Chapter 35: A Terrifying Origin (Part 1)

"Give me back the watch, and I'll tell you," Li Yan said calmly.

Wu Meitian smiled faintly and handed the watch over. The situation was completely under their control now; not to mention a simple watch, even if the girl was given a gun, it would pose no threat to them whatsoever.

Beep beep!

The watch activated, emitting two crisp sounds. Then, a mechanical voice spoke: "Reporting to master, Princess One has been successfully activated. Please provide instructions. Environmental self-check: barely qualified. Defense self-check: one hundred percent. Combat capability self-check: one hundred percent. Security monitoring: minor threat detected, self-protection engaged."

As the voice faded, a gentle glow emanated from the watch, forming a translucent shield around Li Yan in an instant. At the same time, Wu Meitian, who stood closest, cried out in shock, as if struck by an overwhelming force. She was sent tumbling, landing five meters away, her face filled with terror.

What kind of advanced device was this?

Not only did it have communication functions, but it also provided defensive capabilities and even artificial intelligence. Such a sophisticated item—perhaps even the mayor of Central Hua City, Lanska, didn't possess anything like it.

Who exactly was this girl?

For a moment, everyone was tense, especially Hua Keqiang, who was utterly shocked, his expression changing dramatically. Others might not understand, but as an imperial official, he knew well that Azure Star was nothing more than an insignificant colonial planet in the vast Li family holdings. Legend had it that only direct descendants of the Li family ever possessed such miraculous and powerful high-tech devices. The most advanced among them were named after princes and princesses.

The eldest son in the direct line, first in succession, would possess the special artifact known as Prince One. Throughout the Li family's immense sphere of influence, these artifacts had always been shrouded in mystery; no one had ever truly seen them—only endless legends remained.

Hua Keqiang doubted his own ears. He simply could not believe that the legendary "Princess One" could possibly appear on a backwater planet like Azure Star. He must have heard wrong. Someone of such noble status as Her Highness the Princess would never come to such a desolate place.

"Where... where did you get that watch?" Hua Keqiang asked, his voice trembling as he tried to compose himself. The arrogance from earlier had vanished, replaced by boundless uncertainty and fear.

Li Yan lifted her head slightly, her clear eyes brimming with unconcealed disdain. "You're not worthy of asking."

Hua Keqiang was stunned, furrowing his brows as sweat beaded down his temples. He suddenly turned away, a hint of viciousness crossing his eyes as he tried to persuade himself: "Impossible. If she were truly such a personage, just her bodyguards alone could wipe out this planet. It must be a coincidence, or perhaps..."

The thought flashed through his mind. When he turned back, he wore a kindly expression once more and chuckled amiably. "Young lady, you must have sneaked out of your house, haven't you? Aren't your elders worried about you?"

Li Yan replied with some annoyance, "So what if I snuck out?"

Hua Keqiang let out a hearty laugh. "A young girl like you wandering about is very dangerous. But don't worry, Uncle will make sure you get home safely to your family."

His suspicions confirmed, Hua Keqiang was overjoyed. This might even be a rare opportunity. For anyone, establishing ties with the Li family was far better than ruling a mere slave planet. Though the girl's precise identity was unknown, possessing such an advanced intelligent defense device was enough to prove she was an important direct descendant of the Li family.

What Hua Keqiang did not know was that, at that very moment, above the sky and beyond the atmosphere, a vast fleet was gathering. Warships, massive as great sharks, floated in space.

Usually, these fleets patrolled the void, safeguarding the security of hundreds of planets, including Azure Star. But such a large-scale assembly was exceedingly rare. This could only mean two things: either a formidable enemy had appeared and battle was imminent, or a high-ranking imperial figure was arriving, and the fleet had assembled to pay their respects.

Clearly, the current situation was the latter.

The fleet's commander, Li Sanli, a forty-five-year-old man of the Li family's collateral line, was now respectfully bowing to a similarly aged, but oddly dressed, middle-aged man. "Steward, sir, your sudden visit—may I ask what urgent matter brings you?"

This middle-aged man exuded an air of scholarly grace, like a university professor—utterly unlike Li Sanli's martial demeanor. There was an ethereal quality about him, and his words were as gentle as a spring breeze, putting others at ease.

"Sanli, we've been like brothers since childhood—no need for such formality. Ever since you joined the military, we've had little time together. This time, it's partly to see an old friend, but more importantly, it's for something crucial." Steward Li Buyun smiled placidly as he helped Li Sanli up, patting his shoulder affectionately, yet with dignified restraint. "I need your help."

Li Sanli, undisturbed by Li Buyun's warmth, maintained his calm composure and replied in a low voice, "Your orders, sir. The entire Shark Fleet stands ready."

"Tighten the lockdown. I want not even a fly leaving this planet," Li Buyun said, glancing at his own watch, a sudden gleam of delight appearing on his face.

"Professor, are you... are you certain you want to do this?" Lanska looked at the professor, his expression complicated, feeling a tightness in his chest.

"What must come will come. Besides, for Lekai, this may not be a bad thing." The professor's wise gaze seemed to pierce the heavens, and a faint, self-mocking smile touched his lips. "Rather than let others take all the glory, I'd rather give it to you."

He held out his hands and said quietly, "Cuff me. They should be here soon."

"Professor, there's no need... they're not necessarily coming for you," Lanska said, his mood heavy, his voice trembling. In his heart, the professor was like a father—a figure to admire. To arrest him and claim a reward felt worse than killing him, yet since it was the professor's own wish, how could he refuse?

As mayor of Central Hua City, Lanska was well aware that, at this moment, Azure Star was surrounded by a massive fleet, their vigilance unprecedented. To claim they weren't here for the imperial fugitive professor was something even Lanska himself could scarcely believe.

"Contact the Li family patriarch immediately—preferably before they land," the professor said, gazing in the direction where Lekai was, smiling as if he had no regrets left in life.

Lekai, all that I could do for you, I have already done. The path ahead is yours to forge. The boundless stars, the infinite universe—that is your true stage. Now, step onto it!