Chapter 445 Seed

Inside the Abyss of Fallen.

The Star Destroyer · Holy Sleep, along with its surviving forces, fled in disarray towards their own defensive lines.

At this moment, a vast fleet of ships appeared in the distance, led by a Level 5 Mothership · Glory.

Inside the Glory’s central control room.

Momsk Legion Commander sat steadily in his chair, while Gao Ge and others stood sternly on either side of Momsk Legion Commander.

At this point, an Operator reported.

“Legion Commander, we have scanned the Star Destroyer · Holy Sleep and the remaining forces!”

“Send a communication request to the Holy Sleep.”

Momsk Legion Commander said indifferently.

“Yes!”

The Operator immediately carried out the order.

Soon, communication was established, and Hofri’s virtual image appeared.

Momsk Legion Commander then said with an anxious expression.

“Hofri, where is Andefa? We’re here to support him.”

Upon hearing Momsk Legion Commander’s words, Hofri immediately cursed in a fit of rage.

“Do you even have the nerve to ask? Andefa has already sacrificed himself.”

“Sacrificed himself? How foolish, if you couldn’t win, you should have retreated immediately.”

Momsk Legion Commander said with deep anguish.

“Momsk Legion Commander, you don’t need to shed crocodile tears. If it weren’t for your delayed support, would Andefa have fought to the death? You are all inextricably linked to the failure of this battle and Andefa’s death.”

Hofri accused him through gritted teeth.

“Hofri, you can eat whatever you want, but you can’t speak carelessly. We came to support you as soon as we received the distress signal. As for Andefa’s death, although we feel immense sorrow, it was entirely due to his stubbornness. You should know that he was solely responsible for commanding this operation, and we merely carried out his orders.”

Momsk replied coldly, pushing all responsibility away with just a few words.

“Bullshit! I just want to ask you! Why did the Federation’s ships come from our hinterland and ambush us from behind? And why was communication cut off, preventing distress signals from being sent?”

Hofri questioned him, gritting his teeth.

“I’m truly sorry about that. There was an internal mole, and the relay signal fortress was destroyed. But rest assured, all those moles have been dealt with! As for the Federation ships coming from the hinterland to ambush you, we are not clear about that. Perhaps their stealth capabilities were too good, and our monitoring towers, which haven’t been upgraded in too long, missed them.”

Momsk Legion Commander still denied everything.

Upon hearing this, Hofri, exasperated, pointed his index finger at Momsk Legion Commander.

“Bullshit! Do you think you can just cover it up like that?”

“Hofri, if you have evidence, show it. If you don’t, you’d best watch your words.”

Momsk Legion Commander replied expressionlessly.

“Momsk Legion Commander! You just wait, this isn’t over. I will definitely report this to the God Emperor.”

After Hofri made his threat, he immediately cut off the communication.

Immediately after, the Star Destroyer · Holy Sleep led its fleet and drove straight past the support forces.

At this moment, Commander Misa slowly emerged from the shadows.

At this moment, a hint of killing intent flashed in Momsk Legion Commander’s eyes. He walked up to Commander Misa and asked in a low voice.

“Commander, should I take some men and eliminate that guy?”

“No need.”

Commander Misa replied indifferently.

“Then we just let him go back and complain to the God Emperor?”

Momsk asked with some concern.

“It’s fine, he has no substantial evidence whatsoever. If we intercept and kill him now, it would only give them something to hold against us.”

“I’m just afraid the God Emperor will make an issue of it.”

“Hmph, make an issue of it? Andefa colluded with the Qilami Clan to attack the Federation this time, which is a crime against humanity. Van Lo God Emperor should worry about himself first. If this matter gets out, I don’t think his position will be stable. If he’s smart, he’d best weigh his options before moving against me.”

Misa said coldly.

“But it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Momsk hesitated and asked.

“If it really comes to that, then don’t blame me for being impolite. You should know how many people have been dissatisfied with him in recent years.”

A cold glint flashed in Misa’s eyes, and he spoke with extreme coldness.

In fact, Commander Misa and his faction were never truly loyal to Van Lo God Emperor from beginning to end.

The Apocalypse Divine Kingdom originally operated under a monarchy, following the model of divine right of kings.

