Chapter 144: The S-Class Sentinel of the Sixth War Zone
Without a moment’s delay, Xie Qiang left the Imperial Capital and set their starship’s flight destination to the Sixth War Zone.
The Sixth War Zone was the battle zone closest to where she had previously fallen into the wormhole. There was a high probability that the Zerg Queen was still resting and recuperating there.
If she wanted to reclaim military authority from the outside as soon as possible, killing the Zerg Queen would be the key factor.
“The signals in the war zones are isolated; unless it’s a military-grade optical computer, it’s very difficult to transmit messages back to the Imperial Capital. Even if we go to these war zones, those nobles in the capital won’t know our whereabouts.”
Sen Ji steered the starship, speaking unhurriedly, “The Chief Commanders of the war zones are all His Majesty’s men as well. As long as His Majesty hasn’t given specific orders otherwise, it won’t be difficult to mobilize them to campaign against the wormholes.”
Xie Qiang sat in the co-pilot seat, gnawing on a piece of rock-hard beef jerky with one hand while stroking the fluffy Tian Lang with the other.
Hearing this, she couldn’t help but say, “They say one mountain cannot hold two tigers. Now that you, the God of War, are going there, will they be unhappy?”
“Are you kidding? They would love nothing more than for us to go, alright!” Hong Queâs head popped out from between the two of them as he clamored, “Every additional S-class Sentinel combat asset saves a fraction of the effort needed to handle the Zerg tides, let alone the fact that this guy is an SSS-class Sentinel.”
Sen Ji cast a cool glance at Hong Que and then said, “Not necessarily. Under certain circumstances, they can be highly resistant to a new S-class Sentinel.”
“What kind of situation would make them resistantâ” Hong Que blurted out, but suddenly remembering something, he couldn’t help looking at Xie Qiang and let out a light tsk.
Xie Qiang tilted her head and blinked her innocent, cat-like eyes. “What’s wrong? Keep talking.”
“It’s nothing.” Hong Que muttered something under his breath, then with a dissatisfied look, he dragged Tian Lang out of her arms and stuffed Little Red into them instead. “You’ve been stroking him long enough. It’s time to switch.”
Perhaps because Xie Qiang had saved Hong Que in the wormhole previously, Little Red didn’t resist this time. The bird even proactively spread its fleshy wings with an expression of righteous martyrdom, crying out, “Come on, pervert! Rua me with all your might!”
Tian Lang struggled furiously in Hong Queâs arms, crying, “Awoo-woo-woo!”
That shameless, dirty bird! The little cat clearly wanted to rua him!
Xie Qiang looked at the palm-sized Little Red, reached out to poke its chubby little belly, and corrected, “You are not allowed to call me a pervert.”
“Alright, pervert,” Little Red straightened its chubby belly. “Understood, scumbag girl.”
Xie Qiang: …
Xie Qiang looked up and glanced at Hong Que.
Hong Que immediately averted his gaze guiltily. “I didn’t teach it that!”
Tian Lang finally managed to break free from Hong Que’s restraint. Waving his paws, he swatted Little Red away and rested his chin upon Xie Qiangâs lap, whining, “Awoo-awoo-awoo.”
Little cat, keep stroking me~
Flapping its wings, Little Red landed on Xie Qiangâs shoulder, looking down at Tian Langâs spineless display and rolling its eyes in sheer disdain.
Within Sen Jiâs spiritual sea, Bai Jin watched this scene with envy. “Master, I want to as well…”
“No, you don’t,” the man replied callously.
“…Who gets jealous of their own spiritual body!” Bai Jin grumbled resentfully. “If the little cat falls in love with me, love me, love my dogâshe’ll care more about you too!”
Sen Ji operated the starship with a cool gaze, his tone composed. “I have no need for you to vie for affection on my behalf.”
“Fine, you’ve got guts! Don’t come begging me to help you fight for her favor later!” Bai Jin snorted coldly, swished his tiger tail, and stalked off toward the forest within the spiritual sea.
