Chapter 1218 - 1082: Tension at Swordpoint

Chapter 1218: Chapter 1082: Tension at Swordpoint

The fleeing starship began attacking the fluctuation points, and the ambushers were instantly enraged.

However, they couldn’t force a connection with the other party and could only launch a saturation attack while signaling with lights.

"We have to issue a stern warning and show we’re ready to do whatever it takes... Block the attack with small ships if necessary!"

The signal conveyed a harsh attitude, indicating that if the other party attacked again, they would be held infinitely responsible.

Qu Jianlei and others saw the signal but scoffed at the warning.

Even Mu Yu, who was known for his good temper, couldn’t help but shake his head, "What were they doing all this time?"

The Paranoid even suggested, "Since they care so much, let’s bombard them fiercely and then leave. It would be best if we could blow them up!"

One has to admit, this guy is truly accustomed to acting on his own will, not caring at all about outsiders’ opinions.

Qu Jianlei actually disagrees with this kind of behavior that harms others without benefiting oneself.

But since his companions were interested, he didn’t want to spoil the fun and arranged for four starships to attack the fluctuation points from all directions.

The other side saw this and nearly exploded with rage, having to withdraw the small ships and even use their own hulls to block the attack.

It took about ten minutes for Qu Jianlei’s side to destroy all five small ships and damage two of the other’s main ships.

At that moment, Little Lake issued a warning, "Five million kilometers away, there’s an unidentified energy fluctuation!"

Actually, to actively detect abnormal energy fluctuations from such a distance is really quite difficult.

However, a few gun-like probes had been temporarily installed on the Omen Ship.

These probes perceive space fluctuations but can also detect other energies to a certain extent.

The key is the sufficiently high power, making it not strange to discover energy fluctuations millions of kilometers away when actively probing.

After receiving the message, Qu Jianlei arranged for a volley before leaving the battlefield.

Others also knew that a new starship had been discovered and felt it was an appropriate time to leave.

But the Paranoid couldn’t resist saying, "We should try using the antimatter annihilation bullet."

Using an antimatter bullet easily causes space instability, and using it would certainly add fuel to the fire.

"Come on," Qu Jianlei glanced at him and shook his head helplessly, "You might end up dragging us down too!"

The Paranoid didn’t care and replied, "Unless you go a little crazy, how can you scare those bastards?"

Qu Jianlei gave him a white look, "They’ve got the chance, we can still snatch it, but if it’s all gone, then there’s really no hope."

Anyhow, although they went away on top, encountering such a thing is truly disappointing.

The four starships ran out over hundreds of millions of kilometers, finally successfully escaping with the cover of a small star body.

During this process, they seriously discussed when this space fluctuation might finally erupt.

Ultimately, no one was willing to calmly give up on a possible opportunity.

But concerning this, no one had experiences, not even the famously well-informed Nutrient Injection could make a judgment.

Fortunately, he could at least confirm, "The energy fluctuation of this magnitude isn’t likely to breach space barriers in the short term."

Qu Jianlei nodded in agreement, acknowledging that energy accumulation requires a process.

For a volcanic eruption on Blue Star, the time from signs to eruption might take many years, let alone space barriers?

But he couldn’t help but ask, "What’s the shortest duration?"

Nutrient Injection shrugged, and answered helplessly, "I’m grateful for your trust, but I really don’t know about this."

Qu Jianlei touched his forehead, also feeling speechless, "Are there related data? I can try to calculate."

Nutrient Injection paused before answering, "This can be asked about, but... you’ll need to model first, right?"

"That’s not very difficult," Qu Jianlei replied casually, "As long as there’s enough data, I can try to calculate."

Mu Yu couldn’t help but ask, "Besides calculating divine texts, can you calculate this?"

Qu Jianlei smiled, "Necessity compels me, do you think I want to? There’s really no one else who can help."

Granny Jia spoke up, "Modeling’s not a simple task, is there enough time?"

Qu Jianlei pointed his mouth at Nutrient Injection, "You’ll have to ask him, I can strive for the shortest time."

Nutrient Injection could only smile wryly, "I’ll only say I’ll try my best, aiming to get enough data within one or two years."

Flower Scorpion was taken aback, "One or two years?"

She was born on Garbage Star, with serious gaps in related knowledge, though she’s not afraid to ask directly.

Nutrient Injection didn’t find it surprising and answered casually, "Within this time, space barriers shouldn’t change."

Qu Jianlei nodded in agreement, "Compared to the long evolution process of the universe, human lifespans are pitifully short."

