"Now!"
Luo Feng seized the opening and unleashed his full power.
This time, he no longer held back.
The strength of a Star-Level warrior erupted instantly.
BOOM!
The devastating force slammed directly into the robot's chest armor. Before such overwhelming power, the supposedly indestructible plating was as fragile as paper. It shattered apart, exposing the glowing control core hidden inside.
"Core system damaged. Initiating emergency protection protocol..."
The robot's voice became fragmented and distorted, clearly suffering critical damage.
"Finish it!"
Rowan immediately capitalized on the opportunity and launched a precise strike at the exposed core.
The attack completely destroyed the robot's control system.
The towering mechanical body froze.
A moment later, it crashed heavily onto the ground.
It never moved again.
"We finally got it," Luo Feng said, letting out a breath. "But we don't have much time. Those engine sounds are getting closer."
"Get on the ship!"
Rowan sprinted toward the transport vessel's hatch.
"We need to take off before they arrive!"
The two rushed aboard.
Rowan immediately activated the ship's systems.
Fortunately, the Black Shark Mercenary Corps used a standard military transport vessel. The controls were relatively straightforward, and with Rowan's experience, he quickly mastered the basic operations.
"Engines online. Running system diagnostics."
His fingers danced across the console.
"Good. Everything is functioning normally."
"They're here!"
Looking through the viewport, Luo Feng spotted three small aircraft rapidly approaching the canyon.
"No time left. Prepare for launch!"
Rowan activated the thrusters.
The ship slowly rose into the air.
At that moment, an enraged roar echoed from outside.
"Damn it! Those little thieves stole our ship!"
It was Karl.
Clearly, they had finally realized what was happening.
"Open fire! Stop them!"
Several laser beams shot from the pursuing aircraft and struck the rising transport vessel.
Fortunately, the ship's armor was built to military standards.
Although the attacks caused some damage, they failed to affect its overall performance.
"Hull damage detected, but flight capability remains intact."
Rowan glanced at the damage report.
"We need to get out of the Mist Forbidden Zone as quickly as possible."
"They're still chasing us."
Luo Feng monitored the rear sensors.
"And they don't look like they're giving up."
"Then we'll shake them off."
A faint smile appeared on Rowan's face.
"Let's show them what real piloting looks like."
The transport ship accelerated.
Under Rowan's skilled control, it weaved through the dangerous terrain with astonishing agility.
The Mist Forbidden Zone was a nightmare for ordinary pilots.
For a seasoned cosmic adventurer like Rowan, however, it was the perfect cover.
"How are they flying like that?!"
Shouts of disbelief came from the pursuing aircraft.
"I don't care who they are!"
Karl roared furiously.
"They're not escaping today! Full pursuit! We take back that ship no matter what!"
Yet under Rowan's control, the bulky transport vessel moved like a nimble fighter jet.
It darted between mountains and canyon walls with ease.
Compared to him, the pursuers looked clumsy.
Several times, they nearly crashed into the rocky cliffs.
"They can't keep up anymore," Luo Feng said excitedly.
"We're almost clear."
"Don't relax yet," Rowan warned.
"Not until we're completely out of the Mist Forbidden Zone."
After half an hour of pursuit, the ship finally broke through the outer boundary of the forbidden region.
The dense mist gradually faded away.
A vast sea of stars once again appeared before them.
"We're finally out."
Luo Feng let out a long sigh.
"This adventure was far more intense than I expected."
"Yeah."
Rowan nodded.
"We didn't get the treasures we were looking for, but at least we made it out alive."
He patted the control console.
"And we accidentally acquired a pretty decent ship."
Looking back, they could see Karl's aircraft stopping at the edge of the Mist Forbidden Zone.
Clearly, they had no intention of continuing the chase.
Out in open space, their small craft were no match for a military transport vessel.
"So where do we go now?" Luo Feng asked.
"First, we find a safe place to dock and plan our next move."
Rowan studied the star map.