The Apocalypse Divine Kingdom had its own king, but later Van Lo successfully overthrew the royal family using his sect, implementing a system of religious and political unity, and crowned himself God Emperor.

Commander Misa and others were originally part of the royalist faction’s forces.

Van Lo had always wanted to completely absorb Misa and his forces, but he never had the opportunity.

As for Archbishops Akain, although he belonged to the God Emperor’s faction and was dispatched here, it was actually to monitor Commander Misa.

Unfortunately, Archbishop Akain had long been very dissatisfied with Van Lo God Emperor and directly sided with Commander Misa and his forces.

“Understood, what do we do now?”

“Return to the Star Shield Fortress.”

Misa replied indifferently.

“Yes!”

Momsk replied respectfully.

After a long time.

At the connecting passage of the Star Shield Fortress.

The closed gate opened, and Commander Misa entered with Momsk.

At this moment, they saw Archbishop Akain approaching them.

“Akain, why are you here? Has something happened?”

Commander Misa asked with a deep frown.

“Yes, there’s been a slight change. I just received an order from Van Lo God Emperor. The God Emperor said you don’t need to return and should continue to guard the Abyss of Fallen, but he wants me to return immediately to report.”

Akain briefly explained.

Upon hearing this, Misa said in a deep voice.

“For him to call you back at this critical juncture, it’s probably not good news.”

“It’s fine. As long as you, Commander, are safe here, Van Lo God Emperor can’t do anything to me. Besides, I have always acted according to his will, so what wrong have I done?”

Archbishop Akain replied with a smile.

“Good!”

Upon hearing this, Commander Misa nodded slightly in response.

—

Within the dark world.

Su Ming kept falling into the bottomless abyss, his expression blank, letting the darkness swallow him.

After an unknown period of falling, Su Ming suddenly stopped, as if hitting rock bottom.

The abyss beneath his feet suddenly lit up with a glimmer of light, and the dark surroundings transformed.

When Su Ming regained his senses, he found himself in a solemn, majestic, and sacred grand hall.

The hall’s dome was carved with intricate patterns and sacred angels. At the very front sat a luxurious throne, upon which sat a man dressed in black dragon robes, wearing the crown of silence, his face obscured. Around him were blurred figures.

Those blurred figures kept accusing him.

“You are not wrong, we are the ones who are wrong!”

Su Ming stood quietly at the edge, watching this scene unfold.

Then, the accusing blurred figures disappeared one by one.

Only a knight in white armor, holding a long spear, remained, kneeling on one knee and speaking devoutly.

“King, as long as you give the order, I swear to slay all those traitors who have abandoned their faith and are corrupt beyond redemption!”

The man on the throne remained silent for a long time, finally letting out a long sigh and speaking with immense desolation.

“Enough, you may leave.”

The knight also slowly disappeared, leaving only the figure on the throne, sitting there all alone in the entire hall.

Su Ming walked step by step towards the throne. He knew better than anyone how lonely, angry, and confused he had been at that time.

When he reached the throne, the figure on the throne slowly raised his head.

The moment their eyes met.

Suddenly, a white light shone, and the dark palace disintegrated like a bubble.

Su Ming’s consciousness was immediately pulled back by the white light.

Inside the medical room.

Mia, Su Yuan, Rhine, and others all surrounded the sickbed, looking at the unconscious Su Ming, each filled with anxiety.

“Borden, why hasn’t he woken up after so long?!”

Rhine couldn’t help but ask Dr. Borden again.

“I don’t know either. Su Ming’s physical condition is completely different from everyone else’s. With his pollution level, anyone else would have mutated or died by now. Yet he keeps oscillating between mutation and non-mutation.”

Dr. Borden also looked as if he had seen a ghost.

“Then think of a solution!”

Su Yuan said anxiously.

“I have thought! I’ve used every medicine available. I want him to be okay more than anyone.”

Dr. Borden felt like dying.

Ever since he became responsible for Su Ming’s health, he had nightmares every day, fearing that Su Ming would die one day.

If Su Ming died, Blacks would definitely skin him alive.

Just as everyone was as anxious as ants on a hot pan, Su Ming slowly opened his eyes.

