On the settlement's open ground, dust billowed in the gusts kicked up by the spaceship's landing, then slowly settled. Residents streamed in from every direction, packing in layers until the place was completely blocked off.
An old man leaned on a rough wooden cane, craning his neck and rising onto his toes. Children clung to adults' trouser legs, peering around curiously. Women gripped the cloth bundles in their hands, their eyes anxious. The guards held their weapons tight, yet could not hide the anticipation in their eyes. A hubbub of voices buzzed in the air, mixed with panting, whispers, and barely contained excitement.
"It really is an interstellar spaceship! It's so impressive..."
"The Alliance's officials are finally here! We're saved!"
"Now those man-eating beasts can finally be driven away!"
"Thank heavens... Our Red Lotus Star won't be destroyed after all..."
"Look! Someone's coming down! It's a young gentleman! What a presence!"
The chatter rose and fell, and everyone's eyes clung to Lu Yuan as he slowly descended the spaceship's boarding ramp.
He stood tall and straight as a pine. His black combat outfit accentuated his sharp features, and a steady, restrained air of a powerful fighter surrounded him. Though he merely stood there in silence, the noisy crowd unconsciously lowered their voices, filled with awe.
The crowd parted of its own accord, and the Planet Master of Red Lotus Star strode forward at the head of the group.
His bronze-colored face was piled with an earnest, welcoming smile, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes bunching together.
The brows that had been knitted tight by the rampaging beasts finally relaxed, and ardent hope burned in his weather-beaten eyes.
He hurriedly stretched out his rough palm, his voice respectful and excited. "Greetings, sir! You're the powerful fighter the Cosmic Civilization