Chapter 521: Building Momentum

“Alas, Lord Long Bai, to be honest, this time our Saint Jocks bore an immense burden, constantly refusing to freeze the Federation’s assets and hand over the Federation’s people. As a result, we suffered tragic and miserable retaliation from the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom. Now that our home is lost, we can only temporarily seek refuge in your esteemed territory.”

Mokdo sighed with utter helplessness.

Upon hearing this, Dragon White frowned, immediately recognizing that the other party was shifting blame and increasing their bargaining chips. However, she could say nothing, only cooperating and responding, “The kindness of Saint Jocks is etched in the Federation’s heart. You may rest assured and stay here to recuperate.”

“I wonder if this will cause any inconvenience?” Mokdo asked, smiling, as he looked at Dragon White.

“How could it? The Federation welcomes you warmly. You are free to stay for a short period, a long period, or even join the Federation,” Dragon White replied, gazing at Mokdo.

“Alas, this blow has been very heavy for our Saint Jocks. If possible, we have indeed considered joining the Federation, but we are unsure what kind of treatment the Federation can offer?”

“You may propose!”

“Then I’ll be direct. We hope to receive the treatment of a Special Grade Council Member, while also retaining all rights previously signed with the Federation,” Mokdo replied with a smile.

Dragon Dust and the others frowned upon hearing Mokdo’s words. This request was a bit high, but they remained silent, looking instead at Dragon White.

“That’s easy to say. It depends on your sincerity.” Dragon White did not reject their proposal but kicked the ball back to Mokdo.

“Lord Long Bai, you are a straightforward person, and we are also very sincere. Our Saint Jocks is willing to waive all of the Federation’s loans at the Morris Interstellar Bank, and at the same time, we are willing to donate a fund of three hundred trillion to the Federation. This money is enough to solve the financial crisis you are currently facing. Furthermore, we can also provide the Federation with a vast amount of various supplies to help the Federation maintain its economic system,” Mokdo said, smiling, as he put forth his conditions.

Dragon Dust, Faraon, and the others were all unsettled. The chips offered by Saint Jocks were truly extremely generous, far exceeding their expectations.

Dragon White’s eyes also flickered continuously, just as she had guessed.

Although these old fellows had lost their old nest, it didn’t affect them much at all. Their family wealth was uncommonly deep.

“Good, but I have one more request.”

“Speak!”

“I hope you can cease all economic activities within the territories of the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom and the Dark Star Empire, and impose sanctions on them!”

“You don’t need to tell us that; we will do it. However, Lord Long Bai, we sincerely want to cooperate with the Federation, but for long-term cooperation, it must be mutually beneficial. What else can the Federation offer us?” Mokdo replied with a smile.

Dragon White spoke after a few seconds of silence.

“The Federation will protect you and sell you weapons.”

“Lord Long Bai, we have plenty of weapons. You wouldn’t give us top-tier weapons anyway,” Mokdo replied with a smile.

“Then what do you want?” Dragon White and the others looked at Mokdo and the others in confusion.

“Lord Long Bai, Saint Jocks was able to escape this disaster, thanks to General Su Ming. Moreover, our granddaughters are also on very good terms with Su Ming, so we hope the Federation can assign General Su Ming to be responsible for our safety,” Mokdo said with a smile, putting forward his request.

Upon hearing Mokdo’s words, Dragon White immediately frowned.

City Lord Alicia, on the other hand, showed a playful smile.

As for City Lord Faraon, he spoke directly, “What did I think it was? It’s just having Su Ming be responsible for your safety.”

“Lord Long Bai, what do you think?” Mokdo asked, smiling, as he gazed at Dragon White.

Dragon White’s clear, cold eyes flickered as she looked at Mokdo and the others, remaining silent for a long time.

In the banquet hall.

Su Ming and the others were eagerly waiting.

At this moment, Dragon White and Mokdo and the others walked out from the back, each person’s face beaming with a brilliant smile.