"Even though things didn't go as expected, we gained valuable experience. Next time we face something like this, we'll know how to handle it."
"And what about the inheritance of that ancient civilization?"
Luo Feng still sounded somewhat unwilling to let it go.
"Silas said we'd have another chance to return."
"That's true."
Rowan nodded.
"If the opportunity comes, we'll definitely go back and complete those trials."
"The knowledge of that civilization could be incredibly useful for our cultivation."
"But right now, survival comes first."
The ship cruised steadily through space.
The growing distance from the Mist Forbidden Zone allowed both men to finally relax.
After confirming their location on the star chart, Rowan activated autopilot mode.
Then he turned toward Luo Feng, who was organizing their equipment.
"I guess this adventure is officially over."
Rowan leaned back in the pilot's chair.
A trace of exhaustion lingered in his voice.
"Even if the outcome wasn't exactly what we expected."
"True."
Luo Feng set down his gear and walked to the viewport.
"Who would've thought we'd run into so many unexpected situations?"
"But it wasn't a complete loss."
"We saw the ruins of an ancient civilization and got ourselves a pretty impressive ship."
"Speaking of which, this ship really is excellent."
Rowan tapped the control panel.
"The Black Shark Mercenary Corps may be terrible people, but they're willing to spend money on equipment."
"This transport ship's navigation system and defensive armor are all military-grade."
"You can't buy something like this on the open market."
"So what do you plan to do with it?"
Luo Feng asked curiously.
"After all, it's technically our... spoils of war."
"Keep it for now."
Rowan thought for a moment.
"It might be useful in the future."
"And trying to sell it would probably attract unnecessary trouble."
"The Black Shark Mercenary Corps has influence throughout the galaxy."
"Their ships undoubtedly carry special identification markers."
"That makes sense."
Luo Feng nodded.
"So where are we heading next?"
The question caused Rowan to fall silent.
After this adventure, he had gained a much clearer understanding of his future.
Exploration and treasure hunting were exciting.
But he also realized he couldn't keep wandering forever.
"I've been thinking."
Rowan spoke slowly.
"Maybe it's time to end this vacation."
"This life of adventure has been amazing, but I'm still a core member of the Virtual Universe Company."
"I can't keep drifting around forever."
"You're going back to resume your duties?"
Luo Feng looked surprised.
"I thought you'd continue living this carefree lifestyle."
"It is tempting."
Rowan smiled.
"But everyone has responsibilities."
"The Virtual Universe Company gave me opportunities, resources, and support."
"I can't keep enjoying the benefits without fulfilling my obligations."
"Besides, there are plenty of fascinating research projects there."
"It's not necessarily less exciting than adventure."
"You've got a point."
Luo Feng recalled the immense influence of the organization.
"At that level, the things you encounter must be far beyond our little expeditions."
"More importantly, I don't think I'm strong enough yet."
Rowan's expression became serious.
"The experience in the Mist Forbidden Zone made me realize just how much I still don't understand about the universe."
"If I want to explore deeper mysteries someday, I need to become stronger first."
"I agree completely."
Luo Feng nodded.
"We may seem powerful to ordinary people, but compared to truly top-tier experts, we're still far behind."
"Even Silas, just a projection of him, put enormous pressure on us."
"That's why I've decided to return to the Virtual Universe Company."
Rowan's eyes shone with determination.
"I want to study the advanced cultivation methods available there."
"The company possesses countless rare manuals and powerful mentors."
"Resources that simply can't be found elsewhere."
"When are you planning to go back?" Luo Feng asked.
"After we find a suitable transfer station and deal with this ship."
Rowan calculated briefly.
"Probably a few more days."
Then he suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, what are your plans?"
He looked at Luo Feng.
"Why not come with me and take a look at the Virtual Universe Company?"
"With your talent, they'd definitely offer you excellent terms if you joined."
Luo Feng fell silent.
The reputation of the Virtual Universe Company was known throughout the cosmos.
Joining such an organization was a dream for countless warriors.
