An enemy encounter at last? The Campaign Knights ambushing Chen Qi / Campaign Knights: So we're just a dish to you?

Theresis is most worried about now is that his presumptuous decision will cause Theresia, whose soul will be restored in the future, to complain... Although they are both leaders of the Sarkaz and have such awareness, Theresis still hopes that her sister's other half will be the person she wants to choose.

But now it seems... he doesn't need to worry about that anymore. Theresia has a huge interest in Chen Qi, and that's the best proof of that!

"Can we not leave, Director Chen Qi?" At this moment, Theresia maintained her listless expression, but her tone was gentle as she spoke, enunciating each word clearly:

"I need you, and the Sarkaz need you too. Please stay."

"... Wang Mei, Director Chen Qi is a free spirit. He can't stay here forever, and we shouldn't hinder his journey."

However, before Chen Qi could speak, It was Theresis who spoke first, patiently persuading Theresia. He no longer regarded Theresia as a soulless shell; he could feel that his sister was slowly returning.

"Sister, the person you're keeping by your side isn't what you want, nor is it what the Sarkaz want. There's always a chance to meet again in the future, so for now, let go."

"..."

However, as Theresis finished speaking, Theresia obediently let go, but everyone could see the fleeting look of disappointment on Theresia's face.

Now, everyone's expressions became even more interesting. Talulah's face darkened, and Vina's mouth gaped open slightly, clearly understanding what was going on between her teacher and this Sarkaz princess.

The one who was overjoyed was undoubtedly Theresis, who now seemed indifferent. Theresis was only able to barely control her emotions by virtue of her naturally taciturn nature.

At this moment, the person with the most complicated feelings was naturally Chen Qi... because he was the only one in the entire room who knew that this princess had already been resurrected, but he also had no idea what this princess was trying to do with all this...

Fortunately, Theresis persuaded her to go back, otherwise, given her pitiful state with blood still on her hands, Chen Qi would have been easily swayed. He was going through considerable mental anguish trying to uphold his male virtues!

However, despite the diverse expressions on the faces of the crowd, Theresia appeared completely calm on the surface. In reality, her small gesture controlled the thoughts of everyone present.

"In that case, Miss Talulah will surely know my thoughts. And this time, I will be separated from Director Chen Qi for a long time, giving Miss Talulah ample time to subtly process my ideas."

"And, Brother Wang, you must have already understood my thoughts. In that case, you can confirm my next steps in contacting Director Chen Qi..."

Theresia's mind raced with these thoughts. With a single, small action, she had completely controlled the unfolding events. All she needed to do was quietly wait for her next meeting with Chen Qi...

Chapter 174: A Long-Awaited Encounter? The Campaign Knight Ambush Chen Qi

"Before you all went to Columbia, I had already released promotional advertisements for 'To the To the Moon' Columbia. Director Chen Qi, you mentioned before that we would be filming inside a painting, where time would pass more slowly outside, right?"

On the land-based ship to Columbia, Kristen also told Chen Qi about the promotional work she did in Columbia and the preparations for filming "Yes, Prime Minister" during Chen Qi's time filming.

"I have already arranged a place for everyone to rest at Rhine Lab headquarters, as well as a prepared filming location. I have also spoken with the Columbia government, and the president is willing to cooperate with the filming."

With the power behind Chen Qi, the Columbia president wouldn't dare disagree. Rhine Lab Sciences alone is enough to make Columbia tremble, let alone Chen Qi, a mobile strategic propaganda weapon.

Therefore, Chen Qi once again received the green light for the filming of " To the To the Moon," and he naturally trusted Kristen's arrangements.

Although this was their first collaboration, Kristen was only working with Saria and had no reason to harm Chen Qi. The subject matter of " To the To the Moon" was at most a statement from Kristen; she didn't want to part ways with Saria so decisively.

"I hope Saria is still in Columbia and can still see news about this movie..." Kristen murmured to himself, clinging to a last glimmer of hope, while Chen Qi felt that the chances were slim.

Ultimately, Saria left because of her differing views with Kristen. Kristen was indifferent to everything beyond the stars, becoming a pure researcher whose disregard for life and humanity was unacceptable to Saria.

Although Saria supported her largely because of Kristen's talent and persistent thirst for knowledge, these alone were not enough to keep Saria there.

Of course, Chen Qi couldn't say these things; these two people who kept everything bottled up inside had to say them themselves. Chen Qi just needed to focus on filming; fulfilling the requirements would be more than enough.

However, to Chen Qi's surprise, since they were on their way to Columbia, he had originally thought that Talulah would have a falling out with him because of Theresia's previous actions, but unexpectedly, Talulah did not cause any trouble along the way, which made Chen Qi feel a little uncomfortable.