Seeing this scene, everyone was overjoyed and exclaimed, “It’s happening!”

Su Ming also let out a slight sigh of relief.

At this moment, Dragon White walked to the front of the crowd, raised her hand, and motioned for everyone to be quiet.

The noisy scene immediately fell silent, and everyone’s gaze fell on Dragon White.

At this moment, Dragon Dust spoke solemnly, “Open the banquet hall doors!”

As his words fell, the banquet hall doors opened, and numerous reporters swarmed in, excitedly raising their cameras to live-stream Dragon White, Saint Jocks, and the others.

At this moment, all major television stations within the Federation were broadcasting live.

Countless citizens were watching, awaiting the impending results.

Dragon White, facing the many Council Members, Generals, and cameras, announced in a clear, cold voice, “Hello everyone, I am Dragon White, Acting Council Speaker of the Federal Government. I now officially announce that Saint Jocks has joined the Federation, becoming one of us, and will advance hand-in-hand with us! With the addition of Saint Jocks, the Federation will usher in comprehensive take-off.”

“Excellent!” Many Council Members at the scene applauded enthusiastically.

Countless citizens cheered excitedly.

Dragon White looked at the cheering crowd, raised her hand, and gestured for everyone to be quiet.

The scene immediately calmed down. Dragon White spoke to everyone, “Everyone, the Federation is about to become great again. We no longer fear anyone. From now on, all remote interstellar signal relays will be activated, the Star Cluster Forum will be opened, and public opinion will be free! At the same time, the Federation will issue a new round of bonds, and everyone is encouraged to purchase them!”

“Long live the Federation!” Many Council Members enthusiastically applauded.

Click!

Countless reporters pressed their shutters, recording this historic moment.

Su Ming looked at Dragon White under the flashlights, his expression slightly moved. He knew very well what Dragon White intended to do.

Although the Federation still couldn’t solve the Mechanical Clan’s invasion, opening communications would let everyone in the entire universe know that Saint Jocks had joined the Federation, thoroughly tying Saint Jocks to the Federation. At the same time, it could also cause a huge impact on the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom, and take advantage of this time to raise another sum of money.

These operations were not problematic, but they were also preparing for the worst.

“Everyone, celebrate to your heart’s content.” After Dragon White finished announcing everything, she spoke to the crowd.

Many Council Members at the scene stepped forward one after another, engaging in enthusiastic conversation with Mokdo and his group.

Dragon Dust and the others began to accept interviews from reporters, building momentum for the Federation.

Dragon White walked directly towards the side door. Feilong and Jon, seeing this, quickly followed her.

Su Ming then said to Hillis and the others, “Excuse me, everyone, I must take my leave for a moment!”

“Alright!” Hillis and the others replied with a smile.

Su Ming quickly followed them.

Not long after, Dragon White, Su Ming, and the two others left the banquet hall, walking down the long corridor.

Seeing that Dragon White remained silent throughout, Su Ming asked somewhat confusedly, “Lord Long Bai, did the negotiations not go smoothly?”

“No, they went very smoothly,” Dragon White replied indifferently.

“Since it went smoothly, why do you seem to be in low spirits? Is something wrong?” Su Ming asked, very puzzled, upon hearing this.

Dragon White then stopped, looked at Su Ming with a clear, cold gaze, and said meaningfully, “Nothing is wrong, but Mokdo and his group said they want you to be responsible for the safety of Saint Jocks. It seems you have a very good relationship with them?”

“Ah, not bad,” Su Ming replied, his expression quite interesting, upon hearing Dragon White’s words.

Feilong and Jon looked at Su Ming in surprise and said, “Su Ming, you’re something! How did you manage to win over those people from Saint Jocks? And you’re so popular with those young ladies.”

“Exactly, teach us!” Dragon White gave Feilong and Jon a cold glance, and the two immediately shivered, quickly closing their mouths.

At this moment, Su Ming awkwardly explained to Dragon White, “Lord Long Bai, Mokdo and his group want me to be responsible for their safety, probably because I saved them and they trust me more. But how do I have time to be responsible for their safety?”