The topic ends here with everyone concluding that breaking space barriers in the short term is impossible.

Next, it’s time for the teleportation array test.

Though everyone can basically determine that the misstep of near-ground leap is due to space fluctuation, it still needs verification.

——The consequences of this mistake are simply too terrifying; no one could possibly rest assured until it’s confirmed.

This time, everyone conducted experiments deep in space.

Aiming to stay as far away from Qingyuan Star as possible, they planned to probe the surrounding space fluctuations before testing as a precaution.

It turned out that the teleportation array was reliable after all, but completing a series of tests cost them over twenty days.

Combined with the nearly twenty days previously wasted, the whole trip took them more than a month and a half.

Regardless, identifying the cause of the teleportation malfunction made it all worthwhile.

The group began their return trip, and this time they could only use the small Business Starship.

On the way back, everyone shifted their focus, discussing space fluctuations more heavily.

The behavior of everyone showed that no one was willing to let potential opportunities slip away.

However, there was no more information available, and none could even confirm the nature of the group lying in ambush.

What "Direct Action Team," was just their own claim, others had to believe it.

Nutrient Injection noted that verifying identities wasn’t difficult, as the matter drew more attention the further it progressed.

So everyone chatted while heading towards Qingyuan Star.

When they were still over twenty million kilometers away from Qingyuan Star, a warship appeared ahead, bearing military insignia.

Throughout this month, the team had encountered military patrols several times, but they had discreetly avoided them each time.

Now, they were aboard a Business Starship with poor stealth and a record officially registered and verified.

Upon detecting them, the patrol signaled them to halt for inspection.

"Quite a formation," Flower Scorpion grumbled discontentedly, "Three starships, really!"

There were two large starships and a smaller one, the smaller bearing the Customs Enforcement Division’s insignia, merely a company-level Attack Ship.

Still, having a Customs Enforcement Warship conduct checks alongside the military was rather unusual, given that the Customs Enforcement Division monitors the military as well.

But Paranoid and Granny Jia both expressed that it was hardly surprising—merely a multi-departmental routine.

Since they had already signaled for a stop, all they could do was cooperate as best as possible.

However, as they gradually decelerated, the three starships did not draw close but instead adopted a defensive posture.

Qu Jianlei frowned at this sight, suddenly recalling a possibility, "Could this have anything to do with Si Xi?"

The Military Police Department’s hostility towards them has always seemed somewhat inexplicable.

Although it was later resolved and no further action ensued, the reason remained uncertain.

So whether they would stir up any trouble again was really unpredictable.

Nutrient Injection raised an eyebrow at this, "They’re really... oh well, hopefully no one is foolish enough to act irrationally."

Just as he finished speaking, a voice came through the public channel.

"Personal Starship 3566, under the authority granted by Imperial law, we will conduct a comprehensive inspection of your vessel. Please cooperate!"

"Are you kidding!" Nutrient Injection angrily exclaimed, "A comprehensive inspection... Why?"

Others might not grasp the gravity of this situation, but he understood it all too well. A tool starship used daily by nobles—who would inspect it without reason?

If a noble felt insulted and believed only blood could uphold their glory, they might issue a challenge to a duel.

"In extraordinary times, your understanding is appreciated," the other side responded icily.

"If you have objections to the inspection, you may file a petition with the Imperial authorities afterward, but for now... cooperation is mandatory!"

The latter statement carried a noticeably rude tone, with not even the pretense of courtesy.

Nutrient Injection snorted coldly but made no argument, simply remarking, "I hope you respect yourselves and don’t cause trouble for yourselves!"

"Cause trouble for ourselves?" the other side paused in surprise, then erupted in anger, "Am I to take this as a threat to law enforcement?"

Nutrient Injection lazily responded, "I’m merely offering a friendly reminder to not overestimate your importance!"

"Is that so?" the other side sneered, "It’s rare to see such reckless nobility. Dare to give your name?"

"Nobility... reckless?" Nutrient Injection was momentarily stunned, then instantly furious.

"I can assure you, you’re doomed!"

"To challenge noble glory, no one can save you!"

Nevertheless, the other side replied with unyielding confidence, "Noble glory? Ha, that’s nothing to us; our sole allegiance is to the Imperial!"

In the next moment, he raised his voice, "All units, note: perform warning shots and prepare to launch a full-scale attack anytime!"

As this command was issued, space around them twisted, revealing two company-level warships.

Nutrient Injection, experienced though he was, couldn’t help but pause, "They even have stealth warships?"

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