Chapter 22 Let That Good-for-Nothing Form His Own Team

Lian Fei followed the District 10 Military Commander to another starport.

After boarding a spacecraft that resembled a hot air balloon, Lian Fei noticed that the land on this planet was suspended in mid-air. Those towering, majestic buildings were constructed upon individual floating islands. The starport where the interstellar transport ships landed was located on the lowest island of the planet. Above it, there were even more spectacular structures. They were uniformly snow-white, densely packed, and orderly. Interspersed among the clouds, the place truly felt like a corner of paradise.

Once she stepped off the ship, the clouds were within reach, and Lian Fei couldn't resist reaching out to touch them. There was no solid sensation, but the chilly temperature told her she had indeed touched something.

"Move faster, the Chairperson has arrived." With that, the District 10 Military Commander broke into a light jog.

Lian Fei was startled, then hurried to keep up behind him. Because they were in a rush, she didn't pay much attention to her surroundings, but even a fleeting glance was enough to leave her stunned.

When the two of them stepped into the conference room, everyone else had already arrived. As soon as the door opened, everyone in the room looked their way. Under the gaze of so many people, Lian Fei’s social anxiety flared up instantly. Her toes curled inside her shoes—damn it!

The District 10 Military Commander laughed apologetically. "Sorry we're late; we were delayed on the way."

"Old Shen, it makes no difference whether you’re here or not." The District 1 Military Commander swept a contemptuous glance at Lian Fei, his brow furrowing slightly when he saw her moving freely. He looked at Lin Ying beside him and said, "You’re quite kind-hearted, aren't you?"

Lin Ying was also taken aback when she saw Lian Fei. Upon hearing the District 1 Commander’s words, she remained expressionless, but inside, she was panicking. A 3S-level psychic's bewildering attack could only be resolved in one of three ways: either a 3S-level psychic healer intervened, the attacker canceled the attack, or the target was actually stronger than the attacker.

But how could that be? How could a trashy place like District 10 produce someone so powerful? If a 3S-level healer had been called in, it would have taken a long time; it was impossible for her to be up and running so quickly. Therefore, the District 1 Commander and Lin Ying’s other peers unanimously concluded that Lin Ying had canceled the attack. Only Lin Ying knew the truth: she had never stopped the attack!

There was only one conclusion: Lian Fei was absolutely not a piece of trash.

"Lin Ying, I didn't know you could be so merciful," mocked a brown-haired boy standing behind her.

Lin Ying forced a stiff smile. No, she couldn't say it. She couldn't admit there was someone stronger than her. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. District 10, or even the Oravilik planet—it was impossible for any formidable figures to emerge from there. It was an illusion, all just an illusion. It was impossible, absolutely impossible! She must have used some kind of trick!

Lin Ying glared coldly at Lian Fei, who was following the District 10 Military Commander toward a corner of the conference room. Next time, she would make sure Lian Fei died!

Lian Fei felt a wave of malice directed at her and couldn't help but shiver. Who was that? Why did they suddenly hate her? It was baffling. Lian Fei secretly scanned the room but saw no one suspicious. After one quick look, she immediately withdrew her gaze. They were all big shots; she couldn't afford to stare. A small fry like her should just keep a low profile. Fortunately, this spot was very tucked away; unless someone specifically looked for her, they wouldn't notice her. Lian Fei was quite satisfied with the position.

"Since everyone is here, I will explain the specific rescue plan," the Chairperson, sitting at the head of the table, began.

She was a dignified and elegant woman, wearing a constant smile that made it look like she was planning to dig a hole for someone the next second. Just as Lian Fei was about to look away, the Chairperson glanced toward her, startling Lian Fei into immediately turning her head. Such keen insight. No wonder she was the Chairperson. At the head of the table, the curve of the Chairperson's lips deepened.

"We will be divided into three teams. Team 1 will cover Teams 2 and 3 as they enter the White Whale Planet."

"Team 2 is the main force, responsible for rescuing the researchers."

"Team 3 will cover Team 2's extraction."

"It must be noted that this entire operation centers around Team 2. Their only task is to save the researchers and protect the research data; they are not to concern themselves with anything else. In this mission, the lives of the researchers are above all else, followed by the research data."

The Chairperson’s tone was cold yet gentle, but Lian Fei detected a scent of blood in her words. In the center of the round table, a 3D hologram displayed the current state of White Whale Planet.

"This intelligence was updated as of yesterday. Since we lost contact with the laboratory, all communication channels to White Whale Planet have been severed," the Chairperson said, her fingers interlaced and pressed against her chin. "So, there is one more thing you must note: once you enter White Whale Planet, you will lose all communication with the Federation."

"The Federation cannot know your situation in real-time, nor can we provide support. Everything will depend on you alone."

In other words, once they entered, all three teams would be completely isolated.

Lin Ying’s eyes flashed. The Chairperson swept her gaze over the five people from District 1 wearing Oliver Military Academy uniforms and added, "I will arrange for you to carry recorders. When you return, we will estimate the situation on White Whale Planet based on the footage captured."

