King of Assassins

"Sea Dragon Star has a diameter of 37,000 kilometers, with little water on the surface, mostly desert, and a climate of persistent drought. Large-scale sandstorms are frequent..."

In the advanced conference room of the Star River Battleship, Qiao Yongming, the second commander on the ground of Sea Dragon Star, was introducing the basic situation of Sea Dragon Star to everyone.

A giant 3D projection light screen clearly displayed the terrain of Sea Dragon Star.

Qiao Yongming used an electronic pen to highlight points on the screen and said, "This red plant is called the Red Hair Tree, able to absorb sunlight and convert nutrients, and is the most drought-resistant. After hundreds of years of cultivation, the desertification environment of Sea Dragon Star has greatly improved.

"However, this Red Hair Tree has a strong interference with electromagnetic signals. Therefore, wireless communication on the planet's surface is very poor. The electromagnetic interference is stronger deep underground, making wireless information almost impossible to transmit..."

Qiao Yongming was a serious middle-aged man, and when he was introducing, he appeared very rigid.

These common pieces of knowledge could obviously be skipped over, but he diligently explained them to everyone.

Pan sat in the center of the first row of the conference room, arms crossed, with a very serious expression on her face.

She was also quite dissatisfied with Qiao Yongming's rigidity. But Qiao Yongming was the second commander of Sea Dragon Star and the chief responsible officer for the underground extermination of the Alien Race.

Although he couldn't be considered a high-ranking official, he was indeed a real military authority. Their current operation required his cooperation.

Pan was unhappy internally, yet she still endeavored to appear very earnest.

Sitting next to Pan, Talos had a profound gaze, completely ignoring the lecture, and his attention was largely on Helen and Gao Xuan behind him.

In terms of both status and position, he was much higher than Qiao Yongming. So, there was no need to appear obedient in front of him.

Sitting in the back corner, Gao Xuan and Helen weren't listening attentively either. The two were whispering to each other or occasionally nibbling on something.

Their intimate behavior, as if no one else was present, drew others' glances.

There were also many middle-ranking officers in the conference room, most of whom were brought by Pan, with a small number belonging to Talos's trusted aides.

This time, Pan was determined to assist her nephew in eradicating the Lizardmen, bringing the elite she had nurtured over many years.

Talos also brought four Silver Sword Heroes and more than twenty Swordsmen. These were his retinue and protectors.

Accomplishing such a significant task was impossible alone. At least a small-scale team would be needed.

War isn't a duel between two people. The Lizardmen are a vast race, numbering in the tens of millions. Their intelligence is also very high, at least not inferior to humans.

Moreover, the Lizardmen possess the Source Power Cultivation Methods. In the deep underground world, most modern weapons would fail.

Under such circumstances, exterminating the entire race of Lizardmen is no easy task.

Hence, a professional team is needed to collect intelligence, analyze information, make decisions, ensure logistics, etc.

Hercules had spoken with Gao Xuan about organizing a team for him. Yet, Gao Xuan declined.

When venturing underground, the fewer people, the better. Alone, he had no logistical pressure. He could move freely, without constraints.

No matter what situation arose, he had the power to handle it. If he couldn't handle it, bringing people along would only lead to their deaths.

Gao Xuan had great confidence in his own power. Moreover, he did not trust others.

Hercules did not persist, except to equip Helen with two female Silver Sword Heroes as protectors.

As the Master of the Sea Emperor and a descendant of Zeus, the family still had many Silver Sword Heroes.

These individuals had watched Helen grow up and shared a close relationship with her. They were not only capable but also trustworthy in terms of loyalty.

Having someone to protect Helen was indeed good; Gao Xuan never intended to take Helen underground.

The underground world was too intricate; Helen should obediently stay on the surface and wait for him.

The second commander, Qiao Yongming, couldn't guess what Gao Xuan was thinking; he simply felt that both Talos and Gao Xuan were unreliable.

At least Talos brought a professional team for support.

Gao Xuan only brought Helen, the two of them sticking together as if on a honeymoon to Sea Dragon Star.

As an old-school military man, Qiao Yongming truly disapproved of Gao Xuan's cavalier manner.

He knew Gao Xuan was powerful, even having single-handedly killed a Golden Sword Saint. However, in a war against the Lizardmen, how much power could an individual exert?

Even someone as strong as Hercules was powerless against the complex situation on Sea Dragon Star.

Qiao Yongming didn't believe that Gao Xuan alone could solve any problems.

His explanation of the most basic knowledge about Sea Dragon Star was an expression of his dissatisfaction.

Of course, he also looked down on Talos.

Arrogant, conceited sons of Noble Families might have decent combat capabilities, but in military command, they were almost useless.

Coming from a civilian background, Qiao Yongming had gradually accumulated military accomplishments to reach this position. He also had a natural aversion and disdain for Noble Families.

However, in this conference room, Qiao Yongming's status was arguably the lowest.

Gao Xuan already held the position of Chief of Staff of the Sea Dragon Star Defense Army, making him the second most important figure in the army there.

