Chapter 401: Heavenly Ladder (Five-in-One)

Soon after.

Su Ming and the others arrived outside the Star Sphere.

The massive Star Sphere was entirely a striking red, and its playful large eyes constantly blinked at them.

At this moment, from other directions, lively teams also walked over.

The most conspicuous among them was the Command Department’s team, whose numbers far exceeded other teams.

Leading the team was a spry old man in a black suit, wearing a small black round hat, with white whiskers.

This old man was Sangqi, also a Vice Principal of Royal Court Academy.

They had just finished picking up people from the Royal Court Airport and rushed over.

Besides the Command Department’s team, the teams with relatively larger numbers were the Mecha Department, Planting Department, and Medical Department, each led by a Vice Principal.

In addition, teams like the Mineral Department and Economics Department had much smaller numbers.

These smaller teams were personally led by their department heads.

All teams met at the main entrance of the Star Sphere.

“Sangqi, are all your people here?”

“All here, Fleck.”

“Then let’s go in!”

“Please!”

The Vice Principals exchanged a few pleasantries and then led their teams into the venue.

Everyone took their seats in an orderly fashion.

Fleck led Su Ming and Begfins to the first row and sat down. Soon, the entire Star Sphere was filled with people.

At this moment, Vice Principal Mafen walked onto the stage, slowly raising her hand to the crowd, signaling for everyone to quiet down.

Suddenly, the noisy venue became silent, and all eyes focused on Vice Principal Mafen.

Vice Principal Mafen smiled and bowed to all the teachers and students, then began her speech.

“Hello everyone, I am Vice Principal Mafen. Thank you all for attending the Royal Court Academy’s annual conference. On this special day, we gather to welcome a wonderful new year together. On behalf of Royal Court Academy, I extend my most sincere wishes to all teachers and students!”

Clap! Clap!

The audience applauded enthusiastically.

“Royal Court Academy, upholding its founding principles, educates with virtue, forges paths with knowledge, and has cultivated countless outstanding students, creating for this world…”

Vice Principal Mafen delivered an impassioned opening speech.

At this point, the Star Sphere’s equipment activated, instantly immersing everyone in the magnificent main entrance of Royal Court Academy.

Then, the camera entered through the gate, continuously rotating within the school, with buildings and smiling faces passing before Su Ming and the others.

Next, the scene shifted, and the entire Royal Court Academy rapidly shrank, eventually leaving the Confusion Star.

Suddenly, everyone was immersed in the vast starry sky.

Su Ming listened to Vice Principal Mafen’s speech, gazing at the holographic image before him, and quietly asked Vice Principal Fleck out of curiosity.

“Lord Fleck, why haven’t I seen the Principal? Shouldn’t he participate in and host such a grand annual conference?”

“Uh, he’s not at school. I haven’t seen him in a long time either.”

Fleck paused slightly, then replied.

“Ah? Then where is he?”

“Who knows, maybe he’s traveling in some corner of the world.”

“Hehe.”

Su Ming’s mouth twitched slightly upon hearing this.

This Principal lives a truly carefree life, acting like a hands-off boss.

At this moment, the opening ceremony concluded, and the surrounding holographic images disappeared.

Vice Principal Mafen smiled and said to everyone.

“Dear students, on this joyous occasion, we have invited many senior students as special guests. Next, they will give speeches to you, sharing their valuable life experiences and philosophies, which will greatly benefit you and help you achieve an even more brilliant future. Now, please welcome our first guest, Major General Kaina! Let’s give him a warm round of applause!”

Clap! Clap!

Accompanied by enthusiastic applause.

In the Command Department’s seating area, a man in a Major General’s uniform, with a tall and straight posture, a rugged face, and sharp eyes, strode onto the podium.

“Hello everyone, I am Kaina, a fifth-year student from the Command Department, currently serving as the Commander of the Seventh Army’s Ninth Fleet.”

As Kaina’s words fell, the surrounding holographic imaging device activated, and the scene transformed.

Everyone reappeared in the vast starry sky.

Battleships and mecha formations entered their view.

The massive fleet and the Dark Star Empire’s fleet were engaged in a fierce battle, the scene incredibly spectacular.

Many students on site gasped in surprise.

“Wow!”

“Dear junior students, as a commander, I lead numerous ships and mobile formations. Every decision I make affects the lives and deaths of many ships and combat personnel, as well as the outcome of the war! What I want to tell you all is that with great power comes great responsibility; always think twice before acting…”

Major General Kaina passionately spoke to everyone.

