“Within the Federation, the Zerg’s main territories have been compressed to the Second and Third Star Rings. The other Star Rings only have scattered Zerg remnants—nothing worth worrying about. With the help of the deity Jörmungandr, the Empire’s conservatives are launching a massive counteroffensive.”
Chu Huaizhi’s attitude was sincere, like a master who truly cared for his disciple: “Xiao He, history has taught us that neutrality and wavering are not viable options. Between humanity and the Zerg, you must make a choice.”
“In the name of Anidam, fairness and justice are the Federation’s core principles. All shadows and filth that once shrouded the Federation will be completely eradicated!”
Inside the virtual screen, Chu Huaizhi extended a hand, his voice tempting: “Come, join us. Let order return to this star sector!”
Lin Xiaohe didn’t believe a word of his nonsense. But one thing he said was absolutely right.
Neutrals had no future—no path forward at all!
“Fine. I agree to cooperate.”
A true woman never fears stepping into the tiger’s den!
So let me see—what exactly are you cowards, hiding behind layers of schemes, really trying to do?
Chu Huaizhi invited Lin Xiaohe to the First Star Ring to discuss the details of their cooperation in person.
Lin Xiaohe flatly refused: “The internet is perfectly developed. Why do we have to meet face to face?”
Chu Huaizhi replied, “Trust is the foundation of cooperation. If we can’t even meet in person, neither side will feel at ease.”
Remembering what happened to Li Qing’s family, Lin Xiaohe was bold—but not foolish.
Anidam was clearly no pushover. Without knowing anything about it, Lin Xiaohe absolutely refused to step into the First Star Ring!
“Then you come to the Sixth Star Ring—or the Dark Zone.”
Chu Huaizhi: …
Lin Xiaohe smirked. See? Put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and that little boat of trust capsizes in an instant.
After a back-and-forth debate, they finally settled on meeting at Haige Star in the Fourth Star Ring.
Lin Xiaohe shared the decision with everyone. She assigned Melina to continue overseeing the Sixth Star Ring’s defense line and recalled Wesley back to Kyushu Star.
“This time, I’ll go to Haige Star with the Elder of the Giant Song Whale. Wesley, Kyushu Star has an Awakener from the Shentao Empire—keep an eye on her! Also, stay alert for any other Awakeners at all times.”
Wesley nodded solemnly: “Don’t worry. My eyes are like a ruler—no Awakener can escape my sight!”
His second evolution path, [True Self], had given him a keen intuition for distinguishing individual auras.
That was exactly why Lin Xiaohe had transferred him to Kyushu Star.
After wrapping up all the arrangements, Lin Xiaohe rendezvoused with the Elder of the Giant Song Whale and set off for the Fourth Star Ring.
…
Tigre Star, First Hospital.
Cailin Reno walked into the lobby, holding a bouquet of roses.
In the center of the lobby stood a statue of the deity Anidam—three faces, of a man, a woman, and a child, facing east, south, and west respectively.
Many relatives of patients held offerings in their hands, kneeling devoutly before the statue with their eyes closed in prayer.
“Great Anidam above, please protect my sister and keep her safe.”
“Great Anidam, I offer my soul to you—please bless my daughter with good health.”
Cailin Reno’s gaze flickered darkly. She maintained her composure and walked to the elevator.
A nurse recognized her and greeted her with a smile: “Senator Reno, you’re here! Bayerd is doing well today—he even said a prayer earlier.”
“Is that so… that’s wonderful. Thank you for your attentive care.” Cailin Reno pulled a budding rose from the bouquet and handed it to the nurse.
The nurse was delighted—what a beautiful rose, so vibrant and fresh! The deity Anidam would surely love it!
“Senator Reno, is it true that the Federation and the Empire are really ending their civil war to fight the Zerg together?”
The patients’ families and nurses nearby all perked up their ears.
The elevator arrived.
Before stepping inside, Cailin Reno gave her answer: “Yes. Under the witness of both deities, Marshal Chu and the Emperor of the Empire signed an electronic ceasefire agreement.”
The nurse pressed further: “And what about Lin Xiaohe? She’s so powerful—will she stand with us?”
Lin Xiaohe was the unstoppable force who had single-handedly carved her way through the Federation.
The elevator doors slowly slid shut, and Cailin Reno smiled: “Marshal Chu is working hard to convince Lin Xiaohe. I believe we’ll all be on the same side.”
The doors closed completely, sealing off the deafening cheers from the lobby.
Cailin Reno let out a long sigh, closed her eyes, and cursed inwardly.
What a messed-up world!
The elevator doors opened again, and Cailin Reno made her way to the VIP ward with practiced ease.
Bayerd was already awake. Half his body was his own; the other half was forged from top-tier alloys. He was leaning on a cane, limping along, drenched in sweat.
Cailin Reno quickly set down the bouquet and went over to support him: “The doctor said you need to adapt to your new body—don’t rush it.”
Bayerd flashed that familiar, perfect smile: “Alright, Mom.”
Cailin Reno’s hand paused for just a moment. She acted as if nothing was wrong and helped him onto the bed: “Bayerd, is your headache better? Did it act up again last night?”
Bayerd’s voice was soft as a feather: “I’m completely fine now.”
Cailin Reno lowered her gaze, not letting anyone see the pain in her eyes.
Her heart felt like it was being crushed by a giant hand—the ache was unbearable, making it hard to breathe, her whole body trembling slightly.
Bayerd asked with concern: “What’s wrong, Mom?”
“It’s nothing. I just hate leaving you.” A tear slipped from the corner of her eye and fell onto the crisp white bedsheet.
“I… I need to go on a business trip for a while. I won’t be able to stay by your side or see you.”
Bayerd chuckled softly and opened his arms: “Don’t worry about the trip. By the time you’re back, I might already be fully recovered.”
Cailin Reno hugged Bayerd back, holding on tight—so tight she wished she could crush his bones into hers, meld him into her very flesh and blood: “My son… my son. I’ll miss you.”
She let go, her eyes fixed on Bayerd’s face, as if trying to etch every detail of him into her memory.
Bayerd didn’t understand why his mother—always so noble, calm, and self-possessed—had become so sentimental. It had been a long time since they’d been this close, and it felt strange to him. So he changed the subject.
“Has Lin Xiaohe agreed to join us?”
Cailin Reno: “Yes. They’ll sign the cooperation agreement on Haige Star. I’ll be there too.”
“That’s great. Lin Xiaohe is truly an incredibly powerful person. I can’t wait.”
Cailin Reno’s heart sank like a stone. She forced a faint smile and said, “Yeah… I can’t wait either.”
She stayed in the ward for about half an hour before leaving.
She returned to the Reno family estate and stared for a long time at the newly erected statue of Anidam.
The statue was extraordinarily lifelike—just like the deity itself, which was growing larger and larger in the sky.
What had once been only slightly bigger than the moon now filled nearly a third of the sky. Its unrestrained vines stretched out like they were weaving a cage, locking down the entire planet of Tigre.
The three merciful faces, now magnified, wore smiles that seemed strangely grotesque.
But even stranger was that no one on Tigre Star found anything wrong with it.
Those selfish, profit-driven politicians—the ones who would sell their souls for a gain—and the noble members of the Four Great Families had all turned over a new leaf, obeying Chu Huaizhi’s every command.
Why?
Because Chu Huaizhi was the Chosen One appointed by Anidam!
Ha.
