MTLNOVEL Chapter 311 - Secrets
Thus, Colonel Zong and the others came not only to investigate the missing encrypted data, but also to probe the depth and strength of an unknown force lurking in the shadows.
However, the latter was a covert mission specially assigned within the battle team—apart from the higher-ups who issued the order, it was never documented in any written or communication records. Even Zhou Yuanjing, the highest-ranking official stationed here, was likely unaware of this mission.
But who is Zhou Yuanjing? A man who, just ten years ago, held the esteemed rank of Marshal of the Empire.
Though he had to step down from his marshal position due to health and political reasons, his military accomplishments, social standing, and the influence he had cultivated over the years were far from superficial. While the upper echelons of the Executive Government may not speak openly of it, Zhou still commanded significant military power—such as Rex Doronti, his former adjutant and now commander of the 23rd Legion, who was one of Zhou Yuanjing’s visible assets.
The fact that this man still stood by Zhou’s side today as loyally as ever, even ranking below Zhou’s own son, spoke volumes about his unwavering loyalty.
Although Zhou seemed to have withdrawn from the central stage of the star systems, everyone knew full well whether he had truly stepped back or not. Even those currently holding top positions in the military didn’t necessarily dare to act rashly in front of Zhou Yuanjing.
And how could Zhou possibly be satisfied with knowing only the surface of things he was interested in? Of course, he had learned of Zong Ting and the others’ mission through other channels—perhaps even more clearly than Zong Ting himself, who was merely the operative receiving the task.
Naturally, he hadn’t intended to interfere. To be honest… if this hadn’t happened on Star No. 732, the Zhou family’s ancestral territory, Zhou Yuanjing wouldn’t have had the slightest interest in getting involved in this mess.
The military had truly become more and more muddled in recent years. Back when he was in command, he wouldn’t claim absolute order, but it was rare for so many incidents of internal collusion and rampant dark forces to occur.
And that was how it should be—after all, both the military and the Executive Government were the core minds steering the Empire’s course. If malicious people or forces were allowed to infiltrate unchecked, rotting things from the inside out, the Empire would eventually fall.
Zhou Yuanjing had always prided himself on maintaining strict control in this area, placing any suspicious individuals under tight surveillance or even direct punishment.
He never expected that after he distanced himself from the center of power, the higher-ups would grow this lax. In just ten years, dozens of such incidents had taken place—even he, who rarely made an effort to keep his ear to the ground, still occasionally received news of them. It was truly absurd.
The more Zhou saw, the more irritated he became, yet he had no desire to exhaust himself over this mess—so he simply chose to turn a blind eye and focus on his recovery here on Star No. 732.
Yet in the end, he still couldn’t escape it—this time, they brought the trouble right to his doorstep.
Did the military think he was on the verge of death? Paralyzed? Incapable of moving? Sending people to test the waters over and over, dispatching large-scale search parties, wave after wave of starships delivering personnel to this sector… the least they could have done was notify him.
Zhou Yuanjing, unable to bear it any longer, directly contacted Central Star Command, demanding that they follow protocol, submit a formal report, and clearly explain the causes and consequences to him before proceeding with their operation—and then wrap it up quickly and get off Star No. 732. Did they even realize what a mess they’d made of this place over the past year?!
Even more laughable was the fact that after all this time and effort, they hadn’t even managed to capture a few rebel soldiers properly, hadn’t recovered the encrypted data either, and instead suffered heavy casualties among their own people—Zhou Yuanjing honestly didn’t even know what to say.
Fortunately, this time they finally seemed to have wised up, conducting the operation covertly and assigning more reliable personnel for the liaison—only then did Zhou Yuanjing agree to lend a hand in this final mission.
So really… he just hoped this bunch would finish up and get off his turf as soon as possible—they were seriously getting on his nerves, making it nearly impossible for him to focus on recovery.
As such, Zhou Yuanjing revealed part of the hidden intelligence he had uncovered, instructing them to follow the leads and round everyone up in one go, cleanly, so as to prevent these people from causing any more trouble on Star No. 732.
However, a few targets happened to be in the public competition arena at that time, so when the action began, it would require Zong Ting’s side to coordinate carefully, to avoid alerting the prey and scaring them off.
To Colonel Zong and the others, this was an unexpected windfall. They had no doubt about the authenticity of Zhou Yuanjing’s intel—given his position, it was impossible for him to do anything that would harm the Empire.
As expected of Zhou Yuanjing… though they didn’t know how exactly he had uncovered this group of hidden operatives that even the military’s upper ranks had missed, this intelligence would immediately smooth out the rest of their mission and reduce the risk of casualties.
Whatever Zhou Yuanjing’s intentions were, they owed him a debt.
Several of the people beside Zong Ting couldn’t help the flicker of excitement that flashed across their faces.
Zhou Yuanjing noticed it and paused for a moment, feeling a twinge of emotion—these were all young kids… Though they belonged to one of the top-tier combat units, their age and experience were plain to see. No matter how hard they tried, they simply couldn’t maintain the same unshakable composure as those seasoned veterans.
The team leader, however, appeared much steadier, his depth unreadable—even someone as experienced as Zhou Yuanjing couldn’t help but admire him as a highly promising talent.
Still, he could also tell that these youngsters were straightforward and genuine, with no ill intentions. That made Zhou Yuanjing more willing to lend them a hand, feeling that the military merit and favor he had freely given them wasn’t wasted. He could only hope they wouldn’t let him down.
“Since you’re all clear on things now, I won’t waste words. I’ve reviewed your operation plan—your current manpower likely won’t be enough. At this point, requesting reinforcements might stir up trouble, so if you don’t mind, I’ll assign some of my own people to assist with your mission. Don’t worry—they’ll only be responsible for security and civilian evacuation, and won’t interfere directly with your task. Of course, if unexpected incidents occur along the way, I can’t make any promises…”
“At that time, my son will also be attending the public competition. I’ll have him serve as the liaison between both sides to relay commands. Xiuwen, greet Colonel Zong and the others. Starting tomorrow, you’ll fully support their team in capturing the targets.”
Zhou Xiuwen, whose expression had been somewhat tense, nodded in agreement and respectfully greeted the officers across from him. His manners were impeccable—it was clear he was quite used to his father’s way of handling things.
Zhou Yuanjing, on the other hand, shot his son a slightly puzzled glance, sensing something off about him. This wasn’t the first time the boy had helped coordinate such minor operations, yet today he seemed oddly distracted. Still, now wasn’t the time to ask questions, so he pushed the thought aside and continued exchanging polite words with the visiting military team.
The conversation ended up lasting over a full star hour, and only when the other side signaled that it was time to begin the operation did the group quietly depart the Zhou residence via a secret route.