Su Ming also sat quietly in his seat, listening to the speech.

Soon, Major General Kaina finished his speech, and the audience applauded enthusiastically.

Clap! Clap!

“Thank you!”

Major General Kaina bowed to the crowd, then exited the stage from the right.

At this moment, Vice Principal Martha walked from the left to the center of the podium and spoke.

“Next, please welcome our second guest, Major General Long Jing! Let’s give him a warm round of applause!”

Clap! Clap!~

Accompanied by enthusiastic applause.

Long Jing walked onto the podium with a carefree demeanor, looking at the crowd with elegance and confidence.

At this moment, the surrounding scene changed, and everyone found themselves in a starry sky densely covered with meteorites.

Long Jing was seen controlling the Four-Generation Mecha, Flash of Shadow, engaging in a fierce battle with an IV Type Lord Class · Kirami, which was a hundred meters tall, humanoid, with a deformed head, sunken eyes, three pairs of fleshy wings on its back, and hands like beast claws.

“Wow, a high-level Kirami!”

Many junior students exclaimed.

“Dear junior students, I am Long Jing, a fourth-year student from the Mecha Department. I am currently the Eighth Commander of the First Legion’s Mecha Formation. This is a scene of my life-and-death struggle with a high-level Kirami. What I want to tell you is that in your youth, you should have lofty ambitions. Before the universe is settled, we are all dark horses; no one can stop us…”

Long Jing spoke to the crowd with high spirits.

The atmosphere on site was instantly ignited, and many junior students were incredibly excited.

Su Ming couldn’t help but take a few more glances at Long Jing; this guy was quite skilled. As the offspring of a capital giant, his skill was far superior to Su Yuan’s.

At this moment, Vice Principal Fleck reminded Su Ming.

“Su Ming, stop looking, prepare yourself.”

“Prepare for what?”

Su Ming was stunned for a moment, asking in confusion.

“It’ll be your turn to give a speech soon.”

Fleck explained to Su Ming.

“No, I can’t give a speech. How about I just skip it?”

“How can you skip it? All invited personnel have to go up.”

“No, you didn’t tell me in advance. I haven’t prepared any images or a script!”

Su Ming replied with a wry smile.

“I thought you knew. This is a tradition.”

“How would I know?”

“Oh, it’s fine. Just go up and go through the motions. For the image, just retrieve a combat record and connect it to the Star Sphere. As for the speech content, just say a few words casually.”

Fleck also spoke very lightly.

Begfins, sitting beside him, almost laughed out loud. He said to Su Ming.

“It’s okay, junior. Life always encounters many unexpected situations. Isn’t this quite interesting too?”

“Alright.”

Su Ming replied helplessly.

At this moment, Long Jing finished his speech, and he bowed to the crowd in a gentlemanly manner.

Clap! Clap!

Enthusiastic applause erupted on site.

Long Jing stepped down from the stage, quite satisfied.

At this moment, Vice Principal Mafen once again walked to the center of the podium and said to everyone.

“Next, please welcome our third guest, Major General Su Ming! Let’s give him a warm round of applause.”

Clap! Clap!

Enthusiastic applause sounded.

Many people on site excitedly discussed.

“It’s Senior Su Ming’s turn.”

“Is that the senior who pilots a Pseudo V-generation Mecha?”

“Exactly, it’s him!”

“He’s a remarkable person who broke countless records at our school: breaking the first-year credit record, leading his class to collective promotion, the youngest Major General in Royal Court Academy’s history…”

At this moment, Su Ming also casually set up an image, then stood up from his seat and walked towards the podium under everyone’s gaze.

Vice Principal Mafen saw Su Ming go on stage, then stepped aside to yield the position.

Su Ming stood in the center of the podium, looking at the dense crowd of students, took a deep breath, and then spoke calmly.

“Hello everyone, I am Su Ming, a second-year student from the Mecha Department.”

As his words fell, the surrounding scene suddenly changed.

Everyone was instantly immersed in the vast starry sky, with giant stars and countless debris instantly appearing in their view.

Next, everyone saw Su Ming controlling the Four-Generation Mecha, Slayer, engaged in a brutal battle with the Pseudo V Generation Mecha Golden Judge.

The scene instantly exploded.

“Oh my god, am I seeing this right?”

