August's Invitation
Through continuous space jumps, Gu Ding and his group arrived at the Reverse Dragon Star Region in less than two days and stopped on the most prosperous Restdat Star.
Restdat Star, located less than 20 light-years from the Reverse Dragon River Channel, is the most prosperous planet in the entire Great Boundary River. In addition, it is also the Federal Government's outpost in the Great Boundary River.
General August of the Federal Government has been stationed on this planet for many years. August is a powerful Five-Star High-rank God, with Combat Strength comparable to some two- or three-star Peak-rank Gods. Causing trouble on this planet would be suicidal. Therefore, this planet is also the safest planet in the entire Great Boundary River.
In addition, many people travel to and from the Reverse Dragon River Channel, making the planet's commerce extremely developed.
Gu Ding's Titan quickly landed at the port of Restdat Star. Disguised as a one-star War God ship, the Titan went unnoticed. Having sailed this far, a one-star War God ship was already the most ordinary ship available. If they didn't change ships soon, their vessels would be easily torn to shreds in the Reverse Dragon River Channel.
"We've finally arrived. Everyone can relax for the next couple of days." As captain, Gu Ding granted everyone a break. They'd been fighting almost non-stop lately, and their strength had improved significantly. Restdat Star was a very safe planet, so letting them relax was perfectly reasonable. Besides, they'd have to spend the next thirty days on the spaceship; just thinking about it made them feel depressed.
The six people and one cat quickly disembarked from the spaceship. This time, even Robert took the initiative to disembark. In the past, he would stay at home and give everyone a list of materials.
When Gu Ding and his group appeared at the port, they quickly attracted a crowd of onlookers.
The news that Gu Ding Team of five had achieved Eighty Consecutive Wins in the past two days had completely exploded in the Great Boundary River. Their battle videos had been viewed countless times. Sea Emperor had already told Gu Ding and the others about this.
"Let's stick to our original plan and split up," Gu Ding said with a hint of helplessness, glancing at the onlookers.
Liliath, arm in arm with Elsa, left first. They were on a shopping route.
Bigge and Tagore went the route of sourcing ingredients. Tagore originally liked to be with Gu Ding the most, but when he was with Bigge, there was always good food, so he easily chose to betray him.
Robert and Dokter were responsible for purchasing other items.
Guided by the Sea Emperor, Gu Ding headed toward the largest tavern in the area.
At every pub, Gu Ding likes to order a Mirka. Although the recipe for Mirka is simple and mostly the same, he finds that it seems to taste slightly different each time he drinks it in a different place, and he enjoys that feeling.
News of Gu Ding and his group's arrival on Restdat Star spread quickly, and the Federal Government received the news immediately.
"My lord, the Gu Ding Team has just arrived at the port. Should we send someone to keep an eye on them?" Gatins hadn't expected Gu Ding and his team to grow to this level in such a short time. Before entering the Oul Ruins, while the Gu Ding Team's overall strength was decent, it was only at a decent level, barely qualifying them as a second-rate force in the Universe Sea. But based on their performance in the War God Arena, the Gu Ding Team had almost reached the ranks of the first-rate.
"I understand, ignore them." August waved his hand and said, "Don't forget, our mission has never been to prevent the strong from entering the Universe Sea, even if these people are Interstellar Pirate."
"I understand." Gatins gave a military salute and left August's office.
After Gatins left, August's screen displayed videos of Gu Ding and the others' battle. He had actually watched these videos many times before. After watching them, he tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice and muttered to himself, "If only these teenagers were from our Federal Government..."
Upon arriving at the tavern, Gu Ding glanced at the sign: Blue Frog Tavern. Above the sign was a 3D projection of a blue frog.
"Isn't the blue frog a poisonous monster?" Gu Ding couldn't help but ask. "Why is the tavern called that?"
"There are supposedly two reasons. First, the Blue Frog is indeed a type of monster containing hallucinogenic toxins. Those poisoned experience an unprecedented sense of euphoria, and the name is meant to tell everyone that they can find this unprecedented pleasure here. Second, they have a special drink made from toxins extracted from the Blue Frog. Of course, this extract undergoes many extractions and dilutions before being made into a beverage. This drink has effects similar to hallucinogenic drugs, but without addictiveness or side effects, so it hasn't been banned by the Federal Government. The tavern's success is inextricably linked to this special drink." The Sea Emperor quickly found the relevant information about the tavern.
Gu Ding walked straight into the tavern, and was slightly surprised when he pushed open the door. He saw that the tavern was almost full, even though it was only morning on Restdat Star.
The tavern was mostly filled with Interstellar Pirate, many of whom, like Gu Ding and his companions, planned to rest on this planet before setting off again.
These Interstellar Pirate had all seen Gu Ding's performance in the War God Arena, so when Gu Ding entered the tavern, many people were stunned, and the atmosphere in the tavern suddenly became strange.
Gu Ding didn't care about any of that. He found an empty seat at the bar and sat down. "A Mirka, please."
Upon hearing Gu Ding Mirka, someone in the crowd couldn't help but chuckle. In taverns, Mirka was usually a drink only young girls would order. Interstellar Pirate, even female Interstellar Pirate, wouldn't order such a beverage.
Hearing the man's sneer, Gu Ding looked up and saw a muscular, strong man with strange tattoos on his arms.
Seeing Gu Ding looking at him, the burly man immediately remembered how terrifying Gu Ding's strength was, and cold sweat kept seeping from his forehead.
Everyone else in the tavern felt sorry for the man. They guessed that Gu Ding would definitely teach him a lesson, but to their surprise, Gu Ding quickly looked away and began to look around the tavern.
Gu Ding grew up in taverns, so he loves the tavern environment; it feels like home to him.
This tavern also has a nostalgic feel, and it's much larger and has a better ambiance than the Rose Tavern.
Mirka is a very simple drink, and the bartender quickly prepared it and handed it to Gu Ding.
Just as Gu Ding picked up his wine glass, a tall figure pushed open the door and entered.
It was a burly middle-aged man with short, dark blond hair. His face was sharply defined, sculpted, and his cheeks were shaved so cleanly that not a single stubble was visible. His appearance silenced the entire tavern, mirroring the scene when Gu Ding had just appeared. He was wearing a Federal Government military uniform, and a white cloak billowed behind him. Many of the powerful figures in the tavern felt a cold sweat break out on their backs, for they had seen the rank insignia on his shoulders—the rank of Federal Government general. His identity was obvious.
"It's August, the guardian of the Great Boundary River!" The Sea Emperor warned Gu Ding the moment the other party pushed open the door.
Gu Ding simply turned his head to look at the other person, then turned back to continue drinking his Mirka.
August's gaze swept over everyone in the tavern, finally settling on Gu Ding, and he walked straight toward Gu Ding's location.
"So they came for Gu Ding..." This gave many people a glimmer of hope.
"It seems Gu Ding is in big trouble. Their performance in the War God Arena was too high-profile, and it's normal that the Federal Government can't tolerate it." No one thought that it would be a good thing for the Federal Government's guardians to come looking for them, because the people in the tavern were all Interstellar Pirate.
As August walked toward Gu Ding, the people who were sitting next to Gu Ding immediately moved aside and fled the tavern like the wind, afraid that August would come looking for them.
To everyone's surprise, August didn't make a move. Instead, he walked directly to Gu Ding's left and sat in the seat that someone had just vacated. "A cup of Blazing Sun Lava."
Although the bartender didn't recognize August, he did recognize the military rank on the man's shoulder. In the entire Great Boundary River, there was only one General from the Federal Government Headquarters, so the man's identity wasn't hard to guess. After learning his identity, the bartender was initially puzzled as to why August, the Guardian, would suddenly appear here. But looking at Gu Ding sitting beside him, he already knew the answer. He had also watched Gu Ding's combat videos; given Gu Ding's strength, August personally intervening, while causing a great disturbance, was the safest method.
Gu Ding was unaware of August's purpose, but he didn't want any trouble before entering the Universe Sea. So, he quickly finished his Mirka in his glass, put down two Universe Crystal to pay the bill, and turned to leave.
"Young man, sit with me for a while, and I'll treat you to another Mirka." August's wine wasn't ready yet, and seeing Gu Ding get up to leave, he finally couldn't help but speak up.
These words didn't seem to have any malicious intent, and Gu Ding was slightly surprised. He also wanted to know what August wanted him to do, so he stopped in his tracks.
Seeing that Gu Ding had returned to his original seat, August called out to the bartender, "Another Mirka, please."
The two drinks were quickly prepared and served.
August downed the drink in his glass in one gulp, and Gu Ding also finished Mirka's drink in a few gulps.
"Gu Ding, you should already know my identity." A fleeting blush crossed August's face after the strong liquor, before he spoke, "Are you interested in joining our Federal Government?"