“Saint Jocks will usually be fine within the Federation’s territory. If there are minor issues, let the subordinates handle them. If you encounter truly thorny problems, then you can deal with them,” Dragon White explained to Su Ming.

“Understood, but there’s another tricky matter I need to report to you,” Su Ming nodded and replied.

“Speak!” Dragon White replied, looking at Su Ming.

“On our trip to Saint Jocks Star, we encountered Vice-Chief Pamier and Archbishop Kloss again. The reason Saint Jocks fell so easily this time was because of Pamier. That guy infiltrated Saint Jocks using invasion methods; it was simply impossible to defend against.” Su Ming said seriously.

“That’s normal. Even the Federation can’t defend against it, let alone them,” Dragon White replied indifferently.

“Lord Long Bai, if we don’t find a way to deal with it, problems will arise sooner or later.”

“It’s useless. As long as you use intelligent facilities, you will be invaded and controlled. Even physical devices only delay the invasion. And even if our technology reaches the same level as theirs, it still won’t work.”

“Why?”

“Because the Mechanical Clan are inherently special silicon-based life forms. They possess an absolute innate advantage over mechanical equipment. Especially their branch, Ling械, can easily invade and control mechanical equipment, unless it’s a VI generation mecha or equipment built with Eternal Metal, primordial ores, or other Level 6 ores, only then does it have resistance.”

“Then what should we do? This can’t go on. Oh, right, I heard Dr. Blackes say that the Federation entered the interstellar age thanks to a mechanical friend. Can’t we ask it for help?” Su Ming asked after some thought.

Dragon White, upon hearing Su Ming’s words, was silent for a few seconds before saying, “Su Ming, come with me.”

“Alright!” Su Ming was slightly stunned, then followed Dragon White out.

Feilong and Jon exchanged glances, their expressions helpless.

—

Dark Star Empire, Dark Star.

Inside the cold corridor of the Imperial Palace.

Logrian hurried inward, soon arriving before a metal door carved with black dragon-patterned reliefs.

Creak!

The sealed metal door opened automatically.

Logrian walked into the dark hall, and then a pair of dark red eyes lit up in the darkness.

“Logrian, what is it?” The Emperor spoke with authority.

“Your Majesty, the Federation has announced to everyone that Saint Jocks has joined them, and they have also opened all communication relays, spreading this news throughout our country, causing a huge impact,” Logrian hoarsely informed the Emperor of the situation.

“The Federation is truly a centipede that won’t die even when cut; it was clearly on the verge of collapse, yet it was pulled back by sheer force,” the Emperor said with a cold laugh after hearing Logrian’s words.

Then Logrian continued to report, “The situation is even worse than that. When we confiscated all of Saint Jocks’ assets and personnel within our country, we found that most of the supplies and funds had been transferred away. Their industries within our country are just empty shells.”

“As expected, otherwise they wouldn’t have resorted to such a desperate measure.”

“Your Majesty, our current situation is very bad. Although we gained a massive amount of supplies and money when we attacked Saint Jocks, those things can only solve an immediate crisis. Problems will definitely arise later. What should we do next?” Logrian asked, somewhat worried.

At this moment, a tall figure slowly rose from the throne in the darkness. Looking closely, one could vaguely see the Emperor’s figure. He wore a black metal mask on his face, had a robust physique, and was clad in a black dragon-patterned robe, exuding an aura of dominance in his every move.

“Have the forces from Sky Dome City and Rainy City in the Mist Star Sea withdrawn?”

“Not yet. They’ve been digging in the Mist Star Sea for hundreds of years and have accumulated too many resources. These resources and the stationed weapons are not so easy to transport back,” Logrian respectfully reported to the Emperor.

“Then seize them!” The Emperor’s eyes flashed red, and he spoke domineeringly.