At this moment, Rhine was about to complain about something when he suddenly saw Su Ming open his eyes. He immediately shouted with great joy.

“He’s awake!”

“Boss, he’s awake!”

Mia and the others gathered around, shouting at Su Ming.

“Su Ming!”

“How do you feel?”

However, no matter how much everyone called out, Su Ming showed no reaction.

“Boss, say something?”

“Yeah, don’t scare us?”

Rhine and the others were also a bit panicked when Su Ming didn’t react for a long time.

“Everyone move aside, let me see what’s going on.”

Mia stepped forward and shouted.

Rhine and the others moved aside, and Mia’s face went right up to Su Ming’s, observing him at close range.

“There’s nothing wrong?”

Mia also said with a puzzled expression.

“Teacher Mia, have you been drinking again? Such a strong smell of alcohol.”

Su Ming suddenly said helplessly.

Mia was also startled and said happily.

“I knew you were a tough kid and wouldn’t have anything happen to you.”

“Not necessarily, I feel uncomfortable all over right now.”

Su Ming replied with a wry smile.

“Su Ming, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable. Your body has been highly contaminated, and recovery takes time. But as long as you’re awake, there’s basically no life-threatening danger.”

Borden wiped the fine sweat from his forehead and let out a long sigh of relief.

He had finally survived another ordeal.

“Understood. How is the battle situation now?”

Su Ming asked weakly.

The originally joyous crowd fell silent upon hearing Su Ming’s question.

Mia sighed softly and said.

“The war was won, but the casualties were extremely heavy. Not to mention the fallen generals and soldiers, nearly half of the defensive weapons inside the Abyss of Fallen were destroyed!”

“So what do we do now?”

“What else can we do? Now Commander Soleia can only have General Angulate and his forces garrison there to defend. At the same time, some inventory weapons are being transferred from the upper defensive line, and a request for aid has been sent to the Federation.”

“Hmm, that’s the only way.”

Su Ming replied weakly.

“Alright, don’t worry about so much, just rest well.”

Mia instructed Su Ming.

“Okay.”

Su Ming forced a smile and replied.

—

Several days later.

Inside the Federal Defense Headquarters Cemetery in the Abyss of Fallen.

The entire cemetery was circular in layout, with honor walls standing around its edges, displaying the Federal heroes who had sacrificed themselves in the Abyss of Fallen over the years.

In the center of the cemetery sat a circular memorial platform, with tombstones erected behind it.

Commander Soleia, along with many generals and legions, stood below a circular memorial platform, holding fresh flowers.

On the memorial platform were placed the medals, clothes, photo frames, and other mementos of fallen comrades.

Soleia raised her right hand to her chest and bowed deeply.

Everyone bowed heavily, filled with sadness.

Subtle sobbing sounds could faintly be heard, filling the scene with a sorrowful atmosphere.

After Soleia finished bowing, she stepped forward and placed her flowers. Immediately after, officers came forward one by one and placed their flowers.

After everyone paid their respects, they did not disperse.

Commander Soleia and General Angulate discussed the aftermath. All fallen comrades’ pensions needed to be reported, and their remains needed to be sent back to the Third Planet.

As for the other officers, they scattered, gathering in groups and conversing in hushed tones.

“This war was truly too cruel. I can’t believe even Deputy Legion Commander Harry Wiff sacrificed himself.”

“Alas, it’s just a pity we arrived too late.”

“That’s not your fault, you were also held back by Kirami.”

“That’s true, but it still doesn’t feel right. Oh, by the way, I heard that the new Lieutenant General Su Ming is especially strong, is that true?”

“It’s true. Not only did he take down Andefa Saint Eleanor Knights, but he also killed V-Type Heroic Kirami · He-Kains.”

“He’s so young and already so strong. He feels like Council President when he was young.”

“I feel the same way!”

“By the way, after this battle, will General Su Ming be awarded the Sun Medal?”

“Yes, but there’s a problem.”

“What problem?”

“Is it the Red Sun Medal or the Black Sun Medal? Deputy Commander Andefa was already qualified, but the value of V-Type Heroic Kirami · He-Kains is even higher.”

“Why can’t he be awarded both?”

