First Interstellar Guide Chapter 83: General Xie Chen

Chapter 83: General Xie Chen

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

Rong Yingying had already “gone missing,” and the Dark Night Organization couldn’t be bothered to send reinforcements again to avoid attracting the attention of the Investigation Division. Professor Morvi simply called Yu Ran from an unknown number and told him to go see General Xie tomorrow. 

Although the Investigation Division could intercept messages of unknown origin, they couldn’t listen in on people’s daily conversations; that would be a violation of privacy. After receiving Morvi’s call, Yu Ran asked Lu Zexuan to write this invitation letter. Aunt had been busy with military affairs for years, and all her loved ones had passed away. She must have been going through a lot. Yu Ran wouldn’t let the Dark Night Organization harm her, but he needed to carefully discuss with Lu Zexuan what to do next.

Lu Zexuan said, “When you controlled me, you could enter my mental space, move the snowy mountains to your forest, and pretend to destroy my mental landscape. But your aunt… you can’t enter her mental space. Her landscape… how can you disguise it as if it’s been destroyed?”

Aunt’s spirit body was a black shark, and her mental landscape was an endless blue sea. Destroying such a vast ocean wasn’t easy, and rebuilding it would be even more time-consuming and laborious. When he helped Lu Zexuan rebuild the snowy mountains, it took a whole week, secretly done under the protection of the Spider Queen. Now, under the nose of the Dark Night Organization, he couldn’t spend a week alone with General Xie. Since he couldn’t protect her by destroying and rebuilding, then… he had to take a more drastic approach!

Lu Zexuan sensed Yu Ran’s thoughts. “You want to attack her and temporarily control her spirit body?”

Yu Ran said, “Not just me, you too. Aunt’s spirit body is strong. If I fight her alone, we might both get hurt. Tomorrow, we need to work together and subdue her as quickly as possible.”

After careful consideration, Lu Zexuan also thought this was the best option for now.

Informing General Xie of Yu Ran’s true identity, maybe Aunt would cooperate with the act. But her mental landscape, once checked by the Dark Night Organization, would surely reveal the truth. The premise of controlling a sentinel was to destroy their landscape. Yu Ran couldn’t really destroy her consciousness; he could only find a way to subdue her first, report back to the Dark Night Organization, and in a way, protect her.

That night, Yu Ran tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He remembered when he was young, every time Aunt came to see him, she would bring him lots of delicious food. Once when he was sick and his parents were busy, Aunt stayed by his side, taking care of him all night. His relationship with Aunt had always been good. Besides his parents, she was the closest family member to him.

Tomorrow, he would have to attack this dearest person with all his might, subjecting her to the pain of being scorched by flames in her mental world… With his eyes closed, Yu Ran’s eye sockets felt a bit hot.

The next moment, a pair of hands reached out and gently pulled him into an embrace. Lu Zexuan’s embrace had a familiar warmth, causing Yu Ran’s heart to tremble slightly. He instinctively reached out and hugged him back, burying his face in Lu Zexuan’s chest. A muffled voice sounded in his mind, “I don’t want to attack Aunt’s shark either. I loved her shark when I was a kid. But… there’s no other way. I’m running out of time.”

Lu Zexuan gently stroked Yu Ran’s hair and whispered comfortingly, “Don’t be sad. She’ll understand.”

Yu Ran fell silent for a moment and closed his eyes. Thankfully, Lu Zexuan was there with him. He wasn’t alone in facing all of this.

***

The next day at noon, Lu Zexuan and Yu Ran brought gifts and went together to General Xie’s mansion. The Xie family, a prestigious clan for generations, had ancestors who had distinguished themselves in the battle to suppress the Sentinel rebellion 200 years ago. The genes passed down through generations were excellent, producing many S-class Sentinels and Guides. The most outstanding of this generation were Xie Xi and Xie Chen, sisters. The elder sister was the Flame Wolf Queen, and the younger sister was the Deep Sea Black Shark. Back then, this pair of Sentinel sisters were goddesses in the eyes of many Guides, with countless suitors.

Years later, returning to the familiar doorstep, Yu Ran felt a mix of emotions. Lu Zexuan gently took his hand and led him through the gates. They were greeted by someone respectfully, “General Lu, General Xie is waiting for you in the hall, please follow me.”

Yu Ran looked around, noting that the courtyard furnishings had hardly changed. The koi in the pond quickly gathered as they heard his footsteps, as if waiting for Yu Ran to feed them. In the corner of the courtyard, the coral tree his father had planted had grown taller than he remembered, adorned with red flowers in full bloom, adding vitality to the surroundings.

Crossing the stone bridge and passing a large pond, they arrived at the living room. The Xie family’s estate was a replica of ancient architecture, with ancestors residing here since his great-grandfather’s time, exuding a sense of ancient solemnity.

