First Interstellar Guide Chapter 51: Lu Zexuan’s Plan

Chapter 51: Lu Zexuan’s Plan

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

The next morning at eight o’clock, the Eagle Starship set sail and flew back to the capital star. They had originally thought that this mission would last for over a month, but unexpectedly, they encountered unknown creatures and had to return early. After discussions at the headquarters, it was decided to temporarily suspend the on-site survey of the Dorado Constellation planet. Intelligent beings were not easy to deal with, and forcing a war would result in heavy casualties for humanity. The specific method of capturing this planet would need further analysis and study. As a result, the Eagle Special Forces found themselves temporarily idle.

Mohr took the initiative to ask, “Major Lu, what are the plans for the next steps?”

Lu Zexuan thought for a moment and said, “I plan to take Ranran back with me and officially visit my parents.”

There was a burst of laughter from the Sentinel group, “Wow, taking him to meet your parents already?” 

“Things are progressing well!”

Yu Ran was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Lu Zexuan to say that. But he quickly cooperated and asked, “Should I prepare a gift?”

Lu Zexuan said, “No need, I’ll handle it.” He glanced at everyone, “There are no missions scheduled for tonight. I’ll be taking Yu Ran home for a visit. Everyone can rest at the White Tower for now. We’ll discuss the plans after I return.”

The Sentinels dispersed immediately, while Lu Zexuan took Yu Ran back to his own quarters.

Yu Ran immediately connected with him using mental tendrils and asked in his mind, “What’s the meaning of this? Why suddenly take me to meet your parents?”

Lu Zexuan replied, “Given our current relationship, it’s normal to take you home to visit my parents. It won’t arouse suspicion from the spies. Of course, it’s not as simple as just introducing you to my parents. I need a favor from my father. He’s a three-star general of the Federation, the commander of the Eagle Legion. There are some things I can’t access, but with his authority, I can.”

Yu Ran understood, “You want to investigate the Eagle Special Forces?”

Lu Zexuan nodded, a hint of sharpness in his eyes. “As a Captain, I can’t allow traitors around me. Since you have no evidence to prove who the mole is, then I’ll find the evidence for you.”

Lu Zexuan wasn’t an emotional person. He was always calm, able to make the most rational decisions as long as he understood the stakes. Yu Ran felt relieved and said, “Alright. You handle the gift, I don’t know what your parents like.”

“No problem.” Lu Zexuan sent a message to his parents, “Dad, Mom, can you make time to come home tonight? I’m back in the capital star and want to bring Yu Ran to officially visit you.”

When General Lu saw this message, he was thrilled, “Of course, of course! We’ll be waiting at home tonight!”

In the afternoon, Lu Zexuan took Yu Ran to buy some simple gifts and disguised themselves as if they were visiting their parents. They drove a hovercar back to the Lu family’s estate in the suburbs. Yu Ran looked around at the large vegetable gardens and was surprised, “Does your family still grow their own vegetables?”

Lu Zexuan replied, “My father likes gardening. He even built a farm at home and raised many chickens and ducks.”

Yu Ran hadn’t expected General Lu to be someone who enjoys such a rustic lifestyle. It was said that among the several generals in the military, General Lu was the most approachable and easygoing. It seemed that the rumors were true.

The car soon arrived at the gate, and Lu Zexuan led Yu Ran out of the car. Yu Ran saw a golden eagle and a red sparrow flying together in the sky – they were Lu Zexuan’s parents’ spirit bodies.

Upon spotting Yu Ran’s little white fox, the eagle and sparrow flew down and circled around its head, showing a friendly attitude. The little white fox shyly hid behind White Eagle.

White Eagle hesitated, “Should I… should I perform too?”

Lu Zexuan communicated with it mentally, “Haven’t you always wanted to play with the fox? Go ahead.”

White Eagle flew happily to play, for it was a natural role to take care of the little fox.

Lu Zexuan took Yu Ran into the hall. The Lu family’s ancestral home was decorated in a very rustic style, with lots of solid wood furniture, giving it a very high-quality feel. A man wearing an apron was rolling up his sleeves and cooking in the kitchen, while an elegant woman was sitting on the sofa reading documents on a terminal. Yu Ran looked at this warm scene and was reminded of the time many years ago when he was with his parents.