“The main reason is that Andefa and that Kirami were in a combined state at the time. Andefa might have enslaved that monster as a weapon. In that case, theoretically, it can only be counted as one. Of course, the specific judgment still depends on the review department.”

“Makes sense.”

On the other side, He Jie and several female officers gathered together, chatting with some emotion.

“Sigh, my judgment was correct, wasn’t it? I was very optimistic about General Su Ming from the start.”

“I’m also optimistic. He’s so young and incredibly strong. Now, whenever this battle is mentioned, he’s almost always the topic of discussion.”

“Oh, if only he were my boyfriend, how wonderful that would be.”

“You’re dreaming. Right now, every single unmarried female officer in the entire base is interested in him. How would it be your turn?!”

“You’re right.”

Just then, a heavy sound of footsteps approached.

Everyone turned their heads to look.

They saw Su Ming sitting in a wheelchair, with Rhine and others pushing him in.

“Here he comes.”

Everyone quickly made way, looking at him with admiring eyes.

Soon, Su Ming was pushed in front of the memorial platform.

Rhine and the others reached out to help Su Ming up, but Su Ming refused. He pressed his hands on the armrests and stood up shakily.

An Qi handed a bouquet of white flowers to Su Ming.

Su Ming took them, bowed to the memorial platform, and then placed the flowers on it.

At this moment, Soleia Commander and General Angulate walked over.

“Su Ming, are you feeling better?”

Soleia asked with concern.

“Much better. I’ll be fine after a period of recuperation.”

Su Ming replied respectfully.

Soleia Commander’s brows relaxed considerably upon hearing Su Ming’s words.

She raised her hand and gently patted Su Ming’s shoulder, saying,

“You did very well this time. I will report your military achievements to the Council. You don’t need to worry about anything during this time, just focus on recovering from your injuries.”

“Thank you, Commander.”

Su Ming nodded slightly in response.

Rhine and the others then pushed Su Ming away.

The next evening.

Inside Cafeteria No. 1.

Mia sat at a table in the corner of the cafeteria, drinking beer and eating dinner.

Just then, Evelyn walked in with a bottle of red wine and headed straight for Mia.

Mia saw Evelyn approaching immediately and became alert. Whenever this woman sought her out, it was definitely to cause trouble.

Soon, Evelyn reached Mia’s table.

“What do you want?”

Mia asked irritably.

Evelyn placed the red wine directly in front of Mia and said somewhat awkwardly,

“I’m here to apologize. I’m sorry!”

“Oh my, did you not take your medicine today? Has the sun risen from the west?”

Mia’s jaw nearly dropped in surprise.

Evelyn apologizing to her, she truly felt like she was seeing a ghost.

“Can you talk properly? This wine is an apology. No matter what, you saved me on the battlefield, and I shouldn’t have held such a grudge against you.”

Evelyn explained, somewhat against her will.

“If you’re going to put it that way, then I won’t stand on ceremony.”

Mia picked up the red wine and looked at it. It was her favorite Honghualuo, a vintage fine wine. As expected of someone from a prominent family, her generosity was impressive.

“Ahem, Mia, can I ask you something?”

Evelyn saw Mia smiling so widely her mouth wouldn’t close, and then asked.

“Sure!”

Mia replied without thinking.

“How is Su Ming doing now?”

“Why ask me? You can just go see him yourself.”

“You’re right. So, what does Su Ming like? Does he have any special hobbies?”

Evelyn immediately started probing.

Mia heard Evelyn’s words, immediately felt something was off, and put down her wine, asking,

“What do you want to do?”

“Nothing, I’m going to see him, I can’t go empty-handed, can I?”

“That brat doesn’t have any particular likes.”

“By the way, I heard he’s still single. Does he mind age?”

Evelyn looked at Mia with anticipation.

Upon hearing this, Mia immediately realized what was happening. She knew Evelyn had ulterior motives; she was trying to poach her family’s cabbage!

She angrily picked up the wine, shoved it back to Evelyn, and said angrily,

“Here, take it back! I don’t want your wine. Get out!”

“What are you doing? It’s rare for me to apologize to you with good intentions.”

Evelyn replied angrily.

“No, I don’t need it. I can’t accept it!”

