Chapter 15 - The General's Wife is an Illegal Resident in the Star System

Translator's Note:

Hello, I hope you've all been doing well.

Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

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The Attack

 

 

And indeed, it was a serious situation.

 

It was only after speaking with his subordinate that General Zhang understood the real problem wasn't just the loss of the chip, but the involvement of the Federation's higher-ups.

 

The Federation had placed enormous importance on the research contained within the chip. The base that had been destroyed didn't only house his own personnel, so the news of the chip's destruction quickly reached the top officials.

 

The value of the chip was beyond what could be measured in currency; even the Federation's President had been closely following the matter. Upon learning that not only the chip but other critical data at the base had been lost, he immediately called for a council meeting.

 

During the council session, General Zhang faced a torrent of accusations. His anticipated triumph had instead become his downfall, earning him only disdain, even from the President himself.

 

"Those old fools!" General Zhang fumed upon returning to the military headquarters, his frustration unleashed on his innocent subordinates. "All they ever do is flap their gums! Back when I retrieved the chip, not one of them gave me any credit for it, but now that it's gone, they're all throwing the blame on me—unbelievable!"

 

Everyone in the room stood silent, not daring to make a sound. The General was in a foul mood, and anyone who spoke up would only provoke his ire. It was better to wait for him to vent his anger.

 

"Yuanjie."

 

"Sir!" Shen Yuanjie had no choice but to step forward when his name was called.

 

"Look into Lu Li's recent activities for me, and be quick about it."

 

Realizing the task was merely information-gathering, Shen Yuanjie relaxed, relieved that he wasn't in line for another reprimand.

 

Under immense pressure, he managed to obtain the report within three days. As soon as he had it, he went to the General and relayed Lu Li's recent activities.

 

When he heard that Lu Li had been well-fed and comfortable on Qin Lu Star and that Qin Yu hadn't turned against him, General Zhang's expression darkened further.

 

Originally, it had been a suspicion, but now he had to consider the possibility that Lu Li had betrayed him. Otherwise, with a crime like data theft, there was no way Qin Yu would have allowed him to stay on Qin Lu Star unpunished. Not only that, but he still hadn't distanced himself from Lu Li—this was clearly suspicious.

 

"What do you think of this?" General Zhang asked Shen Yuanjie and He Jianbai after a moment's contemplation.

 

For years, these two had been the ones dealing with Lu Li directly. They could surely provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

 

"The day of the incident at the mall, the military surrounded the place. Although I was able to withdraw in time, Lu Li lagged behind slightly. By all rights, he should have been captured, but Qin Yu got him out of it. That, in itself, is unusual," He Jianbai spoke first.

 

Shen Yuanjie glanced at him.

 

"Given Qin Yu's reputation, he's not one to tolerate betrayal—especially from his own wife. That would be a deep humiliation for him," He Jianbai continued.

 

"I agree with Jianbai. Qin Yu likely suppressed that incident. Those outside have no idea that Lu Li is actually a Federation spy. As for the chip incident..." Shen Yuanjie paused, then added, "I think we could ask him directly. If he was truly unaware, he still remains our only agent within the Glory Empire who has access to their confidential information."

 

"Yuanjie has a point. Then you'll be the one to contact him," General Zhang decided.

 

However, before Shen Yuanjie could reach Lu Li, another significant event occurred. This time, it wasn't an underground base explosion, but the consequences were even more serious.

 

Upon learning that the President had summoned him urgently, General Zhang felt a surge of dread, sensing that this was no trivial matter. And the situation was indeed worse than he had anticipated: the military forces of the Glory Empire had suddenly attacked the Federation's border star. By the time they received word of the invasion, one of their border planets had already fallen.

 

"Didn't you say that the Glory Empire wouldn't wage war over the chip? And look now! They're right at our doorstep, and they've directly taken out one of our key military planets. What do you propose we do now?" The President hurled a folder in rage, nearly hitting General Zhang.

 

The R star system governed by the Glory Empire was a high-tech galaxy with technology that was miles ahead of theirs. Despite the Federation's countless reforms that had abolished monarchical rule, their military strength remained far inferior to that of the Glory Empire.

 

Because they were still too weak, the Federation had always avoided conflict with these powerful star systems. At least publicly, there was no animosity. But now, it was obvious that the Glory Empire's sudden assault was linked to General Zhang's team's attempt to steal their chip.

 

Yet, both the President and council were left puzzling over the question: was the chip truly so important that the Glory Empire would launch an all-out attack over it?

 

General Zhang was equally shocked. He had only dared take such a risk because he was sure the Glory Empire wouldn't escalate matters. Yet the outcome had far exceeded his expectations.

 

"Is there no way to fend them off?" General Zhang asked, brows knitted in concern.

 

"Do you know which of the Glory Empire's legions is attacking our borders, or who's leading it?" the President replied with a cold smile.

 

General Zhang shook his head.

 

"It's the Glory Empire's 'God of War' himself, personally leading the First Legion. With his reputation, if we drag this out any longer, we'll lose far more than a border star."

 

General Zhang shuddered. Even in the distant reaches of the Federation, the names of Qin Yu, the revered God of War, and his First Legion held a legendary status, though few had seen them in person. Now, this God of War had arrived at their doorstep. This was no small matter.

 

"I'll find a solution," General Zhang said, hurrying out without even waiting for dismissal.

 

He had better find one, the President thought grimly. Otherwise, he'd be held accountable.

 

One day, as Lu Li exited the mecha training hall, he discovered dozens of unread messages, all from Shen Yuanjie. The training hall automatically blocked all messages to allow complete focus, so he only saw them now.

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