This feeling was like the calm before the storm... Chen Qi finally couldn't bear the psychological pressure and went to ask Talulah about it. Unexpectedly, Talulah didn't show any emotion at all.

"You underestimate my magnanimity. I know that princess is interested in you, but she's just a living dead, isn't she? Why would I be jealous of a living dead?"

Talulah initially a little angry, but then she thought, why should she bother arguing with someone whose soul hadn't even been revived? The other person was probably acting purely on instinct, so it was perfectly normal for them to be reluctant to part with the person who had been with them all this time.

Of course, the main reason Talulah so magnanimous was that they had all left Victoria now, and their next destination was already decided: back to Lungmen. It was likely that they would have a hard time going back to Victoria to see that princess again.

Talulah's magnanimity temporarily eased Chen Qi's anxiety. However, at this moment, the system's voice rang in Chen Qi's mind again, but this time, the system's voice sounded much sharper.

[Warning: The Mini-map indicates that hostile forces are lying in ambush within a 10-kilometer radius of the host. The enemy is quite powerful; the host is advised to prepare accordingly.]

Enemy? Upon hearing this long-forgotten term, Chen Qi remembered that he hadn't paid attention to the Mini-map for quite some time. He immediately brought up the system, and soon, the situation within a ten-kilometer radius came into Chen Qi's view.

Soon, Chen Qi saw a row of very conspicuous small red dots directly in front of them, right in front of their landship, displaying the word [Landmine].

Chen Qi also noticed that not far from the row of landmines, there were fourteen large red dots surrounding them. Clearly, these were the enemies attempting to ambush them, and the dotted sign indicated [Campaign Knight wearing Silvermane Knights armor].

"The Campaign Knight? Aren't those people from Kazimierz?" Chen Qi reacted immediately. He wasn't too surprised, after all, his work had had a significant impact on Kazimierz. Given Kazimierz's recent credibility crisis and defeat in the expedition, it was only natural that someone wanted to harm them.

However, Chen Qi didn't understand why the names of these enemies were so strange. If the Supervision Committee detrimental to him, then Silvermane Knights could obviously be dispatched; why send the Campaign Knight instead?

Even if the Silvermane Knights are all of high moral character and unwilling to do this dirty work, there's no need to go to the trouble of having the Campaign Knight wear their armor, is there?

"Or are these people not sent by the Supervision Committee?"

Chen Qi wasn't entirely clear on the truth; he just instinctively felt something was wrong. But Chen Qi knew there was no way to avoid the group of Campaign Knight who had ambushed them.

Chen Qi can be polite to neutral parties and humble to allies, but there is no use in running away from a known enemy. They will definitely try every means to kill you. Showing weakness at this time will only make the enemy think you are afraid, and they will be even more unscrupulous when they bully you in the future.

Unfortunately, from the day Chen Qi led the Reunion Movement out of the snowfield, he made a promise to everyone—he would not allow anyone to manipulate them at will again.

"Everyone, it seems we have guests. Someone is waiting for us not far away."

"Is there an enemy ahead?"

Chen Qi's words immediately attracted the attention of everyone on the land ship, and Talulah, who was familiar with Chen Qi's meaning, immediately realized that there were enemies ahead.

Kristen was also somewhat surprised. She hadn't received any reports from the security personnel in power armor. The power armor had their latest reconnaissance systems, yet none of them had sent any messages about approaching enemies. How did Chen Qi know in advance that there were enemies in the distance?

But Chen Qi nodded firmly, and then immediately said to Talulah beside him:

"Talulah, go contact Mr. Patriot and his Shield Guard. Tell them to get out of the vehicle and immediately form a protective formation. Anyone in the Art Troupe who isn't confident they can take on an Imperial Guard one-on-one shouldn't get out of the vehicle."

"What a coincidence! Our Art Troupe has no shortage of combat power in the form of Imperial Guard." Talulah immediately drew her longsword from her waist, entering a long-absent combat state, and promptly relayed Chen Qi's instructions to the others.

"Director Chen Qi? Although I don't know how you knew there were enemies ahead... it's best if we don't get entangled with them. We should use the speed of the land-based ships to rush into Columbia territory. Then they won't dare to pursue us."

At this moment, Kristen was somewhat worried when she saw that Chen Qi seemed to be planning to confront the other party head-on. Ever since Saria left, she had felt a void in her sense of security. Without Saria by her side, she was not at ease no matter how many power armors she had with her.