"It is an attractive offer," he admitted.
"But I have another idea."
"What idea?"
"I want to go back to Earth."
A nostalgic look appeared in Luo Feng's eyes.
"I've been away from home for so long."
"I want to see it again."
"Earth?"
A similar expression appeared on Rowan's face.
"I haven't been back in ages either."
"Since joining the company, I've spent most of my time at headquarters or traveling between planets on assignments."
"It's true. I've been away from home for a very long time."
"You miss it too?" Luo Feng asked.
"Of course."
Rowan answered honestly.
"I've witnessed countless wonders across the universe."
"But Earth will always be our home."
"The familiar blue skies."
"The unique culture."
"And..."
"And the food."
Luo Feng grinned knowingly.
"I still remember the aroma of Peking duck."
"The fiery spice of Sichuan hot pot."
"The delicate craftsmanship of Cantonese dim sum."
"Haha, now you've made me miss it even more."
Rowan laughed.
"When I was a kid, my favorite food was the dumplings my mother made."
"And the rice cakes we ate during New Year celebrations."
"After spending so long surviving on nutrient solutions and synthetic food, I've realized there's something irreplaceable about the taste of home."
"Exactly."
Luo Feng nodded.
"And the atmosphere of the traditional festivals."
"Mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival."
"Rice dumplings during the Dragon Boat Festival."
"Every tradition carries generations of history and meaning."
"Other planets have celebrations too, but they never feel quite the same."
"It's not just the food and festivals."
A nostalgic light appeared in Rowan's eyes.
"It's the places themselves."
"The rolling waters of great rivers."
"The sea of clouds above ancient mountains."
"The breathtaking landscapes that shaped our memories."
"The universe contains countless beautiful worlds."
"But Earth will always be special."
"Hearing all this makes me want to go back even more."
Luo Feng's voice carried deep homesickness.
"I want to see how things have changed."
"Taste familiar foods."
"Catch up with old friends."
"Then why don't you postpone your return to the company?"
Luo Feng suddenly suggested.
"We could go back together."
"The company won't collapse if you're gone a little longer."
Rowan hesitated.
The temptation was real.
"I'd love to go with you."
He thought carefully before speaking.
"But I really do need to return soon."
"This extended leave has already caused me to miss several important projects."
"If I delay any longer, it could affect my work."
"Fair enough."
Luo Feng nodded understandingly.
"The company's responsibilities can't simply be ignored."
"Still, you've given me an idea."
A hopeful glimmer appeared in Rowan's eyes.
"Maybe I can apply for a short family leave after handling my urgent responsibilities."
"Then I could spend some time back on Earth."
"That would be perfect."
Luo Feng smiled.
"When that happens, we'll travel across the planet together and eat our way through every region."
"Just thinking about it sounds amazing."
Rowan laughed.
"But before that, you should head back first."
"You can scout things out for me."
"See how Earth has changed."
"No problem."
Luo Feng agreed immediately.
"I'll gather information and be your guide when you return."
"Then it's settled."
Rowan extended his hand.
"Once I've finished my work at the company, I'll contact you."
"We'll visit Earth together."
"Deal."
Luo Feng firmly shook his hand.
"And I promise you'll get the most authentic taste of home."
As they continued talking, the ship's navigation system suddenly emitted a notification tone.
A large transfer station had appeared ahead.
Built within an asteroid belt, it was a bustling commercial hub where merchants and travelers from countless worlds stopped to rest and resupply.
"Perfect."
Rowan looked at the information on the display.
"We can part ways there."
"You can catch a flight back to Earth."
"And I can arrange transportation to the Virtual Universe Company."
"It looks huge."
Luo Feng observed the increasingly visible structures ahead.
"We should be able to find everything we need there."
The transport ship gradually slowed as it approached the docking zone.
Through the viewport, they could see the enormous complex built into the asteroid itself.
Ships of every shape and size moved constantly through the surrounding space, a vivid testament to the station's importance and prosperity.
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