile, as the Liao Ancient Kingdom’s Marshal Invincible Wanlu entered the city, he showed no concern for the surrounding Daxing troops. He laughed and chatted with Arrogant Libar, even joking and gesturing at the soldiers lining the roads.

Soon, they reached the inn near the palace, where General Feng Yucai greeted them personally. He saluted and said, “Marshal Wanlu, this is your inn within the city. Please take your troops inside and rest.”

Invincible Wanlu glanced at Feng Yucai and replied with disdain, “Oh? Where is your Emperor of Daxing? Why does he not come out to greet us?”

At once, all the soldiers and citizens of Daxing were incensed.