Entering Alert Status

"We’ll use a dedicated hovering platform to transport it to the planet’s surface," Ying said as he operated a control panel. "You three will stand guard and make sure no one approaches."

A metal hovering platform descended from the ceiling and came to a steady stop beside the stone chest. Under Ying’s control, the chest was lifted onto the platform and securely fastened in place.

"Follow me," Ying ordered, pushing the hovering platform toward the cargo hold exit.

The four escorted the stone chest to the ship’s landing craft. It was a small spacecraft designed specifically for planetary landings, capable of setting down safely in all kinds of environments. Luo Wen noticed that both its exterior and interior facilities far surpassed ordinary commercial models. It looked more like advanced Military equipment.

"Get on," Ying instructed. "The descent will take about twenty minutes. Be ready. We may encounter some resistance."

Luo Wen keenly caught the implication in Ying’s words. "Resistance? You mean someone on Brandt Planet might oppose our arrival?"

Ying gave Luo Wen a cold glance. "As long as you follow my instructions, you’ll be safe."

Once the landing craft activated, it slowly departed the main ship and flew toward Brandt Planet. Through the observation window in the hull, Luo Wen could see the planet in its entirety: a blue-green sphere covered by vast cloud layers. It looked somewhat similar to Earth, though the distribution of its continents was clearly different.

"Brandt Planet," Hong quietly explained to Luo Wen and Thor. "Its surface area is around eight times that of Earth, and its gravity is slightly lower, though its atmosphere is similar and suitable for human survival. According to the records, the natives here resemble humans in form, but their civilization developed more slowly. Their current technological level is roughly equivalent to Earth’s Middle Ages."

Ying sat in the pilot’s seat, fully focused on controlling the landing craft. As they approached the planet’s atmosphere, he suddenly turned to the three of them. "Fasten your seat belts. The landing may be a little rough."

The landing craft’s passage through the atmosphere was far more violent than expected. The entire vessel shook fiercely, as though it might break apart at any moment. Luo Wen gripped his armrests tightly, wondering whether this was merely normal atmospheric friction or whether something else was at work.

"Something’s wrong," Ying said with a frown, his fingers flying across the control panel. "Some kind of energy field is interfering with our descent."

"A planetary defense system?" Thor asked. "I thought this was a low-civilization planet. It shouldn’t possess this kind of technology."

Ying did not answer and remained focused on the controls. The landing craft rocked violently, but it still maintained its general course as it flew toward the designated landing site.

Through the observation window, Luo Wen saw that they were approaching a vast plain. In the distance stood a medium-sized city, its architecture truly resembling Earth’s Middle Ages: stone walls, towers, and castles. Yet at the city’s edge stood a metal structure that was utterly out of place with its surroundings, like a high-tech fortress.

"What’s that?" Luo Wen asked, pointing at the metal structure.

Ying glanced at it, and his expression shifted slightly. "Our destination."

As they descended, Luo Wen could make out more details. An Energy Barrier surrounded the metal fortress, a faint blue glow enveloping the entire area. Several heavily armed guards stood nearby, their equipment clearly not belonging to the local low-level civilization.

"Those are Cosmic-Level powerhouses," Hong quietly told Luo Wen. "Judging from their gear and posture, they’re at least professionally trained warriors. They may be from some advanced civilization."

The landing craft finally came to a stop in an open space before the metal fortress. Ying shut down the engines and turned to the three of them. "Remember, stay close to me and don’t act on your own. If conflict breaks out, prioritize protecting the stone chest."

The four of them left the landing craft with the stone chest on its hovering platform. Brandt Planet’s air was slightly dry, the sunlight gentle, and the surroundings strangely silent. The guards did not approach at once. Instead, they remained alert and watched their every move.

"Captain Ying," a tall figure in full-body Battle Armor emerged from the fortress, his voice transmitted through his helmet’s amplifier. "You’re thirty-six hours behind schedule. What happened?"

"We ran into a little trouble on the way," Ying replied calmly. "It won’t affect the mission."

The armored figure nodded, his gaze falling on the stone chest. "Is that it?"

