Although Luo Yun spoke softly, Zhang Fan heard every word clearly. He looked at her and asked, "Is something troubling you, Chief?"
After a moment's hesitation, Luo Yun said, "To be honest, Overlord, a fleet has been following us. We barely managed to shake them off using wormhole technology, but I expect they'll find this place before long."
Zhang Fan looked at Luo Yun with a smile. "You truly are a businesswoman, Chief. You've dragged the Insect Race into this mess without us even noticing."
"Overlord, you haven't gained all that little from this mess either, have you?"
Zhang Fan's goodwill toward Locarno instantly plummeted to rock bottom. Still, the Insect Race needed their help with psionic technology. He smiled and said, "You needn't worry too much, Chief Luo Yun. The Insect Race always keeps its word. You'll be completely safe here for the next hundred years."
Upon returning to the Broodmother, Zhang Fan told Shusha, "Order the Ghost Bugs to monitor Locarno's every move. Have the Matriarchs accelerate their psionic research. Send a fleet to find whoever is pursuing Locarno, and tell them the Insect Race wants to talk."
Zhang Fan had no desire to be used as someone else's weapon without knowing why again. But Luo Yun didn't understand him. Had she told him beforehand that someone was pursuing Locarno, he would certainly have protected them. Seeking protection this way, however... was not something he approved of.
The Insect Race's evolution gradually neared completion. The first echelon of its melee forces consisted of Swift Spirit Bugs, small creatures with vast numbers that fought with sharp fangs and claws.
Swift Spirit Bugs were based on cheetahs, augmented with psionic genes. They possessed robust vitality, hatched quickly, and moved with speed and agility. Most importantly, they were numerous, forming the