"My 'Wave Terror' emergency defense system can provide powerful defensive capabilities. If they want to intercept us, they will definitely lay landmines, but I can guarantee that they cannot destroy this land-based ship."

"--Protecting just this one landship beneath our feet won't suffice, Commander Kristen." However, Chen Qi didn't take Kristen's suggestion seriously and immediately stated:

"I will face the enemy alongside everyone in our Art Troupe, instead of abandoning them to run for my life. Besides, how do you know we can't win?"

"Besides, we're facing the Campaign Knight of Kazimierz this time. Rapid pursuit is their racial advantage. No matter how fast the land ship is, they'll probably catch up with it."

"Campaign Knight? Director Chen Qi, how did you know...?"

Chen Qi's words plunged Kristen into confusion once again. It was already unbelievable that Chen Qi knew about enemies she didn't know about, but how could she now even know who those enemies were?

Did Chen Qi have his own intelligence? Did he know in advance that he would be ambushed? Kristen knew very little about the "Feranmut," so she didn't think of this immediately. She felt that Chen Qi might have his own intelligence network.

If Chen Qi knew the intelligence beforehand and still deliberately walked in the direction of the enemy... was he planning to use these enemies as test subjects to demonstrate his power?

But... those are the Campaign Knight! Kristen at least knows the strength of the Campaign Knight; they're the backbone of Kazimierz. Even Saria... would struggle against two at once, wouldn't she?

Could it be that Director Chen Qi is confident in dealing with the Campaign Knight, and that the only seemingly strong member of their team, Patriot, is actually stronger than Saria?

"What? They've already left?"

However, shortly after Chen Qi and his party left Londinium, a group from Yan, led by Zuo Le and his Imperial Calendar Bureau, arrived in Londinium. They were naturally received by the two Grand Dukes, but they had no time to linger and had to convey the Emperor of Yan's decree as soon as possible.

Upon hearing from the two grand dukes that Chen Qi had already left for Columbia, Zuo Le's expression changed, and he realized something was wrong.

"We were a step too late. The attitudes of Kazimierz, Ursus, and Leithania towards Director Chen Qi are now ambiguous... They might be planning a surprise attack. If Director Chen Qi is in danger..."

"I appreciate the Dukes' kindness, but I have urgent official business to attend to and cannot delay."

Zuo Le had been paying close attention to Chen Qi's safety immediately, didn't linger and went to chase after Chen Qi with the others from the Imperial Calendar Bureau.

Meanwhile, the actions of Yan naturally caught the attention of Theresis. Zuo Le's hurried arrival and departure, along with his immature behavior of searching for Chen Qi, also made Theresis suspect something unusual.

"Someone from Yan is also looking for Chen Qi? Director Chen Qi may be from Yan, but he shouldn't have any connection with the Yan leadership."

"And what exactly is Yan's attitude towards Director Chen Qi, regarding their so-called urgent official business?"

"--Brother Wang, I think we should protect Director Chen Qi." At that moment, Theresia spoke up, maintaining a calm demeanor towards Theresis, but inwardly she was somewhat anxious:

"This is the time to show our attitude towards heroes and friends."

"You're right, Princess." Theresis nodded, then immediately summoned the Confessors and gave the order:

"Have the Bloodborne Archon and the five Confessors follow the Yan delegation to find Director Chen Qi and observe their attitude towards him."

"... Although we don't want to provoke the Yan for the time being, if they really do harm Director Chen Qi, tell the Bloodborne Archon to make this delegation disappear without a trace, leaving no trace whatsoever, and don't let a single one of them escape."

Chapter 175: Campaign Knight: Are we just easy prey in your eyes?

The land-based boat continued sailing for some time until Chen Qi called for a stop, at which point it came to a halt some distance from the landmines.

As the landship docked, the Patriot, who were already prepared for battle, quickly disembarked with their well-equipped Shield Guard and formed a perimeter around the landship, ready to guard against any possible enemies.

The Shield Guard's equipment is now vastly different from what it was when they emerged from the Pramanix. Chen Qi n't just filming during his long stay in Londinium; he took every opportunity to upgrade the equipment of all the combat personnel on the crew.

This was a piece of cake for the Grand Duke of Londinium, so he didn't take a single penny from Chen Qi. And the fighting power of the Shield Guard was now vastly different from what it used to be.

And it wasn't just the Patriot and the Shield Guard; FrostNova, Talulah, Vina, Młynar, Nian and Xi, and Kristen —anyone capable of facing at least one of the Undefeated Campaign Knight —all disembarked from the land-based ship.

Of course, Vina and Kristen were there to protect Chen Qi's safety. Vina's strength was still somewhat inferior to that of the Campaign Knight, and she could only manage a stalemate. Kristen's combat ability was simply unbearable to face, but she had technology to protect herself.