“Pseudo V-generation Mecha?”

“Senior Su Ming is using a Four-Generation Mecha to fight a Fifth Generation!”

“Wait, this is the Heavenly Base Heart battle, top-secret information.”

“How is that possible? The pilot of that mecha is actually him.”

Long Jing and the others were instantly dumbfounded when they saw this scene.

Regarding the Heavenly Base Heart battle, they actually knew some inside information, more or less. They only knew that someone had destroyed a Pseudo V-generation Mecha with a Four-Generation Mecha, but they weren’t very clear about the specific details. They didn’t expect to run into the person himself today.

Fleck was also stunned. He only told Su Ming to casually play a video, but he didn’t expect this kid to be so fierce.

“Ah~ I always felt that Junior Su Ming was no ordinary person, and I wanted to pull him into the Second Legion! But I didn’t expect him to be such a prodigy.”

Begfins said to Fleck with great emotion.

“Don’t talk about you, I didn’t expect it either. That Mia really found a treasure.”

Fleck replied with a wry smile.

At this moment, Su Ming on stage also paused, not expecting such a strong reaction.

However, he quickly adjusted his mindset and said to everyone.

“Everyone, I’ll keep it brief. Life is like adversity, full of hardships and suffering. We should take one step at a time, firmly, and never be overambitious. No matter how dark the future, if your heart faces the sun, you fear nothing. I hope all junior students will face the storms with fearless hearts, use setbacks to temper their will and wings, and quietly await the day they soar high, looking down upon countless mountains.”

As Su Ming’s words fell.

In the image.

Su Ming sliced the golden judgement into the star with a single sword.

At this moment, the students on site stood up, excitedly applauding.

Clap! Clap!

“Senior Su Ming is mighty!”

Countless excited junior students shouted.

“Thank you.”

Su Ming bowed to everyone, then turned and walked off the podium from the right.

Vice Principal Mafen returned to the center of the podium and smiled at everyone.

“Thank you, Student Su Ming, for your wonderful speech. Everyone, please quiet down a bit.”

About twenty seconds later, the bustling scene gradually subsided.

Mafen let out a slight sigh and said.

“Next, please welcome our next guest, Major General Li Lie! Let’s give him a warm round of applause.”

Clap! Clap!

Applause sounded again on site.

At this moment, Su Ming returned to his seat, letting out a long sigh of relief.

“Phew!”

“You said you couldn’t give a speech, but didn’t you speak quite well?”

Vice Principal Fleck was also beaming.

“Next time, for this kind of event, please don’t call me.”

Su Ming said helplessly.

“You’re still young, don’t be so afraid of trouble. When you’re young, you should be high-spirited and a bit arrogant.”

Fleck said to Su Ming with a smile.

“Alright.”

Su Ming smiled and replied, continuing to listen to the speech.

More than two hours later.

All returning guests had finished their speeches.

At this moment, Vice Principal Mafen walked to the center of the podium and smiled at everyone.

“Thank you all for your wonderful sharing. Royal Court Academy is proud of you. I believe that in the near future, all the new students present today will also grow vigorously. Royal Court Academy will also protect all students like a mother.”

Clap! Clap!

Applause sounded again on site.

Vice Principal Mafen, seeing that it was almost time, motioned for everyone to stop, then began her speech.

“Next, we come to the final donation segment. I ask all our distinguished guests to extend a helping hand and support Royal Court Academy. On behalf of Royal Court Academy, I sincerely thank you!”

Upon hearing this, Su Ming turned to Fleck, his mouth twitching as he asked,

“There’s still a donation?”

“Of course there is, it’s an old tradition. Otherwise, did you think the Federal Government’s meager budget would be enough? But you don’t have to worry, I know it’s not easy for you to earn money, so you don’t need to donate too much, just a token amount will do.”

Fleck replied with a chuckle.

“Heh heh.”

Su Ming had an expression that said, ‘Who would believe you?’ His mecha was the best among all present, and during the previous speech, all the junior and senior students had been so supportive.

Now that it was time for donations, if he just donated a small amount, wouldn’t that be slapping himself in the face? How could he continue to show his face at his alma mater in the future?

At this moment, the venue echoed with enthusiastic responses.

“It is our honor to contribute to our alma mater!”

“Exactly!”

“Thank you all so much for your support. The donation ceremony officially begins now.”

Mafen spoke directly.