If it remembered correctly, the Chief Commander of the Sixth War Zone was none other than…
…
A few days later, the starship transmitted a landing signal to the Sixth War Zone.
The starship touched down smoothly within the war zone base. As Xie Qiang stepped off the vessel, she saw several Sentinel officers standing on the ground.
The Sentinel leading them wore a black-and-gold commander uniform identical to Sen Ji’s. A mane of platinum-blonde hair fell smoothly down his back, glistening brilliantly under the sunlight and catching everyone’s eye.
He was exceptionally aloof and handsome, with a pair of deep purple tiger eyes that resembled precious gems, exuding an air of nobility and elegance. Upon seeing Sen Ji, he extended a slender hand encased in a white glove, his voice as crisp and cool as clinking jade. “Commander Sen, long time no see.”
Sen Ji raised his hand to shake his. “Commander Rong.”
“And these individuals are?” Rong Liangâs gaze swept lukewarmly across Hong Que and Mo Yin, finally pausing for a beat on Xie Qiang as his eyes flickered slightly. “A Guide?”
Information was not freely shared between war zones, and the flying Zerg faced by the Sixth War Zone were incredibly difficult to eradicate. Rong Liang had not returned to the Imperial Capital for a long time, so he naturally did not recognize these newcomers.
“These two are the Sentinels of this generation from the Vermilion Bird family, Hong Que and Mo Yin.”
Sen Ji gave a brief introduction, and then his gaze settled upon Xie Qiang, his expression softening. “And this one is my Guide.”
“Your Guide?” A flash of astonishment crossed Rong Liangâs handsome, noble face. “I recall you were unable to…”
…unable to be purified by any Guide?
“Yes, she can.” Meeting Xie Qiangâs gaze, Sen Ji curved his brows and revealed a gentle smile. “Thanks to her, I was able to heavily wound the Zerg Queen.”
It was the first time Rong Liang had ever seen Sen Ji display such an expression. With growing interest, he turned his eyes to Xie Qiang, pulled off his white glove, and extended his hand toward her. “May I ask how to address this young lady Guide?”
On the way over, Xie Qiang had already discussed this with Sen Ji and the others. Since these Sentinels who spent all year in the war zones had never seen her, it was better to temporarily conceal her true identity to save them the trouble of overthinking.
Thus, she reached out and grasped Rong Liangâs palm. “I am called Qiangwei.”
The instant their palms touched, Rong Liangâs arm trembled slightly. Sensing the lethal tremor brought by that soft, warm purification energy, his gaze deepened, and the corners of his lips curved up into a profound smile.
“Miss Qiangwei, welcome to the Sixth War Zone.”
Xie Qiang wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but as she released Rong Liangâs hand, the pads of his fingers seemed to deliberately scratch across her palm, gliding smoothly along her fingers until they finally separated.
She couldn’t help but tuck her hand behind her back, squeezing it lightly, her heart filled with confusion.
“I am Rong Liang, Chief Commander of the Sixth War Zone,” Rong Liang introduced himself, then turned sideways to point at the two S-class Sentinels behind him. “This is my Tactical Officer, Yu Jin, a merman Sentinel. And this is the War Zone’s Assault Captain, Rong Bai, a polar bear Sentinel.”
Hearing this, Xie Qiangâs gaze instantly locked onto Yu Jin.
It was her first time ever seeing a merman Sentinel!
“You must be tired from your voyage. Let’s return to the base to rest first.” Rong Liang unhurriedly pulled his white glove back on and smiled amiably at Xie Qiang. “Since we didn’t know you were coming, the room prepared is somewhat simple. I will have someone arrange a new room for Miss Qiangwei shortly, so I hope Miss Qiangwei won’t mind.”
Xie Qiang nodded. “It’s fine.”
The group turned and walked into the base. Xie Qiang stole a glance at Yu Jin, tugged at Sen Jiâs sleeve, and whispered, “Sen Ji, is a merman Sentinel’s beastified form human on top and a fish tail on the bottom?”
Translatorâs Note: Oh la la! A wild merman and a platinum-haired purple-eyed tiger commander have appeared! Hehehe~
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