Back then, Dad also loved to cook for Mom…

When Jiao Shuo saw Yu Ran, she stood up and said gently, “Yu Ran, come and have a seat.”

Although Director Jiao was usually cold, her attitude towards Yu Ran was still relatively mild. Yu Ran politely smiled and handed the gift to her, “Hello, Auntie.” Just then, General Lu came out of the kitchen with dishes in hand. Yu Ran turned to him and said, “Hello, Uncle.”

General Lu looked at the polite and courteous guide in front of him and felt very pleased. He cheerfully said, “Ranran, welcome, welcome. Zexuan, what are you still standing there for? Pour him some water.”

Lu Zexuan turned to pour a glass of water for Yu Ran and sat down next to him.

General Lu put the last dish of braised chicken wings on the table and handed the chopsticks to Yu Ran with a smile, “Are you hungry? Try Uncle’s cooking.”

Yu Ran was pleasantly surprised, “You’re cooking yourself?”

General Lu said, “You’re our honored guest. Of course, I have to show off my skills a bit! By the way, our Zexuan here has inherited my talent for cooking. His dishes are delicious. When you have time, let him cook for you. Come, try the vegetables we grew ourselves, and the chicken we raised, they’re very fresh.”

Yu Ran was speechless. General Lu was too enthusiastic, filling Yu Ran’s bowl with a lot of food, making him feel a little embarrassed.

Jiao Shuo glanced at him and said gently, “Ranran, Zexuan has already told us about your situation. You young people are free to associate with each other, and as parents, we won’t object. You don’t need to feel any pressure, treat this place as your own home, don’t be polite.”

Yu Ran said, “Thank you, Auntie.”

He ate with his head lowered, casting a sidelong glance at Lu Zexuan, as if asking, What are you up to?

Lu Zexuan ate calmly, and even took the initiative to pick up food for Yu Ran, showing great care. After finishing the meal, he suddenly stood up and said, “Mom, you and Ranran chat for a while first. Dad and I have something to discuss in the study.”

General Lu didn’t think much of it, assuming they were going to discuss marriage matters. He stood up and said, “Alright, you two talk first.”

The father and son went to the study upstairs, one after the other.

The Lu family’s study was built with special materials, completely soundproof. After all, General Lu sometimes handled urgent military affairs at home. In the past, there were still several servants taking care of vegetable gardens and raising chickens and fish. Naturally, they didn’t want any eavesdropping, fearing that secrets might be leaked.

Lu Zexuan closed the soundproof door behind him and drew the curtains.

General Lu patted his son’s shoulder with a smile, praising, “Well done, making progress already, you’ve caught up with Yu Ran so quickly. I heard that despite the danger, Yu Ran saved your life. Such a rare guide, you should cherish him. So, what do you want to discuss? Are you planning to marry him soon?”

Lu Zexuan remained calm and said, “I want you, General, to transfer the management authority of the Military Intelligence Department to me.”

General Lu’s smile froze suddenly. “What did you say?”

Seeing his son’s serious expression, without a hint of joking, General Lu clenched his fist tightly and angrily said, “You’re just in your twenties, and you want to snatch power from your father? Do you know what the Military Intelligence Department of the Eagle Legion does? What qualifications do you, a young lad, have to command them?”

Lu Zexuan looked his father in the eye and said calmly, “I know that only former Legion Commanders can mobilize this secret unit. I don’t have the qualifications to access them yet, but I am your only son. This matter concerns my life and death. Are you going to stand by and do nothing?”

General Lu’s face darkened. “What do you mean it concerns your life and death?”

Lu Zexuan asked, “Have you heard of the Dark Night Organization?”

General Lu’s pupils suddenly contracted, a trace of disbelief flashing across his face. “How do you know about them?”

Lu Zexuan said, “Some time ago, due to the mass madness of many sentinels, I specifically sought you out, but you didn’t tell me the truth – those sentinel madness incidents were not accidents, but deliberate acts. The Dark Night Organization was conducting experiments on them, right?”

