Copper Furnace and Copper Soldier stopped before Fire Sickle.
The elder brother, Copper Furnace, glanced down at him. His dark red eyes held no emotion, and his voice was deep and slow. "Report."
Guqiu hurried forward a step, forcing a respectful expression onto his gaunt face. He spoke quickly. "Star Envoys, the Far Gazer is currently under the temporary command of Logistics Captain Fire Sickle. He is the highest-ranking officer remaining outside for this expedition.
All monitoring data on the secret realm entrance and information on the Stormfolk are on the bridge."
Fire Sickle hastily said, "This way, Star Envoys. I'll explain the situation."
Copper Soldier nodded slightly and walked toward the bridge alongside Copper Furnace.
Fire Sickle hurried after them, briefly explaining the entire sequence of events as they walked.
He covered everything from the expedition's accidental activation of the secret realm to the failure of two rescue teams, and finally Xu Feng's solo entry, after which there had been no word from him.
He concealed none of the details.
After listening, Copper Furnace asked only one question. "How many people do you estimate are still alive inside?"
"Probably fewer than twenty," Fire Sickle replied after a moment's hesitation. "If they're all still alive."
Copper Soldier frowned. "Fewer than twenty? Fine."
They entered the bridge, and Fire Sickle had the technicians bring up all the latest monitoring data on Crimson Storm Star on the large screen.
Copper Furnace and Copper Soldier stood side by side before the screen, staring silently at the red planet.
After a pause, Copper Soldier said in a rumbling voice, "Brother, the secret realm on Crimson Storm Star is of great importance. It will likely draw competition from several factions.
The Main Hall wants us to establish a strong deterrent at the secret realm entrance.