199: Big Shot

Meanwhile, the enthusiastic Field Grade Officers were still immersed in excitement and curiosity, discussing animatedly, completely unaware that the person they were so eager to meet had already vanished from their sight, leaving them to bicker noisily in their original spot.

Li Yang ran breathlessly to a relatively quiet corner inside the Space Station, leaning against the wall, panting heavily.

He raised a hand to wipe the dense beads of sweat from his forehead and couldn't help but mutter to himself.

“Phew, is it really that exaggerated? I’m just a Second Captain (Military Rank), not some rare treasure. Do they really need to surround me so tightly? I was hoping to find someone to ask how to get to that planet, but given the current situation, there’s no hope of getting any useful information from anyone’s mouth.”

Thinking of this, Li Yang didn't bother to rest further. He quickly pulled up a light screen from his wrist and initiated a call request to Martin via his smart-brain.

Almost instantly, the communication connected.

Thanks to the Space Station's projection device, Martin didn't appear on the light screen but materialized clearly before Li Yang's eyes in a holographic projection in the blink of an eye.

Martin, as always, was dressed in a crisp military uniform, his shoulder boards prominently displaying the gleaming insignia of a ninth-rank colonel.

Seeing Li Yang's disheveled appearance, with sweat constantly rolling down his forehead and his clothes soaked and clinging to his body, he couldn't help but show concern and quickly asked,

“Li Yang, my friend, what happened to you? Why are you in such a sorry state?”

Seeing the holographic projection, Li Yang also closed his light screen, then let out a helpless sigh.

“Alas, it’s like this…”

Li Yang then meticulously recounted to Martin the entire story of how he had been surrounded by a group of Field Grade Officers outside.

From Drai recognizing his identity, to everyone swarming him, and then to him finally managing to break free from the crowd.

Martin listened quietly to Li Yang's narration, a knowing smile appearing on his face as he slowly said,

“So that’s it. Most of those people are peripheral members of the Mutual Aid Society. They like to frequent places with high personnel turnover precisely to meet new contacts and expand their circles. A special existence like you, with military-political integration, being targeted by them once your identity is exposed, is only natural.”

Li Yang waved his hand, speaking with a hint of urgency.

“Alright, Martin, my friend, quickly tell me how to leave this Space Station.”

Li Yang truly didn't want to stay in this place for even another second.

The scene of being surrounded by the crowd was still vivid in his mind, and he felt lingering trepidation, fearing that if he wasn't careful, those overly enthusiastic people would suddenly appear from nowhere and surround him again. Then, escaping would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.

“Oh, you just walk to the innermost part of the Space Station.”

Martin patiently guided him through the holographic projection.

“There’s a teleportation device inside. Through that device, you’ll be able to reach the official venue of the Mutual Aid Society. I’ll be waiting for you on the other side of the teleportation device.”

Hearing it was so simple, Li Yang's heart brightened. After thanking Martin, he hastily ended the call and walked briskly towards the deepest part of the Space Station.

Not long after, a very spacious area suddenly appeared before Li Yang's eyes. In the center of this vast space, a huge disc was particularly striking.

“Hello, where would you like to go?”

A Staff member in a uniform, with a polite demeanor, saw Li Yang approaching and immediately walked quickly towards him, asking with a smile.

“I am a member of the Mutual Aid Society, participating in an event for the first time, and I'm heading to the official venue.”

Li Yang replied, subconsciously adjusting his collar, trying to appear more composed.

“Alright, please stand on the disc, and we will teleport you immediately.”

The Staff member maintained his professional smile, politely gesturing to Li Yang.

Seeing this, Li Yang slowly stepped onto the disc. In an instant, a dazzling white light flashed like lightning, and the intense brilliance made Li Yang instinctively close his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a magnificent hall.

The hall was resplendent with gold and jade, exquisitely decorated. Dazzling chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the entire space brightly and transparently.

Military Officers in crisp military uniforms and meticulously dressed officials were visible everywhere, gathered in small groups, engaging in lively conversations. Laughter and soft chatter intertwined, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and elegant.

“Li Yang, my friend!”

Suddenly, a strong hand clapped Li Yang's shoulder.

Li Yang instinctively turned his head, only to see that the person was indeed Martin, who was looking at him with a beaming smile, his eyes full of warmth and familiarity.

Li Yang surveyed the luxurious yet somewhat mysterious hall and couldn't help but ask,

“Is this the official venue of the Mutual Aid Society?”

Martin smiled and nodded, confirming,

“That’s right, but there’s still some time before the Mutual Aid Society officially begins. Come on, I’ll take you to meet a few important figures first; it will definitely be very beneficial for your future development.”

With that, Martin led Li Yang, weaving through the crowd.

Curious or scrutinizing glances were cast their way from time to time in the crowd, but Martin and Li Yang paid little attention, heading straight for their destination.

Before long, they arrived before an ancient, heavy wooden door.

This door was crafted from an unknown wood, adorned with intricate carvings, and its doorknob was shaped like an exotic beast gleaming with metallic luster, showcasing its uniqueness and nobility.

Seeing this, Martin first subconsciously straightened his military uniform, ensuring every crease was flat and every medal was aligned, then he raised his hand and gently knocked on the door, his movements steady and polite.

“Enter!”

A deep, powerful voice came from inside the room, seemingly carrying an innate authority.

Upon hearing this, Martin gently pushed open the door and walked in first, with Li Yang following closely behind him, entering the somewhat mysterious room.

As soon as he entered the room, Li Yang was awestruck by the sight before him.

The entire room exuded a retro ambiance, yet it was also luxurious and grand.

Strange murals hung on the walls, and vintage wooden bookshelves were filled with various books, emitting a faint scent of ink.

In the central reception area of the room, three distinguished men were seated.

Two of them were in crisp military uniforms, their shoulder boards gleaming brilliantly under the light.

Li Yang’s gaze was instantly drawn to them. He looked closely and saw that on the shoulder boards of both men, a lifelike black dragon was intricately coiled around a four-sided rhomboid black cross symbol with a golden frame.

In the center of that cross, five and seven golden five-pointed stars were respectively embedded, shining brightly, and the shoulder boards were surrounded by exquisite vine and wheat ear designs, every detail showcasing the extraordinary status of their wearers.

“Five-Star General… Seven-Star General!”