During this period, Little Fatty was either at Songhai or Mist Forest.

Lu Siyu advised him, saying Tang Fei had returned, and the border guards would receive the news first.

Can the naked eye be better than radar?

After all, Lu Yan of the Fire Dragon Squadron needs to lead patrols on all fronts every day. If there's news of Tang Fei's return, it would certainly be reported to the home and base immediately.

But Little Fatty wouldn't listen and continued to wait at these two places every day.

Because he knew, big brother would return either from the Songhai side or the Mist Forest side.

If, like last time, he's attacked by enemy aircraft upon returning, Little Fatty could be there to support immediately...

"Little Fatty, you're almost becoming a stone waiting for your brother."

On the steep mountain ridge of Nine Curves, Lu Siyu stood beside Little Fatty and spoke.

She guarded the old man every day, initially having great confidence in Tang Fei. In her impression, there was nothing Tang Fei couldn't accomplish.

But as the old man's health worsened and his vital signs weakened, her anxiety grew.

Why hasn't Tang Fei returned?

Can he really 'invite' Doctor Qin Luo back from that dangerous place?

Will he be alright?

So, when Little Fatty went out to wait for Tang Fei today, she followed.

Just in case.

"Sis, you're teasing me again." Little Fatty laughed innocently.

"Don't worry, Tang Fei will be fine. He's as cunning as a fox; who could keep him there?"

Little Fatty then looked thoughtfully at Lu Siyu, saying: "Sis, aren't you more worried than me?"

"How is that possible?" Lu Siyu's cheeks reddened, immediately denying.

What's this guy babbling about? Is she the kind of woman who worries about others?

Then she saw Little Fatty's pure eyes and innocent expression...

Well, he was just speaking casually.

Was her reaction too intense?

"Otherwise, you wouldn't have come here with me to wait." Little Fatty looked serious: "Knowing hope is slim yet still came..."

"I just wanted to get some fresh air..." Lu Siyu finally found a good reason, explaining to Little Fatty: "Moreover, the old man's health is worrying. If Tang Fei could come back early... there's more chance."

She seldom called Lu Yu 'father' in public; despite acknowledging each other for quite some time, they still felt awkward.

After all, that role was absent from her growth for nearly twenty years...

She preferred calling him the old man like Tang Fei did, finding it natural and affectionate.

"I believe you." Little Fatty nodded earnestly.

"..."

As they chatted, a black Star Disc suddenly shot out from the canyon, racing toward Nine Curves.

"Big brother is back. It's big brother." Little Fatty waved excitedly.

Lu Siyu was also delighted, though she still couldn't help but doubt: "Not sure if it's him yet."

"It's definitely big brother. Definitely." Little Fatty was absolutely certain.

He didn't yet understand what it meant to say one thing and mean another.

As if the Star Disc noticed their presence, it swiftly flew toward them.

The porthole opened, and that familiar face appeared before them, his smile as bright as ever, like the sunshine above, shouting cheerfully, exuding youthful vigor: "I'm back."

"Brother, I knew you'd be fine, I knew you'd return today..."

"Doctor Qin Luo?" Lu Siyu anxiously looked inside the cabin.

"He's here too." Tang Fei understood what Lu Siyu was worried about, and he felt the same. "The old man..."

"Not good."

Tang Fei's heart sank, speaking: "Go home."

So, without landing, the Star Disc led the way ahead.

Little Fatty and Lu Siyu also boarded the same mini fighter they came with, chasing the Star Disc toward Mechanical City.

Mechanical City. City Lord Mansion.

The Star Disc descended slowly; Lu Dongsheng, who had already received the news, led the Lu Clan to welcome them.

Tang Fei was the first to leave the Star Disc, looking at Lu Dongsheng as he asked: "The old man? Is the situation serious?"

With a serious expression, Lu Dongsheng replied: "A few days ago, the Dragon Blood Nutrient Liquid stored in the nutrition tank was still enough to maintain his vital functions."

"But recently, his physical symptoms have weakened, requiring more nutrient liquid, and the original supply is about to run out. We've not yet developed a substitute medicine..."

"Thus, the situation is extremely critical now. Surgery must be done quickly."

Scientific research isn't like hosting a dinner where time, place, and attendance are certain.

One might exhaust countless resources and manpower without obtaining satisfactory results.

Hence, they cannot wait for the successful research of substitute nutrient liquid; the old man's surgery must be done first.

If the surgery succeeds, he'll have more time to wait for nutrient liquid...

Perhaps by then it won't be needed.

"I understand." Tang Fei nodded, pointed to Qin Luo who walked out of the Star Disc, and introduced: "This is Doctor Qin Luo..."

Lu Dongsheng's eyes lit up as he quickly stepped forward, shook Qin Luo's hand, and gratefully said: "Doctor Qin, timely arriving amidst your busy schedule, we of the Lu Clan will always remember this kindness."

"..." Qin Luo was quite speechless.

Who would willingly spare time from their busy schedule to come here?

Could I refuse?

Did you ask for my opinion?

Of course, he knew his protests were futile.

He's already here...

Qin Luo smiled as he shook hands with Lu Dongsheng, saying: "Minister Lu, long time no see."

Lu Dongsheng was once a prominent figure in the Imperial bureaucracy; Qin Luo had many dealings with him. How could they not know each other?

He didn't expect their next meeting would be far away in this Barren Land, and his identity had changed from Mechanical Minister to one of the Empire's top five fugitives...

It was quite absurd.

Considering his own situation, he feared soon he too would be listed with them?

Who did I offend?

"Indeed, long time no see." Lu Dongsheng too sighed deeply.

They led the Lu Clan onto such a path, uncertain of what the final outcome might be.

If victorious, the Lu Clan will restore its glory over a millennium and become the Empire's top family.

If they lose, the Mechanical Clan will be destroyed.

Lu Dongsheng knew well, with Shen Wuxiang's temperament, someone is either friend or foe.

If they cannot be used, then they must be destroyed.

Previously, when the Zhong Family held power, they needed to maintain stability, and all parties could only suppress them covertly, but could not destroy the Lu Clan by force.

Once the Shen Family fully assumes power, they won't have such concerns; the Tang Family will serve as their 'example.'

Tang Fei was about to introduce the dean of Imperial Maritime Hospital, Zhang Pan, and Qin Luo's assistant to Lu Dongsheng, when he saw Lu Shiyu rushing toward them, shouting: "Third Master, Third Master... Uncle is not doing well... the doctor says uncle is not doing well..."

Everyone's expression changed dramatically, and they immediately ran toward the Heavenly Craft Institute.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.