“Your Majesty, this may not be so easy. These supplies are being escorted by the two ace legions of Sky Dome City and Rainy City, along with support troops dispatched by the Federal Cosmic Army Headquarters. They not only have the Legendary Star Destroyer Wind Vault, but also two VI generation mechas providing support! Although our recent offensive achieved some victory, it is still too difficult to completely defeat them,” Logrian reminded the Emperor.

“Sakari!” The Emperor spoke coldly.

At this moment, Sakari walked out from a shadowy corner and respectfully said, “Your Majesty!”

“I will entrust the Void Legion to you, and give you three pseudo-VI generation mechas. You will lead them to the Mist Star Sea, and you must take down the Mist Star Sea and those resources!” The Emperor issued the command to Sakari.

Logrian’s heart also trembled upon hearing the Emperor’s words.

The Void Legion was the Emperor’s personal guard legion. This legion was different from ordinary legions. They were all clones made from the Emperor’s genes, and each soldier had no emotions whatsoever, purely weapons of slaughter.

“Yes!” Sakari replied respectfully.

—

Starlight City.

Dragon White brought Su Ming to the City Lord’s Mansion.

Soldiers along the way, seeing the two, respectfully saluted them.

Dragon White coldly led Su Ming into an unassuming new building. The entire new building was quiet, with no one in sight.

Su Ming became increasingly curious as to where Dragon White was taking him, but he did not ask.

Soon, Dragon White brought Su Ming to a storage room. She walked to the innermost metal wall and pressed it a few times with her hand.

Click!

The metal wall automatically split open, revealing a special lift.

Dragon White led Su Ming onto it, and the lift rapidly descended.

Thump~

A few minutes later, the lift reached the bottom, arriving at the underground secret passage area.

Dragon White led Su Ming through the long corridor, finally arriving before a tightly closed black metal door.

This black metal door was the place General Kabunofa guarded.

However, ever since the Mechanical Clan’s invasion last time, General Kabunofa was no longer responsible for guarding here; only Gamil remained.

At this moment, Gamil, seeing Dragon White, immediately stood up from his chair and nervously saluted and greeted her, “Lord Long Bai!”

Su Ming looked at the timid young man before him and asked with interest, “Who is this?”

“Gakels’ youngest grandson. Although a bit timid, he is very reliable,” Dragon White briefly introduced him to Su Ming.

“Hmm.” Su Ming, hearing Dragon White’s words, couldn’t help but look at him a few more times. Few people could earn Dragon White’s praise.

“Lord Long Bai, is there anything you need me to do?” Gamil’s words were a bit jumbled.

“No, you may leave,” Dragon White said coldly.

“Yes!” Gamil respectfully departed.

Dragon White then walked to the black metal door and placed her hand on the door.

Click!

As the internal gears turned, the thick door slowly opened.

Dragon White led Su Ming inside, and their vision immediately opened up to a huge secret chamber.

The walls of the secret chamber were constructed from special stones, with minimal decoration, only a desk, rows of bookshelves filled with various books and supplies.

In the right-side area of the secret chamber, there was a giant cone-shaped mechanical device, with numerous black neural simulation pods embedded at its base.

“This is…?”

Su Ming asked in surprise.

“This is my grandfather’s study. Everything here was left by him.”

Dragon White introduced to Su Ming.

“Mm.”

Hearing this, Su Ming felt a little moved. From the items displayed here, it was not difficult to see that Council Speaker Long Xian must have been a very strict person with himself.

“What else did Blacks tell you about the Mechanical Friend?”

“Nothing, he just said that the Mechanical Friend suddenly disappeared. Lord Long Bai, do you know what exactly happened?”

“I don’t know what exactly happened either, nor do I know where that Mechanical Friend went. I once asked Grandpa, but he wouldn’t tell me, only leaving this one sentence: that he had lived up to everyone’s expectations, except for it.”

Dragon White said solemnly to Su Ming.

Su Ming’s heart sank upon hearing Dragon White’s words. Sure enough, its disappearance was not accidental; something had most likely happened, and it seemed as though Council Speaker Long Xian had done something unfavorable, which made things a bit troublesome.