At this point, Begfins stood up, walked to the podium, and spoke elegantly to the crowd.

“As the Student Union President, I should lead the donations. I’ll make my pledge first: 1 billion!”

Instantly, a large virtual projection screen appeared behind Begfins, displaying Begfins’s donation of 1 billion.

“Wow!”

Many junior and senior students at the scene immediately gasped in surprise.

Su Ming looked at Begfins with a very interesting expression. Is this guy a plant? He’s starting off like this?

The officers at the school level were fine; they could donate less. But generals like Kaina and Long Jing would have to donate more and more.

After Begfins finished donating, he walked off the podium with a smile on his face.

At this moment, Major General Li Lie stood up directly, walked onto the podium, and said in a deep voice to the crowd,

“I donate 1.5 billion!”

Another gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd.

“I donate 2 billion!”

“I donate 2.2 billion!”

At this point, other generals also stepped onto the stage, unwilling to be outdone, shouting out higher and higher amounts.

Su Ming’s face immediately turned green. He had originally thought Begfins was already too much, but these guys were even more excessive, treating money as if it were nothing.

“I donate 3 billion!”

At this moment, Major General Kaina also walked onto the podium and shouted out domineeringly.

Clap clap!

Warm applause immediately erupted, and everyone excitedly discussed,

“As expected of Senior Kaina!”

Su Ming’s mouth twitched continuously as he listened to the donation amounts. He only had a little over 3 billion left, and some of that money belonged to Mia.

“No, I have to go up first.”

Seeing that the situation was not right, Su Ming wanted to go up and donate first.

However, at this moment, Long Jing was the first to stand up, stride onto the podium, and elegantly proclaim to the crowd,

“It’s rare to return to my alma mater, so naturally, I must do my small part. I donate 5 billion federal currency!”

As soon as these words were uttered, the entire venue erupted!

“5 billion federal currency!”

“Did I hear that right?!”

“As expected of the young master of Longwen Group, Senior Long Jing is truly amazing.”

Su Ming was stunned when he heard Long Jing’s donation amount.

These guys are ridiculously competitive, each one more outrageous than the last.

Su Ming was troubled for a moment, wondering how much he should donate.

Actually, Su Ming was very willing to donate more. Royal Court Academy was truly good to its students, opening all kinds of convenient doors.

Leaving aside other things, just when the group returned from their advanced studies, the school didn’t hesitate to find every possible way to arrange their entry.

Moreover, he had received a lot of care from seniors who graduated from Royal Court Academy, such as General Sigrid.

However, he was short on cash and couldn’t donate more even if he wanted to.

Buzz!

At this moment, Su Ming’s wristband suddenly vibrated, and a message popped up.

Su Ming subconsciously lowered his head to look, and his pupils immediately contracted.

“Dear Mr. Su Ming, 432.2 billion federal currency has been credited to your account. Transfer note: 10% mining revenue from Bug Star (excluding biological revenue). The Federation did not provide materials, so everything was settled in currency. Please understand.”

Su Ming took a deep breath, suppressing his surging emotions, and murmured,

“It seems my luck recently has been too good.”

Then he stood up and walked towards the podium.

Instantly, countless gazes fell upon Su Ming.

“Look, Senior Su Ming is going up.”

“How much do you think he’ll donate?”

“I don’t know, but it definitely won’t be a small amount. Among all the seniors present, he is the most amazing!”

“I think so too.”

Soon, amidst the discussions of the crowd, Su Ming walked onto the podium.

All eyes in the venue were focused on Su Ming.

Long Jing looked at Su Ming as he stepped onto the stage, his brows tightly furrowed, feeling immense pressure.

If it were in the past, he would have been 100% confident that he would be the one who donated the most in the entire venue.

But now, seeing Su Ming go on stage, he inexplicably felt a little uncertain.

Su Ming scanned the crowd, smiling as he said,

“I am honored to be invited by my alma mater to attend this annual meeting and share this brief, wonderful time with everyone. As a token of my appreciation, I will donate 10 billion federal currency, hoping that my alma mater will continue to prosper!”

“10 billion!”

“Oh my god, Senior Su Ming donated 10 billion!”

“That’s amazing!”

The many students at the scene immediately erupted, applauding enthusiastically.

Vice Principal Fleck and others were also shocked; 10 billion was not a small sum!

“Thank you.”

Su Ming bowed to the crowd, then walked off the stage.