Xie Chen usually wore her hair in a ponytail, the braid swaying gently as she walked, appearing very capable. Today, because she was at home, she wore casual clothes, giving her a softer look compared to when she wore her military uniform. She was personally brewing tea in the living room, her actions identical to Yu Ran’s memories, spreading a refreshing tea fragrance in the air.

Yu Ran almost blurted out calling her “Aunt,” but stopped himself just in time. Lu Zexuan took the initiative and said, “General Xie, happy birthday.” 

He handed over a beautifully wrapped large gift box to Xie Chen, who stood up to receive it with a smile, saying, “General Lu, you’re too kind. I rarely celebrate my birthday these years. It’s rare for you to be so thoughtful, remembering my birthday and personally bringing a gift.”

Lu Zexuan respectfully replied, “I am a junior, having recently taken over as the Legion Commander. It’s only right for me to visit my seniors.” 

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xie Chen glanced at Yu Ran and said, “Please, come this way.”

Lu Zexuan and Yu Ran walked into the house side by side and sat down in the living room. It was Lu Zexuan’s first time at the Xie residence. Looking at the warm-toned furniture in the living room, he couldn’t help but wonder, had Ranran grown up here? The atmosphere and environment of the Xie family seemed genuinely warm. Unfortunately, the once lively courtyard now only had Xie Chen. If only none of the past had happened, how much better would it have been?

Xie Chen handed them each a cup of tea and said, “This is tea I brewed myself. Aged tea warms the stomach. Please have a taste. Lunch is being prepared in the kitchen; let’s have it together later.” She brewed the tea herself, showing her caution, likely aware that the Dark Night Organization might pose a threat to her.

Yu Ran took a sip, tasting the familiar flavor. When he was young and had a weak stomach, his Aunt specially sourced this custom-made aged tea to help him. As he drank the tea, a sense of bitterness welled up in his heart. He lowered his head, remaining silent. 

Xie Chen glanced at the top of Yu Ran’s head and said coldly, “General Lu and Guide Yu seem to have a deep relationship. I heard you two are inseparable. Even when the General goes to the office to handle military affairs, he always takes you with him.”

Lu Zexuan smiled and replied, “Ranran is alone in the capital, and I can’t help but worry. I don’t feel comfortable leaving him alone at home.”

“Is that so?” Xie Chen’s gaze towards Yu Ran was sharp. She suspected that Yu Ran was a mole sent by the Dark Night Organization to be by Lu Zexuan’s side. She even suspected that the “sacrifice” of Lu Tingyu was related to this Yu Ran. The timing of this little Guide’s appearance was too convenient. 

Shortly after his appearance, several officials died mysteriously, and the data in the Sentinel Academy library was stolen. Recently, a large number of Sentinels suddenly went berserk. Those should have been failed experiments, but later, the berserk Sentinels were suddenly brought under control… She couldn’t shake off the feeling that the Dark Night Organization’s drug research had made significant progress. This filled her with a strong sense of unease.

After the death of his sister, the Starlight Legion had been investigating the Dark Night Organization. Xie Chen proceeded with extreme caution at every step. Over the years, the agents they sent into various major institutions had only managed to uncover the core figure Morvi and his subordinates, the Adeline siblings. What exactly they were researching and how many supporters were behind them, Xie Chen had not yet fully determined.

Then, General Lu Tingyu “sacrificed” himself again, and Xie Chen had a bad feeling—could she be the next “sacrifice”? Just then, a servant’s voice came from beside them, “General, lunch is ready.”

Xie Chen snapped out of her thoughts, stood up, and said, “Please, forgive my humble hospitality. I’ve prepared some simple home-cooked dishes for you both.”

She had never celebrated her birthday in these years. If it weren’t for Lu Zexuan suddenly showing up with a gift today, she would have almost forgotten this day.

On the dining table were eight dishes and a soup, a mix of meat and vegetables, very sumptuous. Xie Chen invited Lu Zexuan and Yu Ran to sit down. Yu Ran’s gaze swept around and caught sight of the silhouette of a servant leaving.

It was an old lady who had been with the Xie family for many years. She was an ordinary person without evolution, always helping with household chores and cooking. Yu Ran used to call her “Grandma Li” when he was young. If he remembered correctly, her arm had been burned before.

When Yu Ran was 10 years old, he accidentally knocked over a steamer while playing in the kitchen, and Grandma Li got her arm burned while protecting him. When his father found out, he sent Grandma Li to the dermatology department for treatment. The old lady smiled and said, “These scars don’t matter. I’m already this old, do I care about a scar on my hand? Let’s not waste money.” She was very stubborn, so his father had no choice but to let her go.

When Yu Ran and Lu Zexuan’s minds connected, Lu Zexuan, after seeing his memories, discreetly glanced at the old lady. A Sentinel’s eyes were much sharper than a Guide’s; even from a distance of over ten meters, they could see even a small mole clearly.

In Lu Zexuan’s mind, he said, “There are no scars on her arms.”

Yu Ran’s heart tightened. “Could it be a mimic octopus disguised as her, coming close to Aunt, while also monitoring us?”