Next came the detailed distribution of equipment and tactics. Lian Fei figured such important matters had nothing to do with her, and even if they did, she’d just be doing grunt work, so she didn't listen carefully. She yawned, wondering when it would end. It was so boring. But was it rude to doze off during such an important meeting? After all, there were so many big shots here. She glanced at the District 10 Military Commander. Good lord, he was dozing off too!

Alright, then it was fine. Lian Fei slowly crouched down and looked around. Great, no one noticed her. She’d just take a light nap. With that thought, she sat on the floor and buried her head in her knees.

Whether it was because she was exhausted or because she had seen the dreamlike Oravilik planet, Lian Fei felt as if she were floating in the air. The voices of the others discussing faded away, slowly replaced by a rhythmic, electronic beeping sound. What was that sound? Lian Fei tried to think, but she couldn't remember anything. Her mind was a complete mush of comfort.

Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm and yanked her up.

"Chairperson, I strongly recommend Lian Fei! Believe me, Lian Fei is absolutely capable of handling Team 2's mission!"

Everyone looked over. Lian Fei, just pulled from her sleep, was dazed and looked rather dim-witted. Who? Who am I? Where am I going? Recommend who? What mission? Lian Fei scratched her head. She looked at the District 10 Military Commander holding her arm. What was he saying?

"Haha, Old Shen, this rescue mission is extremely difficult; it’s not something any stray cat or dog can handle." The District 1 Military Commander picked up his teacup and blew on the steam. "You’d better just sit still; your District 10 should just stay as it always has—doing logistics."

The District 10 Military Commander ignored him and looked at the Chairperson, saying firmly, "Chairperson, believe me, Lian Fei will not disappoint you."

The Chairperson raised an eyebrow and smiled. "In that case, I shall give her a chance~"

A chance? What chance? Lian Fei looked at the woman at the head of the table, dazed. For a split second, she felt as if she saw a fox. The others were also puzzled as they looked at the Chairperson, with the District 1 Military Commander reacting the most strongly.

"Chairperson! This is not a joke!" the District 1 Military Commander said coldly.

"Oh~" The Chairperson took a sip of tea. "For this operation, every district must send someone, after all."

The District 2 Military Commander sneered, glancing contemptuously at the District 10 Commander. "Jude, let her go. After all, we can never have too many scapegoats."

The District 3 Military Commander disapproved. "I’m just worried she’ll be a drag."

Standing behind Lin Ying, the brown-haired boy spoke again: "If she goes, let that trash form her own team; don't let her drag us down."

Everyone looked at him. The District 1 Military Commander’s lips curled up, but he pretended to scold him: "Alright, Yuwen, don't be so rude in front of the Chairperson."

Yuwen Hong rolled his eyes, turned his head, and said arrogantly, "Sorry, that’s just how I am."

The District 1 Military Commander apologized insincerely: "My apologies, the boy is a 3S-level psychic, so he’s inevitably a bit arrogant."

3S-level! Everyone looked at the boy in shock.

The District 2 Military Commander joked, "Jude, don't tell me all these kids of yours are 3S-level?"

The District 1 Military Commander acted surprised. "How did you know?"

All 3S-level?!! How did District 1 produce so many 3S-levels this year?!

The Chairperson remarked in surprise, "With so many 3S-level psychics appearing, it seems we need to re-evaluate the combat value of District 1."

"Chairperson, regardless of whether you evaluate us or not, District 1 is number one, so there’s no need for such unnecessary steps," the District 1 Commander laughed. "Instead of talking about that, since you all know the strength of my District 1, why don't you just leave the entire rescue mission to us?"

As soon as this was said, the District 2 Military Commander, who usually stood with District 1, spoke first: "Jude, we agreed that each district would send one person. How can we dump such a heavy burden entirely on your District 1?"

The District 3 Military Commander chimed in, "How could we be so reliant on you?"

The District 6 Military Commander, who had been silent until now, spoke up: "Be careful not to choke on your own greed."

That one sentence shattered all pretense. Everyone fell silent. On the surface, the Federation was united, but in reality, several different factions had split off in the shadows. Aside from District 10, the other nine districts were supported by different powers. They bit at each other and kept one another in check for the sake of their own influence. As for why District 10 was excluded, it was entirely because the district consisted of planets so impoverished they were out of step with the Federation, and because the District 10 Commander’s stubborn nature meant no one was interested in wasting time to win them over.

To maintain a balance of interests and avoid favoritism, the Chairperson always selected people from every district for operations requiring the Federation's intervention—like this rescue mission. Only in the past, those sent from District 10 were always there to do logistics.

"Alright, it's settled then!" The Chairperson set down her teacup. "Lian Fei will join Team 2 and participate in the rescue mission!"

This sentence caused Lian Fei, who had been yawning, to freeze. No, wait, how was it decided just like that?

"Um," Lian Fei raised her hand. However, just as she was about to speak, the District 10 Military Commander immediately covered her mouth.

Lian Fei: ????!

The District 10 Military Commander smiled. "My apologies, Lian Fei is sleepy and confused. To prevent her from talking nonsense, I’ll take her out now."

With that, he forcibly dragged Lian Fei out of the conference room.

Lian Fei: ???!!!!

No!!! Teacher!!!!!