When he returned to his seat, Vice Principal Fleck said to Su Ming, somewhat apologetically,

“Su Ming, you donated so much, it’s too extravagant. Will it hurt your finances a lot?”

“It’s fine, just a small token of my appreciation.”

“This is not a small token of appreciation; it’s 10 billion federal currency! That’s not a small sum!”

“Lord Fleck, it’s rare for you to personally invite me back, so I definitely have to show my full sincerity.”

Su Ming replied with a smile.

“The more you say that, the more guilty I feel.”

“Don’t say that. Being able to contribute something to my alma mater is actually my good fortune.”

“Alright!”

Vice Principal Fleck replied with great emotion.

Half an hour later, all the returning guests had completed their donations.

Mafen walked to the center of the podium and said to everyone,

“The donation ceremony ends here. Next, everyone is free to socialize. At the same time, the school has prepared fresh fruits, pastries, and drinks for everyone. Please enjoy yourselves.”

As Mafen’s words fell, the interior lights of the Star Sphere lit up, and soft music played.

Teachers pushed dining carts into the venue.

The scene immediately became lively.

Many students gathered around Su Ming, and a junior student admiringly called out,

“Senior Su Ming, could you please sign for us!”

“Sure.”

Su Ming readily agreed.

“Me too!”

“Senior Su Ming, sign one for me too.”

The students gathered around excitedly shouted.

“One by one, everyone will get one.”

Seeing so many people wanting autographs, Su Ming could only grit his teeth and sign.

At this moment, from a distant seat, Li Fubai watched this scene, his expression growing increasingly gloomy.

——

The next morning.

Inside the academy dormitory room.

Rhine heard the commotion and groggily woke up. He slowly got up and took a look.

He found Su Ming dressed in his military uniform, his chest covered in badges, tidying his appearance.

He then raised his wristband to check the time, yawning as he asked,

“Squad Leader, why are you up so early? How many hours have you even slept? And you’re dressed so handsomely, are you going on a date?”

“What date? Today is the Federal Government’s annual meeting, and I’m invited to attend.”

Su Ming replied simply.

“Awesome! You actually received an invitation! Only important people can attend that.”

Rhine’s spirits immediately lifted upon hearing Su Ming’s words, and he replied with great admiration.

“It’s alright.”

Su Ming replied with a smile.

At this moment, his wristband vibrated, and an unfamiliar call came in.

Su Ming glanced at it and answered. A respectful voice immediately sounded from the wristband.

“Hello, Major General Su Ming. I am Xiao Chang, the driver dispatched by the Federal Government, specifically to pick you up for the annual meeting. I have already arrived at the Royal Court Academy entrance.”

“Okay, I’ll be right there.”

Su Ming hung up the call after speaking.

He then said to Rhine,

“Let’s go!”

“Okay.”

Rhine replied with a smile.

Soon after, Su Ming left the dormitory building and walked along the road. Junior and senior students he met along the way enthusiastically greeted him,

“Hello, Senior Su Ming!”

Su Ming also nodded slightly in response.

Soon he arrived at the school gate, where a black hovercar with license plate XGZ0030 was parked in the middle of the main entrance, and a young man in a black work uniform was waiting in front of the car.

Su Ming walked straight over. When the driver saw Su Ming approaching, he quickly opened the rear car door and respectfully said,

“Major General Su Ming, please!”

“Hm!”

Su Ming sat straight in.

Soon the vehicle started and drove onto the expressway, heading towards the City Lord’s Mansion.

Outside the City Lord’s Mansion · Starlight City Square

Soldiers wearing second-generation exoskeleton armor surrounded the large square.

Inside the square, many council members and generals gathered, and reporters continuously took photos of them, making it very lively.

And outside the restricted area, there was a dense crowd of citizens, standing on tiptoes and gazing at Starlight City Square.

At this moment, a black hovercar drove over, and the staff responsible for reception quickly stepped forward to open the car door.

When Su Ming got out of the car, the staff member immediately placed his hand on the door frame to prevent him from bumping his head.

At this moment, many people who were talking turned their heads when they saw another vehicle approaching.

“Who is that person? A Major General at such a young age? Why have I never seen him before?”

“It’s normal that you don’t recognize him since you just returned from Tidal Star Sea. He’s from the Thirteenth Corps, a rising new general star of the Federation, very formidable!”

“I see.”