No matter how much Qiao Yongming might look down on Gao Xuan, when Gao Xuan issued a formal order, he still had to comply.

As for Talos, he only acquired the title of Co-Commander. It sounded good but put him at the same level as Qiao Yongming. To mobilize a large force, consultations and reports to Hercules were necessary.

Talos was also aware of this distinction. However, the impact wasn't significant.

In order to make major decisions, even though Gao Xuan has the authority, it's impossible for him to act entirely on his own.

Moreover, Pan is here. At critical moments, her words are much more effective than Gao Xuan's.

Standing on the stage, Qiao Yongming saw it most clearly, Talos and Gao Xuan are completely incompatible like fire and water.

When these two work together, they are bound to undermine each other. Let alone talk about exterminating the Lizardmen, it would be good enough if they don't die in there.

Qiao Yongming sighed inwardly, this is the biggest problem of the noble families, they cannot employ the virtuous, only those related by kinship.

Talos is a relative, and Gao Xuan is just Helen's kept man. No difference.

He said coldly, "We will land at Red Sand Base. It is also the largest base of the Defense Army on the ground, with five million professional soldiers, and ten million accompanying family members and other personnel..."

Due to the deteriorating situation of Sea Dragon Star, the military forces on the star are also increasing every year. Military expenditures are rapidly growing.

Sea Dragon Star is not profitable, and large sums are spent there every year.

Qiao Yongming understood the situation, so although he did not agree with Hercules' operation this time, he completely understood.

This is like a desperate attempt for a cure. Whether it works or not, it's always good to try.

Qiao Yongming, however, felt that trying this way would cost too much. It would be better not to try.

Sadly, no one cared about his opinion.

The landing craft touched down at Red Sand Base, and as Gao Xuan and Helen just got off the craft, they were met by a fierce wind.

The strong wind whipped up red dust and sand, enveloping the sky as it swept forward.

Many people activated their Source Power to keep the wind and sand out. Leading them, Qiao Yongming wore an enclosed Combat Robe, scrutinizing the group with a sneer.

Every day on Sea Dragon Star is a sandstorm, making the environment extremely harsh. These people dressed so splendidly, as if they were here to attend a party.

Unfortunately, Sea Dragon Star is a battlefield. There is no poetry and romance here, only dust, storms, blood, and death.

Once the group entered the base building, they were mostly dusty and grimy.

The Silver Sword Heroes fared better, with their abundant Source Power, they could skillfully control Sword Qi. Keeping out some dust and sand was relatively simple.

However, the ground was full of sand too, and it was hard to avoid getting some dust and sand on their clothes. Even Pan, dressed in luxurious attire, had her hairstyle a bit disheveled. She looked somewhat embarrassed.

Only Gao Xuan and Helen remained spotless. Among a group of dusty and grimy people, they stood out quite a bit.

Even Qiao Yongming couldn't help but take another look. Though he didn't like Gao Xuan's casual manner, he had to admit that this young man's cultivation was truly strong.

The service personnel led the group to rest, and naturally, Helen stayed with Gao Xuan.

Gao Xuan greatly benefited from his military rank, as his accommodation was arranged in the top floor suite.

The spacious suite, with over a dozen bedrooms, was enough to accommodate Helen's four guards.

Gao Xuan and Helen stayed in the spacious master bedroom. The entire room was simply furnished, without any extra decorations. It was entirely in the style of the military.

The only commendable thing about the suite was its good view. Standing at the window, one could overlook the entire base.

The base was filled with dome-shaped buildings. Looking out, several thousand green dome buildings spread out like rows of giant eggs.

In the distance lay the red desert, and when the howling winds swept through, they kicked up billowing dust clouds.

No animals could be seen in the desert, only red-haired trees swaying in the wind.

Not many people could be seen inside the base either. Mostly, flying ships were taking off and landing.

The high walls were lined with automatic machine guns, and all personnel were fully armed.

The entire base was shrouded in a deadly atmosphere. The outside red desert further accentuated the desolation here.

From the bustling Sea Emperor Star to the base, the difference was too great.

Gao Xuan gazed at the desert outside, seemingly in deep thought.

Helen, however, was carefree. She hugged Gao Xuan excitedly and said, "The scenery here is really nice, vast and desolate, with a kind of soul-stirring bleak indifference."

"As long as you're happy."

Gao Xuan didn't like Sea Dragon Star. He preferred bustling and vibrant places.

Helen coquettishly said, "Xuan, can I go with you to the underworld?"

"No."

Gao Xuan shook his head, "This is no joking matter. You stay here and watch your mother, don't let her make a mess. I'll first go and check the underground, I expect to return in about a month..."

Meanwhile, Pan was also having a meeting with Talos.

"I've talked to Chief Commander Arthur, he will fully support us. If necessary, we can mobilize all our forces."

Pan earnestly said to Talos, "You must win this time!"

With a sinister expression, she said, "If you can't win, then kill Gao Xuan!"

Talos chuckled deeply, "Aunt, rest assured, I already have a comprehensive plan. No matter what, Gao Xuan is doomed..."