And so, Yu Lian's fleet didn't wait any longer for Xia Li. On February 26, it passed through the Twilight Gate. He and his companions became the first foreign military force in history to enter the region of space known to the world as the "Dragon's Nest" and the "Dragon's Domain." In fact, they were also the first foreigners to enter this starfield since the Common Era began.
...Though it was a historic event, there was hardly a stir. No deafening drums, no sea of people waving red flags to welcome them—there wasn't even a basic interception force. Everything was as peaceful and serene as a spring day. But it was almost too peaceful, and Yu Lian's companions couldn't help feeling a little let down.
Of course, it wasn't entirely peaceful. Just after they passed through the passage, two spaceships about the size of destroyers came straight toward them.
The ships were small but elegant, with smooth, streamlined spindle-shaped hulls. Their silver bodies were edged in gold, and at a glance they looked like miniature dragon ships.
In fact, the Dawn royal family's crest was set into their hulls.
"Imperial Dragon Guards." Everyone quickly recognized who they were.
The title sounded imposing, but in plain terms, they were a private security force employed by the royal family—guards and mercenaries, not a proper military. Besides, if a member of the royal family needed protection, they would surely put more trust in guards rigorously selected by the Household Department and the Heraldry Court.
In short, these so-called "Imperial Dragon Guards" were just security for royal property. Their main duties were to keep production and daily life running normally and put down slave revolts on royal estates. Their level of competence was easy to imagine.
To put it another way, despite their grandiose