Su Ming scanned the crowd, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

The people present were either council members or generals; Major Generals were at the bottom of the hierarchy here.

Moreover, Su Ming could sense that none of the generals present were pushovers; even if some had inflated reputations, their strength was still very good.

At this moment, another black hovercar drove over and stopped at the designated spot.

Then the car door opened, and a stern-faced old man wearing a high-ranking council robe stepped out.

“Baikedi has arrived!”

Many council members and generals, upon seeing him, stepped forward to exchange pleasantries.

Su Ming glanced at him, then began to stroll around the square.

At this moment, he suddenly saw Major General Vickers and Major General Jon standing and talking ahead.

Su Ming’s eyes immediately lit up, and he walked forward to greet them.

“Lord Vickers, Lord Jon!”

Jon was also startled when he saw Su Ming approaching, and he replied with great pleasure,

“Su Ming!”

“What a coincidence, I didn’t expect you two to be here too.”

Su Ming said with a chuckle.

“It is quite a coincidence. Congratulations on independently forming your own squadron.”

Jon also congratulated Su Ming.

At this moment, Major General Vickers also said to Su Ming, somewhat annoyed,

“You little rascal are so unscrupulous! You just snatched away one of my regiments without a word! But never mind, I’ll give it to you, but you can’t have designs on my other regiments anymore, I don’t have many left.”

“Hehe, look at what you’re saying. My squadron just started, with only the most basic military funds and equipment. No money, no people, who would want to follow me!”

Su Ming immediately started playing the victim.

“Really?”

Jon and the other man replied, half-believing, half-doubting.

“Of course it’s true, two old superiors, my start is so difficult, shouldn’t you support me?”

Su Ming said with a chuckle to Jon and Vickers.

Jon and Vickers were startled when they heard Su Ming’s words, then reacted and cursed with a laugh,

“You little brat, so you were waiting for us here!”

“So, do you agree?”

Su Ming asked with great anticipation.

“Since you’ve said so much, if I don’t show some appreciation, won’t you backbite me? I’ll give you some weapon quotas later.”

Jon immediately expressed his intentions.

Major General Vickers, seeing this, also said to Su Ming.

“Later, I’ll also allocate some funds from my own budget to you as a subsidy, hoping you rise quickly.”

“That’s great, thank you.”

Su Ming thanked him very happily.

He didn’t expect such an unexpected bonus from attending the annual meeting.

“Alright, we won’t chat with you anymore. We still have to find someone to discuss something.”

Jon said to Su Ming.

“Okay, you go ahead.”

Su Ming nodded in response.

Jon and Major General Vickers then left together.

Su Ming stood in place, bored, looking around.

He realized that he still knew too few people. There were so many council members and generals on site, mostly unfamiliar faces.

However, Su Ming noticed a problem: the attendees of the annual meeting were generally divided into three groups, each gathered together, with very little interaction between them.

If he wasn’t mistaken, the three groups of people should represent the different forces of the Three Cities.

Su Ming couldn’t help but shake his head. The internal forces of the Federal Government were indeed clearly delineated. It would be strange if they could be close.

But just then, Su Ming suddenly saw Su Mulong, Su Feng, and Su Zhentian, among others, gathered with a group of people.

He pondered for a few seconds, then walked towards them.

Not far away, an old man wearing a black dragon-patterned robe, with black spots covering his face, looking hale and hearty, and with a dignified expression, was chatting with Su Mulong.

At this moment, Long Jing walked over and respectfully greeted the old man.

“Grandfather.”

Dragon Dust, seeing Long Jing, smiled and introduced him.

“Long Jing, this is Su Mulong, the old patriarch of Lei Shen Group, and also my old friend.”

“Lord Su Mulong.”

Long Jing greeted him politely.

Su Mulong looked Long Jing up and down, then, seeing his military uniform and the badge on his chest, also praised him with a smile.

“Dragon Dust, your great-grandson is very outstanding. He’s a Major General at such a young age, and he has so many honor badges.”

“Haha, you flatter me!”

Although Dragon Dust said that, his face was practically beaming with joy.

Just then, Su Ming also walked over and greeted Su Mulong and the others.

“Grandfather, Grandpa.”

“Hmm, you’re here.”

Su Mulong, seeing Su Ming arrive, also nodded in response.

At this moment, Dragon Dust looked at the young man in front of him, who surprisingly had so many medals on his chest, and asked in surprise.