“So what do we do now?”

Su Ming asked with a furrowed brow.

“Do you see that machine?”

Dragon White calmly said to Su Ming.

Su Ming looked closely, then said with some surprise.

“This machine looks very similar to the one at the Three School League, and although this one looks older, it seems more advanced?”

“You’re right, the machine at the Three School League is a replica of this one, and this device is used to contact that Mechanical Friend.”

Dragon White said, looking at the device.

Hearing this, Su Ming’s expression changed as he asked.

“Lord Long Bai, after that Mechanical Friend left, did you ever activate this device?”

“No, Grandpa always kept this device sealed.”

Dragon White replied calmly.

“Then should we try to contact it using this device?”

Su Ming hesitated before asking.

Although it was highly probable that it wouldn’t respond, this was the only way. If they couldn’t find it, then the Federal would truly have to be on constant alert for invasion.

Dragon White remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.

“Let’s try.”

“Okay, how do we do it?”

Su Ming asked upon seeing Dragon White agree.

Dragon White walked directly to the giant cone-shaped device and pressed the activation switch.

Click!

With a crisp sound, the entire surface of the device lit up with intricate patterns, and the cone at the top emitted a faint glow. An invisible signal wave pierced through layers of obstacles, soaring straight into the sky!

At this moment, in a secret underground base.

Pamier and Kloss stood side by side.

Mechanical laborers, with metal wings, spherical bodies, and multi-functional mechanical arms, were disassembling the VI generation mecha, Infernal Blade.

They threw the disassembled parts into a lava-like melting pool.

Gurgle gurgle ~

The rolling, dissolving liquid swallowed the parts.

Although the VI generation mecha made by Saint Jocks was barely adequate, it completely failed to meet Pamier’s standards. Therefore, he intended to disassemble it, melt it down into raw materials, and remanufacture a new VI generation mecha.

Kloss looked at the dismantled VI generation mecha, Infernal Blade, and asked with a bright smile.

“How long will it take to manufacture the new mecha?”

“Very soon. The efficiency with which our Mechanical Clan manufactures weapons is something humans cannot compare to—”

Pamier’s words were cut short as he suddenly paused slightly, slowly raising his head to look at the cold ceiling above.

“What’s wrong?”

Kloss asked, puzzled, seeing Pamier suddenly stop speaking.

“Nothing.”

Pamier replied hoarsely.

Kloss’s eyes flashed with a strange look upon hearing Pamier’s words, but he said nothing.

Inside the underground secret chamber of the City Lord’s Mansion.

After activating the device, Dragon White said coldly to Su Ming.

“Enter the neural connection pod.”

“Okay!”

Su Ming reached out, opened a neural connection pod, and lay down inside.

A familiar feeling welled up. He had used this for the City Exam back then, and for a moment, he felt a bit nostalgic.

At this moment, Dragon White also lay down, and she said to Su Ming.

“There’s a button beside you that can start the connection.”

“Okay!”

Su Ming immediately pressed the button.

A holographic screen appeared, displaying a prompt box.

“Countdown 10S, logging in…”

The moment the countdown ended, Su Ming’s consciousness sank, and he felt as if he had suddenly lost all weight, falling into an endless darkness.

The next second.

Su Ming floated in the azure sky, and then he witnessed a truly astonishing sight.

The boundless land had shattered into floating islands, scattered haphazardly around.

On these floating islands, lush green trees, damaged houses, and even pastures could be seen.

The surrounding space was like a shattered mirror, with scattered black holes.

The entire world was fragmented, like ruins after an apocalypse.

At this moment, Dragon White appeared out of thin air beside Su Ming. She glanced at the ruined world, which was consistent with the information she had obtained, and then said to Su Ming.

“Follow me!”

“Mm!”

Su Ming followed Dragon White, floating towards the distance.

After passing through various floating islands, they then saw a ruined city, standing on a shattered piece of land.

