Chapter 53: Hand in Hand, Setting Off on a Journey, Traversing Thirty-Six Stars…

After the teasing, the atmosphere inside the ship lightened up a bit.

Xie Jianxun shrank back and tugged One downward as well.

The mechanical puppet obediently leaned forward, bringing its ear close to Xie Jianxun’s mouth. The human asked in the most serious tone, “Do you—have something on your mind—”

“Yes.”

Unexpectedly, One admitted it straightforwardly.

Xie Jianxun said in surprise, “Really? I was just guessing.”

One replied, “I’m wondering, since we didn’t get the golden fruit, how are you going to leave this planet on time?”

At that, Xie Jianxun’s face fell, and he huffed.

He drawled in an unhappy tone while glaring at it, “What else can we do? We’ll figure it out when the time comes.”

The Patrol Army Captain twisted the steering wheel, having overheard the conversation behind him.

“You’re worried about that?”

He said casually, “I have connections at the transport port. When the time comes, I’ll make a call and secure two empty seats for you.”

The problem was solved just like that!

Xie Jianxun said joyfully, “That’s fantastic, thank you, Captain!”

He tried to liven himself up a bit to ease the mood.

Ever since hearing the news about the king insect disappearing, everyone’s faces had darkened, as if their ancestors’ graves had been dug up—oppressively gloomy.

Truth be told, it wasn’t good news.

But scaring themselves to death before even reaching the city—wasn’t that a loss?

Wait a second…

Come to think of it, why had One’s attitude subtly changed as well?

Could it be that it was thrilled knowing its old nemesis insect wasn’t fully dead?

He thought for a moment, then said lightly to One, “Once everything’s settled, how about we go traveling together? I collected guides from Star Net for the thirty-six most beautiful tourist planets earlier—they’re great year-round.”

One replied obediently, “Thank you for the guides. But do you have money?”

Xie Jianxun immediately said, “Of course I do, I’m loaded…”

He trailed off, suddenly remembering the financial channels still gripped by the steward, and deflated. He fanned himself with his hand sulkily.

“Poor travel is still travel,”

the young master muttered. “I’m not picky. As long as I can eat my fill and find a place to sleep, anywhere works. Worst case, I pick up a part-time job locally for a couple days to earn some food money.”

Unexpectedly, One discussed the details with him earnestly, seemingly interested in the trip as well.

“The quality of poor travel isn’t great. In that case, you’d better prepare essentials in advance, like a toothbrush, towel, and spare power for your light brain.”

“If camping is needed, shouldn’t you also prepare a tent and sleeping bag?”

“Yes, you’ve thought of everything.”

Xie Jianxun pondered, then said hesitantly, “We’d have to buy all that at the start. Hmm… find a planet with low prices, stock up on everything, then hit the road.”

Suddenly, he grabbed One’s hand.

“Come with me?”

The human’s eyes shone brightly. The mechanical puppet paused for a moment before replying docilely, “Of course. I’ll go with you.”

Xie Jianxun shook its hand, grinning from ear to ear. “Great! I’ve always wanted a travel buddy—we can look out for each other on the road. Some food spots even have group meals!”

Up front, the adjutant touched an arm and sighed, “Nice.”

Another round of sleepless shift-driving followed.

The first few days inside the ship had been filled with chatter, and the Patrol Army Captain occasionally used the comm buckle to contact the scout ship ahead.

By the latter half of the return to the city, with the distance on the map shrinking drastically, no one felt like talking anymore. They just floored the accelerator.

For a moment, the landship fell unusually quiet, save for the beeps from the comm channel.

“Flowing Sand River branch ahead—proceed with caution.”

“Take the right detour.”

Now Xie Jianxun sat in the passenger seat, with One driving.

The two in the back leaned back-to-back, using their armor’s rigidity for support as they caught some quiet shut-eye.

One gripped the wheel steadily. As a mechanical puppet, its eyes could see even farther than the scout ship ahead, scouting the terrain better.

Without needing the scout ship’s reminder, it turned the wheel, smoothly bypassing the Flowing Sand River tributary without disturbing the dozing young human in the passenger seat.

It was still mulling over Xie Jianxun’s words.

Hand in hand, setting off on a journey.

Together across thirty-six stars.

The mechanical puppet’s pale blue eyes flickered obviously.

This flicker went far beyond mere reflection—indicator lights truly flashed in its eyes.

If a human had stood before it, they would have spotted it instantly.

If they really journeyed together across so many places, eventually, this sweet little lamb would willingly settle down with it somewhere.

Of its own accord, forever by its side.

Suddenly, it smiled, though the smile didn’t reach its eyes.

Xie Jianxun: “…”

He woke groggily and squinted to see One smiling, though nothing was ahead—kind of creepy.

He snapped awake and fiddled with the windshield. “What’re you thinking about, smiling like that—so, uh, un happy.”

One chuckled. “How could that be? I was thinking about our future travels together.”

The mechanical puppet’s voice softened, as if lost in pleasant imaginings.

“Staring at this desert too long makes one crave a change of scenery. Will we see the ocean? Sitting atop an island peak, watching beaches and shells washed by blue waves.”

“Or book a restaurant at the highest spot to watch beautiful fireworks.”

Xie Jianxun fell into the fantasy too.

He flopped happily like a fish, his toes curling up.

“Yeah, yeah! Seeing the sea doesn’t cost money. My guides have six planets with famous ocean spots—we’ll plan the itinerary carefully! You’ll have to help me check it too.”

“You’re so good…”

But the mechanical puppet sighed softly.

Huh? Xie Jianxun blinked in confusion. “Of course I am.”

“Even better—we’re almost there.”

One abruptly changed the subject, slightly raising the windshield.