General Lu was speechless.

Lu Zexuan looked into his father’s eyes and said slowly, “Do you think that by keeping me in the dark, not letting me touch these dark aspects, you’re protecting me? But don’t forget, I am the Captain of the Eagle Special Forces, and I am your son. If they really threaten the Eagle Legion, how can they spare me?” Seeing his father’s face turn pale and then green, Lu Zexuan took a deep breath and said, “Dad, I’ve grown up. Many things, I should know the truth. I don’t want to be someone who hides behind you, needing you to protect me.”

General Lu turned and sat down in a chair, a struggling expression on his face. Should he tell Lu Zexuan?

Back then, General Xie Xi of the Starlight Legion told her son about these things, let her son participate in the investigation, and as a result, the entire family perished, and the Starlight Legion’s starships were all destroyed. The scene was so horrifying that General Lu still shuddered at the thought. He didn’t want his son to know too much. He just hoped that one day, if he were to perish, Lu Zexuan could survive and inherit the Eagle Legion.

But this time, Lu Zexuan almost sacrificed himself. There were too many unknown dangers, from the unfamiliar universe to the internal struggles within humanity. If Lu Zexuan knew nothing and lacked vigilance, he might be in danger.

Looking at his tall and resolute son in front of him, General Lu realized for the first time that, unconsciously, his son had grown up. He could make decisive decisions in critical moments and save everyone. He was not just a child who needed protection, but the Captain of the Eagle Special Forces, capable of standing on his own.

With a light sigh, General Lu made up his mind and said in a low voice, “The Dark Night Organization has been lurking for too long. The entire Starlight Legion’s reconnaissance group was wiped out, all because of them. General Xie Xi led the team to investigate, found the location of the Dark Night Organization’s main base, and wanted to raid and shut down that nest. However, the location was leaked, and in desperation, the other party annihilated the troops led by her, even ruthlessly destroying the Starlight flagship. Later, I went to the scene with the Marshal. Hundreds of sentinels and guides from the Starlight Legion, none survived. In that starry domain, only the wreckage of numerous starships remained…” General Lu looked at Lu Zexuan, his gaze stern. “The enemy is cruel and terrifying. I didn’t want you to know these things because I didn’t want you to get involved. General Xie’s son perished in that accident. He was the same age as you, not even twenty years old when he died. Do you know how painful it is for us elders to hear such news?” 

General Xie’s son was the same age as Lu Zexuan… the guide essence sensed at the graduation ball, Yu Ran’s powerful mental energy, the sole survivor of the Starlight Legion… General Xie’s son was also an extraordinarily gifted guide? All these fragmented pieces of information suddenly connected in Lu Zexuan’s mind, and he suddenly thought of a possibility. Could Yu Ran… be General Xie’s son?

General Xie Xi and Professor Qin Luo were both S-class sentinel and guide. Their offspring must have had exceptional genes. He used to be an S-class guide. Did he awaken the dual spirit body at a critical moment in order to survive in the difficult cosmic environment?

Lu Zexuan thought more and more that this possibility was significant. He took a deep breath to calm himself and said, “Rest assured, I won’t let the tragedy of the past repeat itself. I understand your desire to protect your son, but as I’ve said, since I am your son, I cannot stand aside. I hope to be your assistance and I hope you can trust me. Asking for the management authority of the Military Intelligence Department is not about seizing power, but about using it to clarify some things.”

Lu Tingyu furrowed his brow and asked, “What do you want to investigate?”

Lu Zexuan replied, “I want to investigate the Eagle Special Forces.”

Lu Tingyu’s expression changed. “Do you suspect there’s a problem within the team?”

Lu Zexuan nodded. “Yes, the Dark Night organization has targeted me, and they have planted spies around me. Do you still think that keeping these things from me is protecting me?”