This city was very special, not a traditional city. Its buildings and facilities were quite unique.

Dragon White and Su Ming floated down from the sky, landing on the flagstone-paved ground.

“What exactly is this place?”

Su Ming asked with great curiosity.

“This is the City of Prophets. Do you see that desolate tall tower next to it?”

Dragon White introduced to Su Ming.

“I see it.”

Su Ming turned his head to look, and a five-hundred-meter-tall tower, built of bluestone and covered in moss, came into view.

“That is the Tower of Knowledge, which once stored all kinds of knowledge.”

Dragon White walked forward while introducing.

“Mm!”

Su Ming nodded.

The two walked forward and soon saw a sunken, open-air circular lecture hall.

At the center of the lecture hall was a podium, and the surrounding stands were filled with yellowed seats.

“This is the public lecture area, where all scientific research presentations and public lessons were held.”

Su Ming scanned the open-air lecture hall. It could easily accommodate tens of thousands of people, and he could imagine how lively it must have been back then.

“Over there is the experimental area, where all virtual experiments were conducted! The row on the right consists of teaching buildings, specifically for people to attend advanced classes. Besides that, there’s also a bustling virtual commercial street for relaxation and communication.”

Dragon White, like a tour guide, led Su Ming around the place.

“So, the Federal’s scientific researchers studied and trained here?”

Su Ming said with some emotion.

“That’s right, and the first group of people to participate in the training were the teachers and students of Royal Court Academy.”

“Why is this place so desolate?”

“Because that Mechanical Friend left, this world lost its core, and without anyone to maintain it, it naturally became like this.”

Dragon White replied to Su Ming.

Su Ming sighed with emotion upon hearing this. He could see that the Mechanical Friend had truly played a crucial role in humanity’s rapid entry into interstellar civilization back then. It could be said that the Federal’s current strength was largely due to the foundation it had laid for them.

Otherwise, relying solely on human exploration would have required many more years of technological accumulation.

Soon, Dragon White led Su Ming to the city’s central plaza.

The ground of this plaza was paved with black and white mechanical tiles, and a towering mechanical spire stood in the central area.

“This is…?”

Su Ming asked, looking at the mechanical spire with confusion.

“This spire is the vessel of that Mechanical Friend. Do you see the hollowed-out area at the base of the spire?”

“I see it.”

“If that Mechanical Friend responds, its spark will ignite in that position.”

Dragon White said to Su Ming.

“So what do I need to do now?”

Su Ming hesitated before asking.

“Wait. If it’s willing to see us, it will naturally appear.”

Dragon White replied calmly.

“Okay.”

Su Ming nodded.

The two stood silently in the plaza, waiting.

Time passed little by little.

Five hours went by, but the mechanical spire still showed no reaction, and the entire world remained silent.

Dragon White’s clear, cold eyes shifted slightly, then she said to Su Ming.

“It seems it won’t be coming. Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

Su Ming replied with some regret.

Although he had guessed this outcome, when it truly failed, he still felt very sorry.

Inside the underground secret chamber.

Click!

The two neural connection pods opened.

Su Ming and Dragon White got up from the neural connection pods.

Dragon White reached out and turned off the machine, then led Su Ming away.

As they walked out of the inconspicuous building, Dragon White said to Su Ming.

“Don’t easily tell others what I told you today, as it concerns the secret origins of the Federal.”

“Understood.”

Su Ming nodded.

“Alright, it’s getting late. You should go back and rest. I still have a lot of things to deal with.”

Dragon White said, checking the time on her wristband.

“Okay!”

Su Ming then turned and left.

Dragon White watched Su Ming’s departing back, her clear, cold eyes shifting slightly.

At the main gate of the City Lord’s Mansion.

Su Ming walked out from inside. Just then, his wristband vibrated, and a message popped up.

He looked down and found that it was from his mother.

“Son, when will you have time to come back to Su Family? I’ve missed you so much.”

Su Ming was also startled. He checked his inbox and saw several messages from his father and mother. They had come to Starlight City not long ago.