Wind and sand blasted in, jolting the two in back awake.

The Patrol Army Captain rose slowly, peering through the window to count the surrounding ships. As leader, he needed to tally the team promptly.

The adjutant bolted upright. “We’re here, we’re here!”

The massive city walls entered their view, rising like a colossal beast from beyond the horizon.

The familiar gold, the familiar sturdy walls.

A crowd had already gathered at the gates, waving colorful flags and banners—the family and friends who had seen them off before, now rushing out enthusiastically upon hearing of their return.

They formed a small group, blowing little horns and cheering, shouting.

The returnees started as tiny black dots, gradually forming into familiar landship shapes.

The lead scout ship arrived first, parking on the open ground.

Patrol troops soldiers had barely stepped from the driver’s seat when the welcoming crowd swarmed them, handing out water and towels.

As if they hadn’t gone adventuring, but just finished a marathon.

The other landships arrived one after another, lining up in a vast, orderly fleet on the open ground.

People disembarked, embracing loved ones and recounting the journey’s events. Voices boiled over chaotically; no one could hear, so they shouted louder.

Xie Jianxun opened the door and stepped out, first blinded by sand, then smothered in hugs.

The familiar scolding of the young inn boss rang in his ears: “…Did they look down on logistics and starve you?! How’d you lose so much weight!”

Xie Jianxun wriggled free from the embrace, eyes sparkling as he shouted happily, “Asa! We’re back!”

“Don’t call me that.”

The young inn boss shot back mercilessly, then turned. “You too—welcome back.”

One nodded slightly, smiling as it accepted the welcome.

“Where’s Basero? Not with you?”

Alex looked around, spotting no Basero—until a hard pat on his shoulder made him whirl like a startled cat and kick backward viciously.

It hit dead on the shin; Basero yelped in pain and jumped back.

“Asa, you’re so heartless,” the caravan captain complained. “How’d you know it was me?”

Alex said coolly, “No one else would do that.”

Basero muttered, “Cold little sunflower.”

Alex eyed him disbelievingly, scanning up and down before turning to ask, “…What’s up with you guys?”

“One by one, looking like you haven’t eaten. Was the joint exploration that tough?”

Basero hooked an arm around his neck and sighed. “Yeah, brutal. Almost didn’t make it back to see you.”

Alex: “How so?”

Basero: “Let’s head back first—shower, eat, then I’ll tell you slowly…”

He trailed off, slowly turning toward the distant hill with a puzzled look. “Am I hallucinating?”

Everyone reacted the same, some lowering their horns.

In the silence, someone murmured, “Did I hear something?”

An insect poked its head from behind a dune; the crowd screamed, and a shot took it down.

Before they could relax, three or four more peeked out.

Then four or five.

Dozens.

Hundreds? Thousands.

With a boom, everyone’s minds went blank. Shouts mixed with curses as the crowd surged toward the city.

Only heavy artillery could stand against this insect tide!

Too many—way too many!

City defense troops, weapons in hand, bellowed hoarsely to evacuate the crowd: “Back inside! Insect disaster—closing the gates!!!”

Xie Jianxun’s feet left the ground.

One scooped him up and streaked like the wind into the city, followed by panting Alex and Basero, and most of the scrambling crowd.

The city defense held their nerve until the last person was in, then slammed the gates shut eyes closed. The lead insect got crushed between the heavy doors.

The crunch of shattering bones set teeth on edge, but no one cared now.

The watchtowers blared alarms, and masses of city defense troops poured out.

Armed with Golden City’s elite weapons and in great numbers, they had no trouble repelling the insect swarm. Soon, the gates were piled with mangled insect limbs.

Xie Jianxun sat in the inn’s first-floor lobby, waiting for dinner.

Basero entered from outside, wiping sweat with a towel, sharing the intel he’d gathered.

As a worldly caravan captain, he always had unexpected connections.

“No clue where these insects came from—no new burrows detected nearby.”

He draped the towel over a chairback, tilting his head to bask in the inn’s central AC, looking relieved.

Noticing Xie Jianxun’s gaze, Basero grinned. “It’s scorching out there—barely stepped out and I’m soaked… Got anything to drink?”

One rose and poured him a cup of tea, which Basero downed in one go.

Just then, Alex emerged from the kitchen with two big plates of golden fried rice. Seeing him, he raised a brow. “So?”

Basero shrugged. “No source found.”

Alex pursed his lips unhappily. “Useless City Lord’s Mansion.”

Basero walked over, hand on his shoulder, voice low. “Don’t say that—they’re trying…” He raised his voice. “Lemme see what our little Asa made today—oh! Golden fried rice. Nothing else?”

Sure enough, the young boss’s attention shifted. “Be grateful there’s food. Look at little Xie—respects my hard work. Now look at you.”

Basero muttered, “He hasn’t been eating the same thing for ten years… Fine, fine, I’ll eat.”

Xie Jianxun chimed in immediately. “Today’s fried rice is delicious! Crispy but not dry, and the pork strips are super fragrant!”

Seeing them about to tussle shoulder-to-shoulder, Xie Jianxun seized the moment to slip away, plate in hand, dragging One back to his room.

Outside, Alex’s sullen mutter continued.

“Yeah, that’s right—the useless guy who’s only made fried rice for ten years—is that what you wanna say?!”

Then Basero’s voice begging for mercy rang out: “No, no, I could eat it for another ten years, no problem at all.”

Xie Jianxun patted his chest with lingering fear. “I can’t butt into their argument—better not get involved…” He suddenly realized something. “No wonder Asa never interferes with the chef’s usual work. Turns out he only knows this one dish.”

The voice outside paused for a moment, and the young boss’s sinister face appeared in the small window on the door panel.

“What did you just say? Come out and say it again?!”