Chapter 236 Return to the Empire to Report
Chapter 236 Return to the Empire to Report
When Zhou Ling returned, he informed Zhou Ye about Jimmy and his plan to accompany him to the empire.
To ensure the success of their mission, Zhou Ling needed to ensure the viability of Olift's false identity. He asked, "Are you certain that there is no one in the empire who recognizes you? Will your identity hold up?"
Olift reassured him, "Yes, mermaids typically live solitary lives until they reach adulthood. Even those who knew me are no longer present. The empire does not possess records of mermaids sent out to avoid detection."
Olift anxiously offered, "Take me with you. I am more familiar with the empire than you are. I can be of assistance."
Zhou Ling shook his head, rejecting the suggestion. "No, Jimmy is extremely cautious. If you accompany us, it will only raise suspicions. We must exercise caution at this stage."
Concerned, Zhou Ye inquired, "What is your next plan of action?" He didn't want his brother to take unnecessary risks, but he understood that he couldn't dissuade Zhou Ling.
"Our priority is to confirm the safety of Liao Ning and Liao Nai before heading to the empire with Jimmy," Zhou Ling explained, revealing a wound on his abdomen. "A small AI chip has been implanted here. It will leave no traces within 24 hours, and the empire will remain unaware of it. If anything goes wrong, I will use it to contact you."
He retrieved another chip from his pocket and handed it to Zhou Ye. "I came unprepared and only brought two chips. You should implant one as well. Figure out a way to send Mi Lu back to the Interstellar Alliance first."
Zhou Ye held the chip, then used a small knife to make a cut on his arm and inserted the chip. As the chip came into contact with his blood, it swiftly fused with his flesh. The clotting agent on the chip hastened the healing process, causing the scar to diminish.
Davies produced a pill emitting a green fluorescent light. "I cannot guarantee how long my ability to cause confusion will last once you depart. Take the scale powder from my wings—it possesses the same confusing effect. Just ensure it stays dry. Remember this."
"Thank you." Zhou Ling placed the pill in a sealed bag and hung it around his neck with a thin rope.
After finalizing their preparations, Zhou Ye placed a reassuring hand on Zhou Ling's shoulder. "I have informed Li Xian to present you as a spy to infiltrate the empire. The aircraft is ready. Take care."
Aware that time was of the essence, Zhou Ling wasted no time and contacted Jimmy that very night. The two of them disguised themselves in the uniforms of a patrol team and boarded the aircraft.
As they watched the aircraft ascend and gradually depart from the rebel army's camp, Jimmy let out a sigh of relief. "Olift, you truly are remarkable. It was wise to retreat amidst the chaos."
He cast a covetous gaze at Zhou Ling. "It's a shame that a beautiful mermaid like you had to be sent as an undercover agent. Why don't you come with me when we return to the empire? I can rise to the rank of captain upon my return. Then, you won't have to suffer anymore."
While speaking, he brazenly reached out to touch Zhou Ling's arm and caress his skin.
Suppressing the urge to sever Jimmy's hand, Zhou Ling abruptly increased the speed of the aircraft, causing Jimmy to be thrown back into his seat due to the sudden acceleration.
Jimmy showed no signs of anger. Instead, he continued to greedily gaze at Zhou Ling.
Fortunately, the military aircraft was swift. Otherwise, Zhou Ling feared he might have resorted to more drastic measures.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the empire's city, they were halted and subjected to identification. Once Jimmy verified their identities, he escorted Zhou Ling to the royal castle to deliver his report.
In a hushed tone, Jimmy rehearsed the words he would utter when he met the king, while Zhou Ling maintained a stoic expression.
As a general of the interstellar space alliance, he had interacted with the empire's army on multiple occasions, but this marked his first foray into the core territory of the royal family.
Quietly surveying the hall, Zhou Ling's attention was suddenly captivated by a particular figure.
"Since your king invited me here, don't I have the right to leave?" Liao Ning's voice trembled with anger.
"I apologize, Miss Liao," the guard responded politely, yet his gun remained aimed at her. "Our orders are to ensure your safety and prevent you from wandering freely."
Liao Ning struggled to contain her fury. "I just want to see my nephew. Can't you bring him here?"
Zhou Ling briefly glanced at the scene before diverting his attention elsewhere. The moment he appeared, Liao Ning spotted him on the second floor and hastily descended the stairs.
Her words conveyed a significant message. Liao Nai was within the castle as well, but they were being held captive in separate locations.