Blue Card Starry Sky

Chapter 116 On the eve of the expedition
The first team returned safely, but before they could even count the members, Zhao Tianliang told Zhao Qingyun to quickly close the portal. Upon his return, he saw that the second team had arrived earlier. The first team was now facing a formidable enemy, one that even Zhao Qingyun couldn't withstand, which terrified everyone. Zhao Qingyun immediately closed the portal, and for a moment, everyone finally calmed down, ready to face the challenges ahead and learn from their experience.

In this challenge of conquering the interdimensional starry sky, the second team encountered no major challenges and made no significant discoveries. They were teleported to a mountainous and hilly area, as well as a snowy wasteland. Sparsely populated, they didn't encounter any truly high-level powerhouses, but they hunted many wild beasts and collected a considerable amount of energy stones. They were the best performers in this mission.

However, the first team suffered a devastating defeat, with eight teammates trapped inside and never to return! In the desert forest, they were ambushed by barbarians, all of whom were captured, and five died in battle. They endured inhumane treatment in the barbarian village, but as they were about to return, they fought back and escaped, losing three more soldiers along the way. They were finally able to escape and return safely only after Zhao Tianliang came to their aid.

Back on the starship of the Loy Empire, no one said anything, silently mourning the comrades who had died in this mission. This is war, this is a battle against circumstances. Only by becoming stronger can one better protect oneself, cherish oneself, and safeguard one's family.

Zhao Qingyun did not make any statement regarding this expedition. He didn't know what to say, and he would make arrangements after returning to the Luoyi Empire.

At the Starship Launch Site in Loy City, the Crown Prince personally came to pick everyone up and take them home. Although the mission was not perfect, it was completed on schedule and the initial objectives were achieved.

"Welcome back safely to Loy City, everyone. You are heroes of the Loy Empire, role models for everyone. Tomorrow you will represent the Empire in the war against the Shura Empire, striving for honor and victory for the Loy Empire. I am proud of you, and the Loy Empire will be proud of you." Crown Prince Zhao Ying delivered a passionate speech at the airport, rekindling everyone's spirits and igniting their passion for fighting for their country.

After returning to the Spirit Hall headquarters, Zhao Qingyun convened a debriefing meeting to assign new tasks and outline the next steps.

This expedition to the alien starry sky of the Mad Demon made everyone realize their many shortcomings: insufficient combat experience, insufficient practical experience, insufficient composure in the face of adversity, insufficient problem-solving skills, in short, there are still deficiencies in all aspects, and everyone needs to work together and improve together.

That evening, Zhao Qingyun found Lan Tian, ​​and the two discussed the matter for several hours. From Lan Tian, ​​he learned that there were even stronger beings in the Mad Demon Otherworld Starry Sky than the current Luo Yi Empire. This was a warning to the empire, and it was no longer safe to go there! At the same time, Zhao Qingyun also sensed the crisis. Stronger beings than the empire—this was a danger to the Blue Card Continent. This sense of crisis made him worry. Did this foreshadow a great war, a crisis, and social unrest on the Blue Card Continent?

Right now, the situation in the Shura Empire is changing rapidly, with constant infighting within the royal family. The peace of the world is about to be shattered, and the Blue Card Continent will once again descend into chaos, with heroes vying for power and the common people once again living in misery!
Zhao Qingyun sighed that he was getting old, and this time it would be Lan Tian and his team who would take on the challenge and bring back the glory of the Blue Card Continent.

Now, the biggest challenge for the Loy Empire is this arena competition against the Shura Empire. It's a battle between the two nations for control of the Holy Mountain, and neither side wants to give up; both hope to win. This expedition will not be easy, and the fighting is bound to be extremely fierce.

On the eve of his departure, Lan Tian was invited by the Yi family to a banquet.

That evening, the entire Yi family was filled with joy, decorating with lanterns and colorful streamers, and held a final farewell banquet for their Yi family team as they headed off to the battlefield.

The clan chief was deeply grateful that the five grandsons of the Yi family would be going to the Shura Empire to bring glory to their country. This was an honor for the family; the Yi family had always been loyal guardians of the Luo Yi Empire, sacrificing their lives for the country for generations, and were the backbone of the Luo Yi Empire as descendants of loyal ministers. Representing the Luo Yi Empire in the war against the Shura Empire was their honor, and today was the greatest blessing for the entire clan. The whole clan, young and old, had come to see them off and offer their blessings.

"I hope you will achieve a resounding victory and return in triumph." Chieftain Iso placed high hopes on everyone. He believed that his grandson would definitely complete the mission perfectly, surpassing his predecessors and becoming even stronger, more powerful, and invincible than their generation. Seeing the Iso family's high expectations for their comrades going to war, Iso was also encouraged, and a raging fire of passion and victory burned within me amidst the bloodshed.

Indeed, this expedition to the Shura Empire is no easier than going to the real battlefield. It is also a life-or-death battle, requiring the signing of a life-or-death pledge, sharing life and death, with the future uncertain.

After a few rounds of drinks, Lan Tian, ​​feeling quite tipsy, strolled and chatted with Yi Mengying and Yu Jiahui in the backyard of the Yi family's house. They talked freely, dreaming about the future and reminiscing about the past, feeling quite envious and jealous. It's true that good things in the world are often found in pairs, but only he knew the true meaning of life under the tree.

Yi Mengying was very reluctant to let go of Yu Jiahui, but she couldn't take her with her on this expedition, which made Yu Jiahui very regretful as well. The pain of parting was palpable between the two sisters, their affection overflowing. Only in separation do we realize the depth of our friendship. Lan Tian saw this in his heart, but was powerless to change anything. All good things must come to an end; only through separation can we experience the joy of reunion, strengthen our friendship, and better understand human relationships.

Fireworks lit up the sky, dazzling and beautiful, like celestial beings. Countless stars filled the sky, a perfect time for spring's arrival. Love is intoxicating when it's at its peak, and even the midnight bells seem to hold one back. Lan Tian watched Yi Mengying's reluctant departure, forgetting his original purpose for coming.

……

At the headquarters of the Spirit Hall, Zhao Qingyun and Crown Prince Zhao Ying were discussing the expedition to the Asura Empire. At that moment, Lan Tian, ​​heavily intoxicated, burst in, interrupting their discussion.

"Master... I want to drink... wine, to get drunk... until I'm... done, to forget... all my love and affection, to be... the only one who matters... to the world." Lan Tian was very drunk and couldn't speak coherently.

"You've drunk so much, go and rest. What nonsense are you spouting?" Zhao Qingyun hurriedly said, not knowing that Lan Tian was so drunk and talking nonsense.

"Does he have someone he likes, or more than one? Is that why he's so upset and doesn't know how to choose?" Crown Prince Zhao Ying saw through Lan Tian's worries at a glance. This is troublesome!
“That’s right. Judging from his appearance, he’s definitely very difficult to deal with!” Zhao Qingyun agreed.

"Never mind him, let's continue our discussion and make a decision to avoid trouble," Zhao Qingyun continued. He was leaving the kid's affairs to him; he couldn't interfere anyway.

……

(End of this chapter)