"That’s right," Ying confirmed. "As agreed, we’ve delivered it to the designated location. What happens next?"

The armored figure fell silent for a moment, seemingly communicating with someone through some means. At last, he said, "Come with me. The officer is waiting for you."

Luo Wen noticed that when Ying heard the word "officer," a trace of barely perceptible displeasure flashed in his eyes, though he quickly concealed it. The four pushed the hovering platform and followed the armored figure toward the metal fortress.

The fortress interior was just as technological as its exterior: metal walls, holographic displays, and all kinds of complex equipment and weapons systems. Everything here stood in stark contrast to the medieval environment on the planet’s surface.

"This is an outpost," Hong quietly explained to Luo Wen. "Some advanced civilizations establish bases like this on low-civilization planets for resource extraction, scientific research, or military purposes. Under universal law, this is permitted as long as they do not directly interfere with the development of the local civilization."

They were led to the fortress’s central area, a spacious circular hall. At its center was a recessed platform, surrounded by various complex devices and control panels. Several staff members in black uniforms bustled about. None of them looked like ordinary humans, and some even possessed obvious nonhuman traits.

A tall figure in an ornate robe stood at the edge of the platform with his back to them. When he turned around, Luo Wen felt a shock run through him. This was an Immortal-Level powerhouse! Judging by the aura and majesty he radiated, he was at least a Marquis-Level existence, far stronger than Ying.

"Ying," the Immortal said in a deep voice, "you’ve finally arrived."

Ying lowered his head slightly in greeting. "Marquis Aster, I delivered the cargo as agreed."

Marquis Aster—the Immortal-Level powerhouse—slowly approached and inspected the stone chest. "How did it go? Did you encounter any trouble?"

"Just a few minor incidents," Ying answered. "A group of pirates tried to intercept us, but they’ve already been dealt with."

Aster nodded, his gaze sweeping over Luo Wen, Thor, and Hong. "And these three are?"

"The escort team," Ying answered briefly. "Guards hired by the Third Prince of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire."

Aster’s gaze lingered on Luo Wen for a little longer, making him feel uneasy, as though the man had seen through his very heart. "Interesting. You three, do you know what you’re escorting?"

Luo Wen cautiously shook his head. "We’re only responsible for ensuring the cargo arrives safely. We don’t ask about its contents."

Aster gave a soft laugh. "A smart answer. Very well, your mission is complete. Ying, place the stone chest on the central platform."

Ying pushed the hovering platform forward but did not immediately place the stone chest in the designated spot. He stopped and looked directly at Aster. "Before that, I need confirmation of payment."

Aster’s expression turned cold. "You’re bargaining with me?" The room’s temperature seemed to plunge at once, and Luo Wen felt a powerful pressure crash down on him, nearly leaving him unable to breathe.

Yet Ying did not yield in the slightest. "I’m simply acting according to the agreement. Payment first, then delivery."

Tension spread between the two of them. Luo Wen, Thor, and Hong all felt an invisible pressure, as though a terrifying conflict could erupt at any moment.

At last, Aster lightly waved a hand. An assistant stepped forward and handed Ying a small data cube. "As agreed, it contains the coordinates and access key. You may collect your ‘special materials’ now."

Ying examined the data cube, seemingly confirming that everything was correct, then nodded. "A pleasure doing business with you."

He pushed the hovering platform forward and placed the stone chest onto the central platform. Aster immediately signaled for his assistants to begin work. They activated the surrounding equipment, and various scanning beams shone over the stone chest, gathering data.

"Very good," Aster said with satisfaction as he examined the data on the holographic display. "The seal is intact, and the internal energy fluctuations are within controllable limits. Begin preparations for the release procedure."

Luo Wen watched in astonishment. "Release? You’re going to open this stone chest?"

Aster seemed somewhat surprised by Luo Wen’s direct question, but he answered nonetheless. "That’s right. This stone chest seals a tool we need."

Ying abruptly raised his head. "A tool? Our agreement was to transport it here safely for your research. No one mentioned opening it."

Aster sneered. "The agreement is complete, Ying. You got what you wanted. Now this stone chest belongs to me, and I can do whatever I want with it."