“This is?”

Upon hearing this, Su Mulong immediately introduced him to Dragon Dust.

“Dragon Dust, this is my great-grandson, Su Ming.”

Dragon Dust was also startled by Su Mulong’s words, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

At this moment, Long Jing, who was nearby, also spoke up in surprise when he saw Su Ming.

“It’s you!”

“You two know each other?”

Su Mulong and Dragon Dust asked, very puzzled.

Long Jing immediately realized he had lost his composure and quickly explained.

“Su Ming and I are both from Royal Court Academy. We attended the annual meeting together yesterday.”

“I see, you two are schoolmates. That’s good, you should get to know each other better.”

Dragon Dust said very warmly.

“Okay.”

Su Ming and Long Jing replied politely.

At this moment, Berudo of Ximake Interstellar Heavy Industry and Farsad of Fallenka Interstellar Heavy Industry walked over with their juniors, greeting them warmly.

“Su Mulong, Dragon Dust!”

“Berudo, Farsad, you’re here too. We thought you weren’t coming.”

Su Mulong replied in a very good mood.

“How could we not attend such an important annual meeting? Besides, I also heard that there might be a large procurement order at this annual meeting.”

Berudo said to everyone.

“Your news is really well-informed. You even know about this.”

Dragon Dust replied with a smile.

Su Ming was slightly surprised to hear this, but he didn’t pay much attention to it. It was normal to have procurement orders.

At this moment, Farsad said to Dragon Dust.

“Dragon Dust, your business is so good this year, shouldn’t you order a little less this time and leave some for us to drink?”

“Farsad, if you said that in previous years, there would be nothing wrong, but this year you’re mistaken.”

“Where did I go wrong?”

“You should be saying that to Su Mulong. Their Lei Shen Group’s orders this year have exploded, and their momentum is very strong. Even the Pseudo V-generation Mecha – Yu Lei Shen has been sold! Perhaps he’ll take the lion’s share of this procurement again.”

Dragon Dust very shrewdly shifted the attention to Su Mulong.

“Brother Mulong, I didn’t expect you to be so powerful. Doesn’t that mean you’ve surpassed Ke Fan Group?”

Berudo and the other person said in great surprise.

“Haha, just good luck.”

Su Mulong replied with a smile.

Just as Berudo and the other person were about to say something.

Suddenly, the tightly closed City Lord’s Mansion gate opened, and the chatting crowd in the square immediately quieted down, turning their heads to look at the City Lord’s Mansion.

Numerous reporters were like bees smelling nectar, all turning their cameras.

At this moment, the three City Lords, Faraon, Gakels, and Alicia, walked out of the City Lord’s Mansion together, looking down at the crowd in the square.

Click!

Countless flashes immediately lit up, taking photos.

At the same time, the live broadcast reporter excitedly reported.

“Everyone, look! The three City Lords, Gakels, are attending the annual meeting together, and their relationship is very close. The online rumors about discord among the three City Lords are all false!”

Su Ming looked at the three of Gakels, feeling a slight sense of emotion.

Indeed, it had been a long time since the three of them had appeared together at an event.

At this moment, Gakels spoke in a deep voice.

“As the years change and new chapters begin, at this moment of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, I thank everyone for gathering here to attend the Federal Government’s annual meeting. I officially declare the annual meeting open! Please, everyone, enter!”

As Gakels’ voice fell.

The many council members and generals on site walked towards the steps.

“Let’s go!”

Su Mulong and the others said to Su Ming and his group.

“Okay!”

Su Ming and the others responded.

They followed Su Mulong and the others, stepping onto the stone steps and walking upwards.

At this moment, reporters climbed up from both sides, holding cameras, filming Su Ming and the others while broadcasting.

“Dear viewers, at this moment we can see that many council members and generals have begun to ascend the heavenly stairs, heading to the City Lord’s Mansion. These so-called heavenly stairs are also called the path to heaven. Everyone who steps onto these heavenly stairs will leave a significant mark in history…”

Su Ming and the others, all with serious expressions, walked silently upwards.

After an unknown period of climbing, they arrived in front of the City Lord’s Mansion, which stood like a majestic mountain.

The three City Lords, Gakels, personally led everyone into the City Lord’s Mansion and walked towards the main palace inside.

Su Ming looked at the familiar surroundings, feeling a slight touch of emotion.