This cognition sent shivers down Yu Ran and Lu Zexuan’s spines. The mastermind behind the Dark Night Organization had actually come to the scene personally, watching them deal with Xie Chen. Fortunately, the two had already discussed their strategy.

Lu Zexuan pretended to eat while secretly observing Xie Chen. If a guest visited and the host didn’t eat anything, it would be very rude. Moreover, it was lunchtime, and Xie Chen was hungry too. She picked up her chopsticks and ate the dishes, and because she suspected Yu Ran was a mole, she also discreetly chose the dish Yu Ran had eaten.

Yu Ran found it both amusing and frustrating. Aunt was guarding against him everywhere; it seemed his acting had even fooled Aunt. After eating the dishes, Lu Zexuan took the initiative to pick up the spoon and served soup to both Yu Ran and General Xie.

Seeing that both had drunk the soup, Xie Chen also bowed her head to drink. Her cautiousness, thinking that they might be here to harm her, was understandable, especially since General Lu Tingyu had recently sacrificed himself.

However, the medicine wasn’t in the food or the soup, but in her bowl—Yu Ran had already guessed this. The drug was colorless and tasteless, dissolving in water. After the Dark Night Organization improved the drug formula, a small dosage could induce Sentinel frenzy.

The servant dissolved the drug in water and rinsed the bowls and chopsticks with it. Residue of the drug would remain on Xie Chen’s utensils.

Yu Ran’s mind was tense, constantly monitoring Aunt’s condition. Sure enough, after drinking the soup, her complexion changed slightly, and the pupils in her eyes gradually floated with a thick black color, like ink. Her shark also suddenly became restless and agitated.

Now was the time! Yu Ran didn’t hesitate to extend his crimson mental tendrils, striking towards Xie Chen’s brain at lightning speed! Xie Chen felt a buzzing in her head, an instant of excruciating pain. In the depths of her mental landscape, the ocean surged suddenly, forming a colossal wave.

At the center of the ocean, a huge black vortex formed, seemingly to devour her consciousness completely. The black shark in the sea swam frantically, trying to escape the influence of the vortex, but it continued to expand…

Just then, a dazzling flame suddenly descended from the sky, illuminating the dark sea. The flames rapidly spread across the surface. Despite the incompatibility of water and fire, the strange thing was, the flames weren’t afraid of the seawater; instead, they continuously engulfed the water. Under the terrifying heat of the flames, the seawater was evaporating at an alarming rate.

Xie Chen angrily drew the knife from her waist and shouted, “Yu Ran, you truly are the mole of the Dark Night Organization!”

Her mental world was on the brink of collapse at this moment, but she was still an S-class Sentinel and managed to maintain her composure. Ignoring the agonizing pain inflicted by the flames in her mental world, she leaped up and slashed towards Yu Ran’s brain! She struck decisively, her attack fierce, almost splitting Yu Ran in half.

However, Lu Zexuan was faster—anticipating that General Xie might attack Yu Ran in a fit of rage, he immediately positioned himself in front of Yu Ran the moment Xie Chen drew her knife. With a clang, their blades collided, sparks flying. The overwhelming rage in Xie Chen’s eyes almost seemed capable of tearing Lu Zexuan apart.

Yu Ran calmly said, “Zexuan, hold her off. I’ll capture her spirit body!”

Xie Chen retracted her electromagnetic knife and suddenly threw a punch at Lu Zexuan’s face. Her Eagle Claw Fist was as fast as lightning, and the force behind it was enough to shatter skulls. If it weren’t for Lu Zexuan’s timely evasion, his head would have been crushed.

Lu Zexuan fought with her, both being S-class Sentinels, and it was difficult to determine the outcome. However, in the mental world, the area covered by flames was expanding, and the vortex was sweeping across the sea surface.

Xie Chen, outnumbered and attacked from both sides, couldn’t withstand such immense pressure. Her mental landscape was already violently shaking due to the effects of the drug. The seabed felt like it was experiencing an earthquake of magnitude eight, with tsunamis and hurricanes destroying the corals and rocks she had meticulously arranged. Meanwhile, Yu Ran was burning on the sea surface…

The intense pain in her mental world drained the color from Xie Chen’s face, and sweat dripped continuously from her forehead. The black shark was exhausted and couldn’t escape anymore.

Just as the black shark was about to be engulfed by the abyss, about to lose consciousness completely, in the next moment, several green vines suddenly, like agile tentacles, swiftly extended into the vortex—within two seconds, those vines completely bound the black shark’s body and lifted it out of the vortex!

Xie Chen was speechless. The excruciating pain in her mental world made it impossible for her to continue fighting Lu Zexuan. Seizing the opportunity, Lu Zexuan swiftly subdued her, pinning her down on her seat. The next moment, Xie Chen completely lost consciousness.

Before losing consciousness, she wondered in confusion: Yu Ran, why did you save my shark at the critical moment? Weren’t these two here to kill me? Why did you save me?