Ying’s expression became exceedingly grave. "Marquis Aster, I must warn you. Opening this stone chest may bring unpredictable consequences. There is a reason it was sealed."

Aster was unconcerned. "I know what I’m doing. This planet’s environment is perfect for my experiment. It’s a low-civilization planet. No one will notice what happens here."

"An experiment?" Hong cut in. "What do you plan to do with whatever is inside that stone chest?"

Aster looked at Hong, seemingly weighing whether the question deserved an answer. "Simply put, I need it to complete an important research project. This project may completely change the way energy is used throughout the universe."

Ying said coldly, "You mean it might allow you to break through your current realm and reach a higher level of power."

A sharp light flashed in Aster’s eyes. "Every Immortal seeks a breakthrough. Is there a problem with that?"

Just then, an assistant hurried over and whispered several words into Aster’s ear. Aster’s expression turned solemn. "What? Are you certain?"

The assistant nodded and handed over a data tablet. Aster quickly scanned the information on it, his face growing increasingly grim. "Notify everyone. Enter alert status. Activate the defense systems and prepare for a possible attack."

Luo Wen keenly sensed the change in the situation. "What happened?"

Aster did not answer. Instead, he turned to Ying. "You were followed. A warship is approaching Brandt Planet, carrying at least three Cosmic-Level powerhouses."

Ying’s expression turned utterly serious. "Who is it?"

"A patrol ship from the Cosmic Central Starfield Alliance," Aster said coldly. "This planet lies on the outskirts, beyond their regular patrol range. Someone told them we were here. Was it you, Ying?"

Ying shook his head. "I had no reason to do that. Completing this mission was just as important to me."

Aster considered this for a moment before making a decision. "No matter who leaked the information, we must accelerate the process. Begin the release procedure immediately!"

The assistants sprang into action, operating the various complex devices. Energy fluctuations began to appear around the stone chest, and its mysterious patterns gradually lit up, emitting a dazzling blue radiance.

"Have you lost your mind?" Ying shouted sharply. "Release it in a situation like this? You can’t control what happens next!"

Aster was resolute. "I have to take the risk. If the Alliance arrives, the stone chest will be confiscated, and all my research will go to waste. I’d rather gamble."

Luo Wen, Thor, and Hong retreated to one side, unwilling to be drawn into the dispute between these two powerhouses. Yet that mysterious voice sounded in Luo Wen’s mind once more:

Luo Wen, the time is about to come.

Suddenly, alarms blared throughout the fortress. An assistant reported nervously, "My lord Marquis, a large warship has entered planetary orbit and is launching landing craft toward our position!"

Aster’s face turned incomparably dark. "How long until they arrive?"

"About ten minutes," the assistant replied. "They’re moving quickly."

"Speed up the procedure!" Aster commanded. "We must complete the release before they arrive!"

The energy fluctuations around the stone chest grew increasingly violent, and the entire hall began to tremble. Luo Wen felt an unprecedented pressure, as though some unimaginably powerful existence was about to descend.

Ying suddenly drew an energy gun and aimed it at Aster. "Stop, Aster! You don’t know what you’re doing!"

Aster turned around with a cold smile on his face. "You think you can stop me? A minor character who isn’t even an Immortal?"

Before his words had even faded, Aster waved a hand, sending a powerful wave of energy hurtling toward Ying. Ying reacted swiftly, but before the absolute gap in their strength, he was still sent flying into the wall.

"Ying!" Luo Wen cried out, but Thor immediately grabbed him.

"Don’t act rashly," Thor warned in a low voice. "This is a battle at the Immortal-Level. If we intervene, we’ll only get ourselves killed."

Ying slid down the wall, but surprisingly, he had not been seriously injured. He quickly rose to his feet and stared coldly at Aster. "It seems negotiations are over. Then don’t blame me for being rude."

To everyone’s shock, Ying suddenly pressed a hidden device. His body began to change. A layer of metallic material seeped out from beneath his black uniform and rapidly covered his entire body. When the transformation was complete, Ying was fully encased in an advanced suit of Battle Armor, looking far more powerful than the equipment he had worn when fighting the pirates.