“I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Su Ming immediately replied to Zhao Ning.

“That’s great.”

Zhao Ning replied happily.

Su Ming smiled brightly and then headed towards Xiguang Laboratory. He was going back to check on Ilyinas’s transformation progress.

Since Ilyinas had hastily merged with Dark Dragon God, the fusion wasn’t very good.

Now, Dr. Blackes was systematically transforming her and replacing and repairing damaged internal devices.

The next morning.

L1 District, Su Family Castle.

Su Yuan, looking troubled, came to the observation deck and said to Zhao Ning.

“Wife, why did you wake me up so early?”

“You’re really going to be the death of me! Our son is coming back today, and you don’t care at all?”

“But he’s not back yet, is he?”

“Say that again!”

Zhao Ning looked at Su Yuan, fuming.

“I was wrong.”

“Su Ming is on the front lines every day. I can’t sleep well now, constantly worried something might happen to him. No, I need to make him find a wife quickly and have a child.”

“Huh?”

Su Yuan looked bewildered upon hearing this.

Zhao Ning looked at Su Yuan’s reaction, her chest hurting with anger, and she didn’t want to talk to him anymore.

Just then, a distinguished lady in a red evening gown, with an outstanding appearance, walked by with a young girl whose eyes were slightly red, and greeted Zhao Ning warmly.

“Zhao Ning.”

Zhao Ning turned her head and was also startled.

“An Qian, why are you here?”

“Of course, I came to find you.”

An Qian said with a chuckle.

“Is there something wrong?”

Zhao Ning looked at An Qian, puzzled.

“Last time at the Su Family promotion banquet, your son Su Ming talked with my daughter, didn’t he? I think they’re a great match, and didn’t you also think highly of them?”

An Qian said to Zhao Ning with a smile.

Zhao Ning then said to An Qian.

“That’s not suitable. My son told me that your daughter has a boyfriend, and their relationship is very good.”

“Oh, they broke up a long time ago. They were never suitable. My daughter really likes Su Ming.”

An Qian tried her best to explain.

Zhao Ning glanced at An Ling, seeing tear stains on her cheeks, clearly indicating she was being forced, and then said.

“An Qian, what age is this? Don’t force your daughter. It’s better to let matters of the heart take their natural course.”

“She’s still young and doesn’t understand. I’m doing this for her own good. How could I let her jump into a pit of fire?”

An Qian replied with a very firm attitude.

Seeing An Qian’s resolve, Zhao Ning found it difficult to persuade her further.

Just then, Su Ming walked over from a distance. Upon seeing him, Zhao Ning and Su Yuan immediately forgot about An Qian and rushed forward with immense joy.

“Son!”

An Qian’s eyes lit up when she saw Su Ming return, and she said to An Ling.

“Ling’er, I warn you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Others would kill to climb this high. Su Ming is a General now, and I heard he’s about to be promoted to Grand General, and he’s also Council Speaker Dragon White’s favorite. Talk to him nicely.”

“Mother, I don’t want to.”

“Shut up! Stop thinking about that poor boy. Just give up on him. There’s no way I’d ever agree. He has no background, no money. Who knows how many years it’ll take him to even become a Major. And with his half-baked skills, he might die on the battlefield any day.”

“But he’s always worked very hard! He’ll get promoted eventually.”

“Shut up! Do you think I don’t know that his current position is because you helped him? Believe it or not, I’ll make him fall back to square one.”

“No, I’ll listen to you.”

An Ling replied, lowering her head.

At this moment, Su Ming hugged his parents, smiling as he said.

“Father, Mother.”

“My dear son, I’ve missed you so much.”

Zhao Ning said happily.

Just then, An Qian led An Ling over and greeted them warmly.

“Lord Su Ming.”

Su Ming was also startled when he saw An Qian and An Ling, then his mouth twitched as he looked at Zhao Ning and asked helplessly.

“Mother, you didn’t call me back specifically for this, did you?”