Mia replied irritably.

“Hmph! Crazy!”

Seeing Mia suddenly turn hostile, Evelyn snorted coldly, picked up the wine, and left.

Mia watched Evelyn’s retreating back, also filled with anger, and cursed irritably,

“A weasel paying respects to a chicken—no good intentions.”

After cursing, she continued to eat her meal.

Just then, Rhine and the others pushed Su Ming into the cafeteria. They spotted Mia at a glance and walked over.

“Teacher Mia.”

“Hmm, Su Ming, why are you coming to the cafeteria to eat too? It would have been fine for them to bring it to you.”

Mia said to Su Ming.

“Lying down all day, I’m going to rust. I came out to get some fresh air.”

Su Ming replied with a smile.

“Alright then.”

Mia didn’t say anything else.

Soon, Rhine and the others brought over food, and Su Ming chatted with Mia while eating.

“Teacher Mia, why do you seem to be in a bad mood?”

“I was fine, but then…”

“Then what?”

“Nothing, never mind!”

Mia swallowed her words halfway through.

Just then, a surprised voice suddenly rang out nearby.

“No way? Is this real or fake?”

“I don’t know!”

Su Ming and the others turned to look, only to see groups of officers gathered together, not knowing what they were looking at.

“It seems something has happened.”

Su Ming said thoughtfully to Mia.

“Let’s go take a look!”

Mia’s brows immediately furrowed slightly, and she then got up and walked over.

Seeing this, Rhine pushed Su Ming over as well.

At this moment, when the officers saw Su Ming and Mia approaching, they all saluted and greeted them,

“General Mia, General Su Ming!”

“Hmm, what happened?”

Mia immediately asked.

“Sir Mia, something big has happened on the Federation side.”

The officers in front of them all spoke up.

“What did you say? What big thing happened?”

Mia was also startled.

“I heard that Council President has been placed under house arrest by Lord Gakels.”

The officers hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

Mia and Su Ming and the others were all stunned for a moment upon hearing this.

“Don’t make such jokes, how is that possible?”

Mia’s face darkened as she warned.

Other matters were fine, but anything involving Council President could not have even a slight problem.

“It’s true. I’ll send you the video to see.”

The leading officer raised his wristband and secretly transmitted the video to Mia and Su Ming.

Both of them looked down at the video, their expressions suddenly changed, and they both looked up and asked,

“Where did you get this video? Who else has seen it?”

“This video was downloaded from the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom side!”

“Then why haven’t we heard about it here?”

Rhine asked in confusion.

“I heard it was controlled and all deleted, so it wasn’t transmitted to us here.”

The leading officer explained, though he wasn’t very clear on the specific situation himself.

Upon hearing this, Su Ming rubbed his forehead and said,

“This time, the trouble is big. Regardless of whether this video is real or fake, as long as the Council President doesn’t come out to refute the rumors, the seed of doubt has been planted, and problems will arise sooner or later.”

“I’m really fed up. We’re under attack here, and there’s trouble at home.”

Mia’s head was also about to explode.

At this moment, Rhine and the others asked in low voices,

“Wouldn’t it be fine if Council President just came out to refute this matter?”

“How could it be that simple? Council President hasn’t come out yet, most likely because his body hasn’t recovered. If he were to force himself to come out to refute rumors and his health deteriorated, wouldn’t that be more trouble than it’s worth?”

Mia replied irritably.

“Teacher is right, so what do we do now?”

Rhine and the others scratched their heads.

“How should I know what to do? Although this trick isn’t clever, it’s very effective. The Federation might fall into chaos.”

Mia replied with a headache.

“Let’s wait and see. Lord Gakels and the others will definitely respond. The more critical the moment, the less we can panic. It’s clear that everyone is eyeing the Federation now.”

Su Ming said rationally.

“Sigh~ Alright.”

Everyone also sighed helplessly.

…

—

Third Planet · Starlight City N1 District.

A huge estate covering thirty square kilometers was located there.

Inside the estate, there were lush green forests everywhere, and in the deep center, there was a clear blue lake. Under the sunlight, the lake surface shimmered.

And by the lake, a magnificent castle stood. The entire castle was constructed entirely of precious white jade rock, and it was covered with some moss, giving it a sense of historical age.

