Chapter Twenty-Six: Are You Talking About Him?

Placing Xuan Xuan on a chair to the side of the control room, he said, “Sit here quietly and watch Daddy teach you how to fight monsters.”

Yi Qiong stood nearby, her expression calm and her mood unhurried, as if she were observing a child playing in a sandbox. At this moment, Xuan Xuan was entirely focused on the controller in her hands, her gaze unwavering.

Xuan Xuan had no idea what monsters were. She only knew of the magical beasts of the Mata Continent and the aberrant beasts of the Federation. But now, what on earth were these monsters? Her eyes were fixed on the controller.

This was the largest fluorescent screen in the control room, the most critical location on the ship, overseeing every move of the fleet.

Manqi Lianhao had no idea that his attempt at educating his daughter had gone off track again. He thought he was showing off his proudest side, hoping to earn the awe and admiration of his child.

Their flagship was the first to emerge from the wormhole, advancing for less than a minute before leaving the black hole’s control range. At that moment, Yi Qiong stepped forward. “They’ve sent a communication.”

“Put it through,” he replied, arching an eyebrow, curious about their intentions—perhaps it was even an acquaintance.

“Well, well, a Federation colonel turned interstellar pirate? Looks like it’s tough getting by in the Federation these days.” Manqi Lianhao glanced at the screen. Indeed, it was a familiar face. Setting up as a raider, were they planning to pretend to be pirates after the deed was done? “Your military honor must have been devoured by dogs.”

The man opposite instantly flushed with anger, his face turning a strange shade of purple. Xuan Xuan was amazed—she’d never seen anyone react so quickly, not even to her own toxins.

“Hmph, what good is your sharp tongue?” the man finally retorted after a slight pause.

Manqi Lianhao’s smile was dazzling. “Of course. It’d be better if everyone were like you—lying down and playing dead like dogs?”

“Manqi Lianhao, you go too far!”

“Shut up!” Manqi Lianhao’s lips were still curved, but there was not a trace of amusement in his eyes. “You’re not worthy of bearing the name Manqi.”

The anger blazing in Manqi Lianhao’s gaze startled Xuan Xuan. She’d thought he was a gentle-tempered man, never expecting to see him so enraged.

The man on the screen laughed wildly. “Yes, I’m unworthy. Oh, is that your daughter? She truly resembles—”

“I said, shut your mouth!” Even the faint smile slipped from Manqi Lianhao’s face, replaced with a killing intent that seemed to freeze the air. “Take Xuan Xuan back to her room.”

Xuan Xuan was puzzled. How did this concern her?

Yi Qiong obediently picked her up and left. The man on the other end laughed even more brazenly, his voice wild and haughty. “So, you do have a weakness. Even you have something you fear?”

“Insolence!” Manqi Lianhao’s expression was now so dark it seemed to drip with fury.

“Insolence? You can’t stop me. I’ve been insolent many times already!” the man sneered, then laughed coldly. “Do you still think I’m the Manqi family’s loyal dog?”

A medley of emotions flickered across Manqi Lianhao’s face—nostalgia, grief, sorrow. “No one ever treated you like a dog. Why demean yourself?”

“Why demean myself? Ha! You tell me. Sooner or later, I’ll show you with facts.” His smile bordered on madness.

“No one in the Manqi family has wronged you!” Manqi Lianhao’s words were resolute as iron.

“Is that so?” The man sneered, “I’ll find the proof.”

“If there’s evidence, I’d like to see what I don’t know,” Manqi Lianhao replied.

“You should have let go long ago. Do you think there’s any merit in this? Sooner or later, you too will be abandoned,” Manqi Lianhao said.

“Do you think I haven’t been abandoned enough times already? Do you really think you’re going to win this time? Do you think I don’t know that brat from the Zhan family is on his way here?” He gave a cold snort. “Do you take me for a fool? Do you think I’m like those pigs?”

“And what if you know? You’re already surrounded,” Manqi Lianhao said.

“Haha, I know you so well—how could I not see through your tricks? I bet you’ll obediently clear a path and let me escape. Care to wager?” The man was grinning with delight.

Manqi Lianhao responded with a frosty smile. “Should I laugh at your arrogance, or your ignorance?”

“No, you don’t believe me, but that’s fine. From where you are to where I am, let me see—it’s a minute and a half. Why don’t we talk again in two minutes? Perhaps after you’ve seen your daughter, you’ll be more willing to negotiate.”

Manqi Lianhao’s expression turned grim. He turned just as Yi Qiong entered, all color draining from his face. Had something happened to Xuan Xuan?

Yi Qiong entered with a cold smile, pulling on a rope. “Were you talking about him?”

With a sharp tug, the other end of the rope revealed a person bound tightly. Manqi Lianhao instantly recognized Er Bai. Danger flickered in his eyes as he addressed the now panicked man on the screen: “I wondered how capable you were, but it turns out you’re not worth mentioning.”

“Hmph,” the man said nothing, shooting a glance at the bound Er Bai—useless creature—and promptly cut the communication.

Xuan Xuan stomped her foot in frustration. Nothing had been made clear, and she’d wasted her precious time for nothing.

If only she’d captured that fool a bit later. In fact, after being sent away, Xuan Xuan had eavesdropped on their conversation, deeply intrigued by a topic that seemed to concern her. But someone, not knowing their place, had tried to kidnap her for a chat. She’d refused outright—she was certain there was nothing tasty over there. Taking matters into her own hands was a bit tricky, as her opponent was skilled in close combat. So she released a magic puppet, and after subduing her foe with a few moves, handed him over to Yi Qiong.

Magic puppets were alchemical creations from the Mata Continent, resembling robots, forged from metal and controlled by people. Unlike robots, whose combat abilities were limited, magic puppets were another matter. Xuan Xuan’s collection included not only standard combat puppets but also a few prized magical ones. Materials were scarce, so she’d only made a handful.

For a mage, magic puppets were invaluable. Mages lacked physical strength and close combat was perilous; a good puppet could protect you and take care of the heavy labor.

Magic puppets had no intelligence. On the Mata Continent, there was no shortage of evil mages who trapped souls within puppets, but such creations were too sinister for Xuan Xuan’s taste. Her spiritual strength was formidable enough to control them unaided.

Even ordinary magic puppets were formidable in battle, especially those crafted by Xuan Xuan. Her handiwork was always first-rate.

Er Bai, upon entering, had no idea where this thing, so much like a mecha, had come from. He was knocked out cold before he could even react. His A-rank fighting skills never had a chance to shine. Given time to prepare, he might not have lost, but Xuan Xuan had the advantage of surprise.

Romance House: PS—Two books recommended to **00kid: “Rebirth: The Magnate Lady” by Er Er.