Lu Tingyu was speechless. Those crazy people actually wanted to target Lu Zexuan? By controlling the second generation of the military, they aimed to control the higher-ups of the military? This move was truly too vicious and ruthless. Lu Tingyu’s eyes were filled with anger, and he clenched his fists tightly. After a long silence, he took out a token and handed it to Lu Zexuan, saying sternly, “Major General Lu Zexuan, from today onwards, you are appointed as the Deputy Director of the Eagle Corps Military Intelligence Department. You have the authority to mobilize all intelligence agents of the department to assist you in any matter!”

Lu Zexuan accepted the token, stood at attention in front of his father, and saluted properly, saying, “Yes, sir!”

The exchange of the token held special significance for both father and son. The Military Intelligence Department of the Eagle Corps held a vast amount of secrets. It was specifically selected from the mainline forces of the Lu family and trained from a young age to become top agents. They were absolutely loyal to the Lu family, hidden in the shadows, and would die to protect the leader of the corps when necessary.

Usually, the management authority of the Military Intelligence Department would only be transferred to the next general when the leadership changed. But now, Lu Tingyu decided to let his son take charge of this elite unit in advance. Firstly, he realized the unpredictable danger. If he continued to conceal it, Lu Zexuan’s life might be in danger. Secondly, after years of tempering, Lu Zexuan had survived many near-death experiences and was indeed capable of handling such responsibilities. It was time for his son to be exposed to these matters. Lu Zexuan was right, hiding things was not the best form of protection.

Lu Tingyu lightly patted his son’s shoulder and said, “The secrets of the Military Intelligence Department are known only to the previous generals. Even the closest loved ones cannot be disclosed. I will let Jinliao assist you in sealing off this part of the secrets deep in the mountains. Even a guide cannot unlock them.”

Lu Zexuan nodded solemnly. “I understand.”

Downstairs, Yu Ran keenly noticed that Jinliao suddenly flew into the study. General Lu must have summoned the spirit body for something. Yu Ran was puzzled, but maintained his adorable and obedient appearance, chatting with Jiao Shuo. His acting skills were superb, and Jiao Shuo didn’t notice anything amiss. She just felt that the person her son had found was very likable and even gave Yu Ran a gift before leaving.

It was the latest communicator. Contacts with both her and Lu Tingyu were automatically added. Obviously, this was an acknowledgment of Yu Ran.

Lu Zexuan left the Lu family with Yu Ran. On the way back, Yu Ran asked with curiosity, “What did you talk to your father about?”

Lu Zexuan replied, “I’m sorry, I can’t tell you directly. But you can rest assured, I’ve found some trustworthy assistants. The two of us alone are not powerful enough to confront the entire Dark Night organization.”

Yu Ran instantly understood. All major corps would secretly cultivate some loyal troops. The Lu family must also have a loyal force dedicated to protecting the leader of the corps. Lu Zexuan had probably mobilized this elite force.

Yu Ran turned to him and said, “How do you plan to investigate? I won’t interfere. But I remind you, firstly, don’t expose my identity in front of anyone; secondly, don’t startle the snake, and don’t ruin my plan.”

Facing Yu Ran’s serious and sharp gaze, Lu Zexuan felt complex emotions. Was he really General Xie’s son? If so, the decisiveness and competence he displayed were indeed very similar to his mother’s.

Lu Zexuan nodded solemnly, gazing into Yu Ran’s eyes, and said, “Since we’ve decided to be allies, please believe that I won’t hold you back. You have your plan, and I have my way. Let’s work together to uncover the true mole within the Eagle Special Forces.”

Yu Ran looked at the calm and steady sentinel and felt a trace of admiration in his heart. He was indeed the cooperation partner he had chosen. After making a decision, he acted decisively. Lu Zexuan’s understanding of the Eagle Special Forces was undoubtedly deeper. Yu Ran speculated that Xiong Kai was the mole, but it was only speculation. With Lu Zexuan personally involved, exposing the mole wouldn’t be difficult. Once the mole’s identity was confirmed, they could proceed with the next phase of their plan.

Yu Ran withdrew his gaze and reminded, “Be careful not to be discovered while investigating.”

Lu Zexuan replied, “Don’t worry. I’ll give you a definite answer within a week.”