Creak!

The towering gate slowly opened.

Black hovercars drove straight in.

Inside the luxurious main hall of the castle, Dragon Dust sat on the main seat, dressed in a luxurious black robe with gold trim. His expression was very solemn, and his eyes constantly flickered, not knowing what he was thinking about.

Just then, footsteps came from outside. A slightly hunched butler, dressed in a white shirt and black suit, walked in with two people.

On the left was an old man dressed in a gray robe, thin, with a gloomy face, looking very difficult to get along with. On the right was an old woman dressed in a luxurious brocade robe, with sagging skin, a head full of white hair, and deeply sunken eye sockets.

These two were Long Shadow, Lord of the City of Sin, Dark Star, and Dragon Lan, Lord of Tianlan City, Tianlan Star, respectively.

“Third Brother!”

Long Shadow and Dragon Lan called out simultaneously.

“You’ve arrived. Sit down!”

Dragon Dust said in a deep voice.

Long Shadow and Dragon Lan walked directly to the chairs on either side of Dragon Dust and sat down.

Dragon Dust spoke expressionlessly to all the servants in the hall.

“Everyone, leave!”

“Yes!”

All the servants retreated.

Soon, only Dragon Dust and the two others remained in the hall.

Dragon Dust looked at Long Shadow and Dragon Lan and spoke in a deep voice.

“Have you both seen that video?”

“Yes, we came here this time precisely because of that video.”

Dragon Lan replied without hesitation.

“That’s right. Regardless of whether that video is real or fake, we must visit father. We haven’t seen father in a hundred years.”

Long Shadow said gloomily.

“I’m afraid it won’t be that easy to visit him.”

Dragon Dust said calmly.

“It is only right and proper for children to visit their father. Who dares to stop us?”

Dragon Lan replied with a cold snort.

It should be known that Council Speaker Long Xian had a total of seven sons and five daughters.

However, currently, only Dragon Dust, Long Shadow, and Dragon Lan remain alive. Among them, Dragon White is the only daughter of the eldest son, Long Ye.

“Alright, then we’ll visit together.”

Dragon Dust nodded and said.

“No problem, but Third Brother, there’s something I think is necessary to mention beforehand.”

Long Shadow said with a solemn expression.

“Speak!”

Dragon Dust looked at Long Shadow and said.

“In case, I mean in case, if father really can’t make it, then Third Brother, you must ascend to power. Seventh Sister and I will fully support you.”

Long Shadow said very seriously.

“Fifth Brother is right. Third Brother, you must ascend to power. Otherwise, our Long family will suffer greatly. Now, there are many who flatter us, and when we lose power, there will be just as many who wish us dead.”

Dragon Lan added coldly.

“I understand what you’re saying, but ascending to power is easier said than done. So many eyes are on that Council Speaker position.”

Dragon Dust replied with a sigh.

“Even if we can’t get the Council Speaker position, we must at least reclaim the power of the Long Family Patriarch. Only then will we have the means to protect ourselves.”

Long Shadow replied to Dragon Dust, his brows tightly furrowed.

“It’s not that simple. To reclaim Starlight City and the Long family’s troops, we need the support of Lord Gakels and Commander Alec De. But currently, they seem to favor Dragon White more.”

Dragon Dust said with a helpless expression.

“Dragon White? She’s just a junior. Third Brother, you are the first in line of succession. What right does she have to contend with you?”

Dragon Lan replied impolitely.

Long Shadow also said with a gloomy face,

“Setting aside Dragon White’s seniority, how can a woman inherit the great lineage? Moreover, she will marry sooner or later, and the power of our Long family is absolutely not allowed to flow out. Third Brother, you don’t need to worry, Dragon Lan and I will definitely support you with all our might.”

Upon hearing this, Dragon Dust looked very moved and said,

“Your words are enough, but these are all matters for later. Let’s first visit father, see how his health is, and then make our next plan.”

“Alright!”

The two replied in deep voices.

PS: Sorry, Chinese New Year is approaching, and I have a lot of things to do, so the word count for updates might be unstable. Please bear with me.

PS: Happy New Year to everyone in advance!