378: nourish

“Comrade Xiao Ran!”

Just as Xiao Ran and Hua Mulian were conversing, a steady, powerful footsteps approached from a distance.

Pal arrived beside Xiao Ran with several Imperial Soldiers, who were tall, solemn, and marched in unison.

Pal's face bore its usual seriousness and solemnity, and his gaze was fixed on Xiao Ran.

“comrade Pal, is there something you need me for?”

Seeing Pal and the others arrive, Xiao Ran and Hua Mulian subconsciously stood up.

Xiao Ran secretly wondered why Pal had come, and a hint of confusion and nervousness appeared on his face.

Hua Mulian also shed her previous casualness, her expression becoming somewhat tense as she stood quietly to the side.

“It's nothing particularly complicated; it's like this.”

Pal maintained his usual serious expression, looking at Xiao Ran calmly as he explained.

“My superior, who is also my Captain and the General Commander of this occupation, wants to meet you. After all, in this civilization, you are the first person to join our Empire, and to the Captain, you hold a special significance.”

Pal's words were concise and clear, each word distinctly reaching Xiao Ran's ears.

“Captain? General Commander?”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ran was slightly stunned, and an unconcealable look of surprise and flattery flashed in his eyes.

He knew that those starships, like colossal beasts suspended in the sky, each carried world-destroying power, and all of them obeyed the command of this General Commander.

This left him somewhat at a loss for a moment.

“Mulian, I'll be leaving now.”

Xiao Ran turned to Hua Mulian, a comforting look in his eyes.

“If you need anything, just ask these Soldiers for help; they will assist you.”

After speaking, Xiao Ran took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart, straightened his clothes, and then, with slightly nervous but firm steps, followed Pal away.

His figure gradually merged into the afterglow of the setting sun, leaving Hua Mulian standing alone, thoughtfully watching them disappear into the distance... Under Pal's guidance, Xiao Ran stepped onto the starship that exuded mysterious technological brilliance.

As the soft lights inside the starship illuminated, the hatch slowly closed. After a slight tremor, the starship ascended steadily, flying towards the main starship where Li Yang was located.

Through the porthole, Xiao Ran looked at the city shrinking below, his heart a mix of emotions—both apprehension for the unknown and a hint of inexplicable excitement.

Soon after, Xiao Ran successfully boarded the flagship where Li Yang was.

Pal led Xiao Ran through a long corridor to a spacious and elegant office.

Pal knocked lightly on the door, and after receiving permission, pushed it open.

Li Yang, sitting behind a large desk, had sharp eyes and immediately noticed the slightly nervous young man behind Pal—Xiao Ran.

“You are Xiao Ran, aren't you?”

Li Yang's voice was steady and gentle, carrying the unique authority of a superior.

“Yes, Captain Li Yang!”

Xiao Ran quickly straightened up and replied respectfully.

On the way, Pal had meticulously explained various etiquettes and forms of address to him, especially emphasizing the title “Captain Li Yang,” which only Li Yang's true confidants and inner circle would use. This made Xiao Ran feel a great sense of responsibility and he dared not be negligent in the slightest.

“Please sit, don't be so formal.”

Li Yang smiled, gesturing for Xiao Ran to sit on a soft sofa nearby.

His smile seemed to have a magical quality, allowing Xiao Ran's previously tense nerves to relax slightly.

Seeing this, Xiao Ran quickly sat down as instructed, but his posture remained perfectly straight, his hands neatly placed on his knees.

To be honest, when Xiao Ran first saw Li Yang, he was genuinely surprised.

In his imagination, this General Commander, who commanded a vast fleet and controlled the entire battle, should have been a weathered, stern-faced elder.

However, the Li Yang before him looked so young, with handsome and resolute features, and eyes that held wisdom and depth, as if containing endless stars and seas.

This was vastly different from the image in his mind, and it made Xiao Ran even more curious and awed by this young Captain.

“I specifically called you here this time, actually, because I think very highly of you.”

Li Yang leaned back in his chair, his gaze calm yet imbued with undeniable resolve, as he slowly spoke to Xiao Ran.

“I intend to cultivate you into one of my own...”

Before Li Yang's words had fully landed, Xiao Ran, as if by reflex, quickly stood ramrod straight, his eyes shining brightly, and shouted in a loud, clear voice.

“Thank you, Captain Li Yang, for your high regard! I will never forget your kindness and recognition. I promise you that I will give my all, spare no effort, and no matter what difficulties or obstacles I encounter, I will absolutely not fail your cultivation and expectations!”

Xiao Ran's voice echoed in the office, filled with passion and determination.

“Alright, alright...”

Li Yang smiled and waved his hand.

“Let's not shout slogans for now; I believe in your determination. Since that's the case, I will first arrange for you to study at the Imperial Supreme Military Academy, Reserve Officer Branch. Once you successfully graduate from there, we can discuss your future development.”

Li Yang spoke casually, as if this were a trivial matter.

In fact, with Li Yang's current status in the Empire and his extensive network of connections, securing a mere spot in the Reserve Officer Branch was indeed effortless.

Moreover, Xiao Ran's current military rank was only a sergeant, and he had not yet truly entered the ranks of officers. His conditions in all aspects fully met the requirements for studying at the Reserve Officer Branch.

This opportunity, for Xiao Ran, was undoubtedly a golden key to unlock a vast future.

“Yes, I will follow all your arrangements!”

Xiao Ran's voice held an uncontrollable excitement; despite his efforts to remain composed, the flickering light in his eyes betrayed his inner thrill.