The Defiant One

General Chen's words caused many of those present to silently wipe the corners of their eyes.

Xingtian was a mech that had been in service since the founding of Xuanse Cangqiong; to say that people had no emotional attachment to Xingtian would be a lie.

Of course, with the exception of Meng Changqing, who had only become a Tieyu two years ago.

But he was not as outspoken as Bai Ying, so he wisely kept his mouth shut.

"This matter is settled. Lao Yu, once we disperse, take your team and start the repairs. The sooner, the better." General Chen was already aware of everyone's reaction.

"Yes, General!" Lao Yu wiped his nose and agreed with a smile.

"Now, let us turn our attention back to the cube." General Chen turned to look at this object from beyond the sky. "How do you suggest we handle it?"

"General, we are in unanimous agreement that we should first confirm the material properties of the cube, such as its density, hardness, and a series of basic attributes like melting and boiling points."

"Do you think it is necessary to contact the Omega Research Complex?" General Chen threw out the most critical topic.

"...Yes, General. After all, this is an object from beyond the sky. According to protocol, it must be reported to Omega." The Chief Technology Officer said with some reluctance.

Everyone knew that Omega had always looked down on the researchers at frontline bases, as the gap in scientific status between the two was practically worlds apart.

But the matter was of great importance, and now was not the time to dwell on such personal grievances.

"Then move it to the research lab now." General Chen never dragged his feet when it came to getting things done.

"Wait!"

The person who spoke up to interrupt was none other than Bai Ying.

In that instant, everyone's gaze focused on this somewhat eccentric young woman.

"This thing is related to Xingtian!" Bai Ying reached out, holding a broken support strut from Xingtian in her palm.

"Are you crazy?" Meng Changqing could not stand Bai Ying's absurd claim. "There's no nameplate for Xingtian on this cube. Which eye of yours saw that it was related to Xingtian?"

But Bai Ying was not lying; the moment she picked up the broken support strut, a faint, magnet-like gravitational pull emanated from her palm.

And the source of that pull was the cube.

Bai Ying ignored Meng Changqing and walked straight to a spot two meters away from the cube.

Throughout the process, the support strut in Bai Ying's hand became increasingly restless.

Clack!

The moment Bai Ying let go, the broken support strut flew straight toward the cube like a magnet!

The next second, the black cube suddenly emitted a blue light!

"Find cover! Get down!"

At General Chen's command, everyone present immediately scrambled to the nearest cover as fast as they could!

Crack!

The blue light extended from the top of the cube downward, precisely splitting it in half. Where the light passed, the mysterious material, which previously lacked a single seam, began to separate toward both sides in a geometric fashion!

Hum!

A strange humming sound resonated throughout the hangar as the cube suddenly disintegrated into countless tiny, dust-like geometric shapes, rushing toward Bai Ying like a swarm of insects!

In a flash, Bai Ying dodged, rolling behind a nearby metal crate!

Unexpectedly, the black swarm did not continue to pursue Bai Ying, but instead dove straight into the hollow chest of Xingtian!

Clatter!

Countless geometric shapes converged on Xingtian's chest, with blue light dancing between the gaps like a shuttle weaving through fabric!

In the blink of an eye, a massive black sphere formed in the void of Xingtian's chest, rapidly spreading out into countless intricate structures that spliced the sphere together with Xingtian's remains!

The entire process took less than ten seconds.

"What just happened..."

Seeing that the black sphere was no longer moving, people emerged from behind their cover and slowly gathered around Xingtian's remains.

"Wait, isn't this the shape of a power core!" Lao Yu exclaimed.

Only then did everyone realize that the so-called sphere had undergone a secondary transformation during the splicing process with Xingtian, settling into the shape of a turbine nuclear power core!

"Contact the Omega Research Complex and have them send someone over immediately." General Chen's expression was extremely grave. "Lao Yu, pause the repair plan. If this power core is something parasitic on Xingtian, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

"What should we do?" Lao Yu was also very anxious, his wrinkled hands rubbing together incessantly.

"For now, hoist Xingtian up and see if we can separate the power core. If the separation is successful, keep Xingtian away from this damn thing, then immediately proceed with the repairs. Don't give this thing any chance to take advantage!" General Chen immediately laid out a viable plan.

"Yes, General!" Lao Yu saluted General Chen respectfully.

"As for you." General Chen turned to look at Bai Ying, a powerful aura immediately unfolding. "Disobeying orders on the battlefield—have you thought about the consequences?"

"I am willing to accept punishment... but I do not regret my decision." Bai Ying met the General's gaze without fear.

"You think you saved everyone, but that is no excuse for disobeying orders." General Chen shook his head almost imperceptibly. "Stubbornness is not determination, and recklessness is not bravery. Obeying orders is a soldier's duty, and it is clear you have yet to understand that."

A burning heat rushed to Bai Ying's cheeks; she felt her face must be as red as a child being scolded by their parents.

Bai Ying bit her lip hard, her body trembling, and stared at General Chen with eyes full of resentment and anger, replying word by word.

"You are a born soldier, but I am not."

When Bai Ying said these words, a fleeting trace of sorrow flashed through the depths of General Chen's eyes.

"Bai Ying, I am temporarily stripping you of your status as a Tieyu and sentencing you to one week of solitary confinement to reflect on your actions. If your attitude remains the same when that time is up, your name will be removed from the roster of the Xuanse Cangqiong legion. Do you understand!"

"...I understand." Bai Ying replied through gritted teeth.

"Speak up!"

"I understand!" Bai Ying repeated her answer loudly, as if venting her emotions.

General Chen nodded, turned around, and said to the crowd: "Dismissed!"

The people who received the order dispersed immediately—the base had just suffered heavy damage, and there were many urgent matters that needed to be handled.

Only when everyone performed their duties could the "great ship" that was Xuanse Cangqiong continue to sail on the sea.

But just as General Chen prepared to turn and leave, a slightly petite hand suddenly tugged at the corner of his uniform.

"I have only one request." Bai Ying kept her head lowered, her long white hair obscuring her red eyes.

General Chen closed his eyes, let out a long sigh, and spoke slowly: "Speak."

"Promise me you will fix Xingtian."

"I promise."