The last time he came to the City Lord’s Mansion was during the Three School League.

Everything here was still the same, but his own status had undergone a tremendous change.

However, Su Ming quickly adjusted his mindset and silently followed the crowd forward.

Soon, they arrived inside the main hall of the main palace.

The entire hall was decorated anew, with golden dragon-patterned stone bricks polished to a shine, and dark gold curtains, densely covered with intricate patterns, hung from the walls on both sides.

On both sides of the hall, rectangular mahogany tables were placed, laden with various fruits, pastries, and drinks.

And at the very front of the hall, a podium was set up.

At this moment, Vice City Lord Okens walked onto the podium, looked at his wristband to check the time, and then said to everyone.

“Hello everyone, it’s still early, and not all the guests have arrived yet. Please feel free to have some food and fill your stomachs. We will officially begin once all the guests have arrived.”

“Okay!”

Everyone responded upon hearing this.

Su Mulong and Dragon Dust, among others, found a quiet corner to stand and converse, discussing some matters.

At this moment, a sound of footsteps came.

Su Ming looked up and saw an old man in a black suit, with white hair and beard, deep-set eyes like a falcon’s, and his hands behind his back, accompanied by an old woman in a blue robe, thin, with her silver hair coiled up, a wrinkled face, and bright eyes, leading a group of people.

These two were Komete, the old patriarch of Ke Fan Group, one of the seven major military suppliers, and Velia, the old matriarch of Canglan Group.

“So you all are here.”

Komete greeted Dragon Dust and the others with a smile on his face.

“Hmm.”

Dragon Dust and the others smiled in response.

Komete then turned his head and said to Su Mulong with a smile.

“Brother Su, I heard your performance this year is very good!”

Su Mulong raised an eyebrow at Komete’s words. Although he disliked Komete, he still had to maintain appearances, so he said.

“Our Lei Shen Group’s performance this year is slightly better, but how can we compare to yours? Every year, Longwen is first and Ke Fan is second.”

“Don’t say that. This year, you’ve surpassed us.”

“I don’t think so, do you?”

“Haha, Brother Mulong, you’re truly humble. Actually, performance doesn’t matter. Let’s not talk about that. This must be Su Ming, right?”

Komete suddenly changed the subject and looked directly at Su Ming.

Su Ming looked at Komete in confusion. Why was this guy suddenly mentioning him?

Su Mulong was also very puzzled, but he still replied.

“That’s right, he’s my great-grandson, Su Ming. Is there a problem?”

“No problem at all. I just see Su Ming as a talented and brilliant young man. And he’s so young, is he perhaps not yet married?”

Komete asked with a chuckle.

As soon as these words came out, Su Mulong, Su Feng, Su Zhentian, and the others were momentarily stunned.

They were sworn enemies with Ke Fan Group. Although they appeared amicable on the surface, they had been locked in fierce private disputes for a long time.

Why would this guy ask about Su Ming’s marriage? It was truly absurd.

Su Ming was also a bit dumbfounded. What the hell? Why was he suddenly asking about his marriage?

At this moment, Dragon Dust’s expression immediately changed. He instantly saw what Komete was trying to do.

This guy wanted to use a marriage alliance to turn hostility into friendship and win over Lei Shen Group.

It should be known that among the Federal Government’s seven major military suppliers, the top three were supported by Starlight City, Sky Dome City, and Rainy City, respectively.

However, the fourth, Lei Shen Group, was not supported by anyone, making it a very good target for courtship.

In fact, they had already intended to form a marriage alliance with Lei Shen Group in the early days, but that Su Yuan’s reputation was simply too bad, and they really couldn’t bring themselves to do it.

But now the situation was different. The Su Family had a new Su Ming, who was excellent in all aspects, so naturally, they didn’t have to worry.

Thinking of this, Dragon Dust said with a chuckle.

“Su Mulong, I see your great-grandson is so young, he must not be married. My great-granddaughter, Dragon Ying, also doesn’t have a suitable marriage partner right now. How about letting them get to know each other?”

“Dragon Dust, you’re going too far, aren’t you? I brought this up first.”

Komete narrowed his eyes and replied with a forced smile.

“You can’t say that. Actually, I’ve wanted to ask for a long time, but I just never had the right opportunity.”

Dragon Dust said with a smile.

Su Ming’s mouth twitched slightly as he listened to their conversation. What the hell?

Were these people treating him as a tool for political marriage?