As for the security personnel she brought, who were wearing power armor, they were too slow to even serve as human shields for Chen Qi; they could only provide some comfort.

"--As expected of the renowned director Chen Qi, he even detected the ambush before triggering the landmine trap."

Just as Chen Qi his group had set up their formation, unbeknownst to them, one after another, Campaign Knight clad in armor with Silvermane Knights slowly appeared around them from both sides.

There are fourteen Campaign Knight in total. In Kazimierz, the standard for a team of Campaign Knight is seven people. Two teams of Campaign Knight are enough to undertake extremely difficult tasks in a war. If they are Silvermane Knights, they can even be regarded as an invincible vanguard.

"Silvermane Knights!"

When these Campaign Knight first appeared, Patriot, who had clashed with Silvermane Knights more than once, immediately recognized their armor.

The vigilance and seriousness in Patriot's tone made everyone in the Art Troupe even more solemn. Even Patriot had been through countless battles, was so wary, so the other party was clearly a formidable enemy.

"Since everyone knows who we are, there's no need for introductions."

The lead Campaign Knight turned his gaze to Chen Qi. As soon as he finished speaking, all fourteen Campaign Knight raised their weapons, ready to enter the battle at any moment.

"Director Chen Qi, there's nothing more to say now. We only have two outcomes: you die, or we perish."

"It's best not to assume we'll go easy on you. True knights aren't commodities to be dealt with in the arena; every battle we fight is fought with the resolve to die."

Having said that, the Campaign Knight raised their weapons, and Chen Qi's side was also ready to fight at any moment. Vina held the Breath of Kings, and Kristen also activated her weapon. A transparent protective layer appeared around her body, protecting Chen Qi.

"... You are not the Silvermane Knights. The true Silvermane Knights' fighting spirit will never diminish under any circumstances."

Just as the conflict was about to erupt, Młynar slowly stepped forward from the ranks, standing before everyone. He gazed at the Campaign Knight clad in their Silvermane Knights armor, and spoke in a cold tone:

"You should all recognize me, Campaign Knight. Why are you here? Did the Supervision Committee send you?"

"... Lord Młynar, you have no right to ask us questions now. You, and the current Nearl Family, are nothing but traitors to Kazimierz."

None of the Campaign Knight were exposed by Młynar answered Młynar's questions directly, and they didn't even have the confidence to call Młynar a traitor.

Młynar sensed the helplessness in their tone, and her furrowed brows relaxed slightly as she said calmly:

"As expected, you are not the Silvermane Knights. Only the Supervision Committee qualified to command the Silvermane Knights, and the Silvermane Knights never chooses to conceal their whereabouts when carrying out tasks assigned by the Supervision Committee. They firmly believe that their actions are for the sake of justice."

"And you stand here, bewildered and unwilling... It seems you've been forced into becoming someone's puppets?"

"--There's no point in saying more!" The leading Campaign Knight didn't want Młynar to continue, and immediately forced himself to carry out the task assigned to them by the Commercial Federation.

Indeed, as Młynar said, they are now powerless to control their own destiny. The Commercial Federation has too many leverages against them, and even among the Campaign Knight, many have only managed to overcome their difficulties with the "help" of the Commercial Federation.

In return, they had to carry out all sorts of shady missions for the Commercial Federation at crucial moments. This was extremely agonizing for these Campaign Knight chivalry and justice in their hearts, but they had no choice but to do it.

"We will carry out the Grand Knight Commander's orders, personally slay all traitors, and condemn any threat that attempts to make Kazimierz repeat the mistakes of Victoria!"

"... You are falling into an abyss with no end in sight, knights."

Facing these Campaign Knights, Młynar closed his eyes with a hint of pain. He clearly understood who these Campaign Knights were fighting for and who was manipulating their will behind the scenes.

Now, there is no room for maneuver, and the only thing I can do is to free them.

"Mr. Młynar, we need to take him alive to extract more useful information. Could you please show mercy?"

At that moment, Chen Qi saw the struggle in Młynar's heart, and with just one sentence, Młynar suddenly opened her eyes and looked at Chen Qi with a look of relief and gratitude.

With Chen Qi's words, Młynar could finally decide how much force to use without suffering further torment. Młynar then turned her gaze to the Campaign Knight and said calmly:

"... I can handle three of them. Director Chen Qi, the rest are up to you."

"Don't worry." Chen Qi nodded to Młynar, but before he could speak further, Chen Qi Talulah FrostNova stepped forward. After exchanging a glance, Talulah spoke first: