The Oriole Was Waiting Behind

Though Jiujiu was small, she was mature for her age. She knew how to avoid danger and understood what mattered.

Sure enough, once the crowd had dispersed, the other side deployed a spatial isolation barrier. It was a new technology: the barrier was transparent, allowing outsiders to see everything inside. But at a time like this, no one would step forward to watch the excitement.

To avoid involving bystanders, Alliance Law stipulated that duels and vendettas must not harm others. Otherwise, the Central Brain would directly deduct the corresponding amount of Star Coins. In serious cases, it would wipe out one's contribution points or directly lower one's permissions.

There were two men, both hulking figures over two meters tall. They were Kralians.

The people of that star system were all burly and rough-looking, with developed muscles and tremendous strength. They did not care much for technique, preferred direct clashes, and loved using firearms.

Wei Lanshan knew they had encountered ruthless opponents. Getting away unscathed this time would likely take some effort.

The two men blocking Wei Lanshan and Jiujiu did not waste words. They attacked at once.

This time, Wei Lanshan did not use her saber. Instead, she used the new weapon she had made yesterday: a pair of metal bracers fitted around her wrists.

She set up a Protective Shield for Jiujiu. It could withstand roughly ten attacks. If she failed to defeat her opponents within those ten attacks, Jiujiu would be in danger.

The isolated space was large enough. The two hulking men moved swiftly, attacking Wei Lanshan from different directions.

Clearly, they had already planned their tactics before coming. The two of them would first wear down Wei Lanshan's stamina, then once she could no longer hold on, one would break away to deal with the child.

Wei Lanshan furrowed her brows and focused all her attention on dealing with the two vicious beasts before her. Fully prepared for battle, her Mental Power fluctuated violently.

Wu Yuan, which had changed its form, seemed to sense the Mental Power fluctuations and instantly awakened.

When it transformed into its smaller form, it entered a dormant state. Only powerful energy fluctuations or Wei Lanshan herself could awaken it.

Within seconds, Wu Yuan shifted into combat form. The two men were somewhat surprised when they saw it.

The information had not indicated that this woman possessed a combat robot, much less a high-end robot capable of changing forms. It seemed their employer had not provided the full details.

The two men no longer underestimated her and used their full strength. Both were incredibly fast, reaching Wei Lanshan in mere seconds.

Wu Yuan intercepted the attack from the left. Worthy of its combat form, its leaps and turns were as nimble as a rabbit's.

The Kralian missed his strike and was instead kicked in the back by Wu Yuan, which had leaped behind him. He staggered back several steps, gouging deep marks into the ground.

Seeing how light and agile Wu Yuan was, the Kralian realized his brute strength could not get him close. Using the distance between them, he activated the weapon in his hand and fired directly at Wu Yuan.

Wu Yuan's calculation ability was formidable. It dodged sideways just as the light cannon blast reached it. Before the second blast could arrive, Wu Yuan accelerated. The Kralian failed to see it clearly before it was already in front of him, and Wu Yuan effortlessly killed him.

Jiujiu stared wide-eyed from within the Protective Shield. It was her first time seeing a robot fight.

Its Martial Skill seemed to be a replica of Wei Lanshan's, but it was far faster than Wei Lanshan.

This was truly insane. She swore she would earn money and save up to buy one herself someday. It was just too awesome!

The idea was wonderful, but reality was harsh. She remembered that she had no money. Maybe she could study machinery and make one herself in the future? She had no idea how difficult that would be.

Looking back at Wei Lanshan, her bracers could withstand twenty consecutive attacks and absorb the force of every strike that hit them.

So whenever the big man attacked, Wei Lanshan used her bracers to receive his blows. Once she had defended enough, she began her counterattack.

Wei Lanshan's moves this time were swift and ruthless. All the force her bracers had absorbed was returned to its owner. The big man could not withstand ten consecutive strikes, and his internal organs ruptured, killing him.

Wu Yuan and Wei Lanshan both dealt with their opponents smoothly. Just as Wei Lanshan was about to open the isolation barrier, an unexpected development occurred.

Another group suddenly appeared. They were mercenaries who had accepted the same job, the oriole waiting behind.

They came with even greater force, ten people in total. Wei Lanshan and Wu Yuan were surrounded.

When Wei Lanshan saw the insignia at their waists, she moved Jiujiu behind her.

This mercenary group called Xiwei ranked highly among all the mercenary groups in the Jingsu Alliance. Their strength surpassed even Snow Dragon's.

Snow Dragon had its own code. The people they killed were all those who deserved to die in the interstellar realm. That was why Long Xingxue had held back last time.

As for why Snow Dragon had accepted this mission, Wei Lanshan was not entirely sure. Most likely, the Tang Family had concealed the most important part of the information about her, as well as the existence of Jiujiu.

Xiwei was different. They only looked at the payment when accepting jobs, never whether the task was reasonable. There was no such phrase as "not killing the innocent indiscriminately" in their minds—only money. As long as it was their employer's request, they would carry it out.

This was a battle with a vast disparity in numbers. Wei Lanshan assessed the situation. Judging by their numbers and strength, the newcomers were certain to win, yet they did not seem to have any intention of fighting.

The leader of Xiwei stopped three meters away from Wei Lanshan. "Xiwei would like to invite the lady to visit our Starship, along with this little one. Would you both honor us with your presence?"

The remaining nine formed a circle, cutting off Wei Lanshan's retreat. Their stance left no room for her to refuse.

Wei Lanshan looked at them without speaking. Holding Jiujiu's hand, she silently followed their steps.

Xiwei was the group she least wanted to encounter, because they had no bottom line. And this time, their leader was likely aboard the Starship.

Until they boarded Xiwei's Starship, Wei Lanshan did not say a word. Jiujiu did not ask anything either, only followed closely behind her.

Wu Yuan did not change its form and remained in combat mode at all times.

A tall, powerfully built man sat in the Starship's reception room. He was handsome, with an air of grim violence surrounding him.

After learning that their lifespans could reach over two hundred years, Jiujiu no longer tried to guess anyone's age.

"Wei Lanshan. It has been many years." The man directly called Wei Lanshan by name.

"Xi He. So it really is you." Wei Lanshan shielded Jiujiu behind her and calmly greeted Xi He.

Xi He curled his lips. Wei Lanshan was always like this. He truly wanted to see her expression change, to see fear on her face.

"Hand her over to me, and I'll spare your life. I'll also erase your traces for you." Xi He spoke confidently. Wei Lanshan understood advantages and disadvantages very well. She would not put herself in danger. She would be interested in the conditions he offered.

For a cold-hearted woman like Wei Lanshan to protect this child behind her, the child must be special. If he took her, he would surely gain an unexpected surprise.

"Impossible. I know everything you intend to say. Even if we both perish again today, I will not let you have your way." Wei Lanshan's voice remained indifferent.

But Xi He laughed. This was his Starship. Did Wei Lanshan think she could still escape?

What a joke. Did she really think Xiwei was a place people could enter and leave as they pleased?

"That makes things difficult. I truly must have this child."