Qin Zheng's strike was sudden and unexpected. By the time everyone reacted, the blade was already embedded in the ground, its edge pointed directly at the Shieldmount's cockpit.
This stirred up a hornet's nest. The other Shieldmount and two Qianji Mk III units instantly activated their firing systems, locking onto Qin Zheng's PS-01.
QJ3-01 (Red·Commander): "PS-01! What are you doing?!"
Qin Zheng remained still, PS-01 standing coldly with the blade, as he looked at the red Qianji Mk III not far away and said:
"That's what I want to ask. What is he trying to do?"
QJ3-01 (Red·Commander): "This is a misunderstanding, put away your blade first!"
PS-01: "A misunderstanding? Doesn't your operating system have video playback? Are you sure it's a misunderstanding?"
The woman inside the red Qianji bit her lip. She knew full well this wasn't a misunderstanding; the Shieldmount was just looking for trouble.
She had thought the PS-01 would dodge or suffer a minor loss. Who could have predicted that with just one move, the nearly ten-meter-tall Shieldmount would be toppled!
QJ3-01 (Red·Commander): "He was indeed at fault. Let him get up first."
PS-01: "It's better to clarify why he deliberately rammed me. This is the Mining Planet, you're unfamiliar with the place, just got off the ship, and you're already provoking the Guide?
Why?
What are you trying to achieve? Just for fun?
The development of YT-117 Mining Planet is less than 5%. Besides minerals, the planet's crust is full of bugs.
In such a dangerous place, how many times have you been here?
Why provoke us, who are here on missions every day?
Do you want us to set you up?
Don't doubt it, we know YT-117 very well!"
Qin Zheng's voice, transmitted through the PS-01's old speaker, carried a raspy electric hum.
But what he said made perfect sense, leaving the woman piloting the red Qianji momentarily speechless.
Without waiting for a response, Qin Zheng continued:
"Your mission is to protect that Cangjie SC4-01, right?
Protection is not just about fighting when bugs come.
Even mercenaries from remote areas like us know that when protecting a client, we should reduce trouble, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and lower the risk of danger.
Doesn't that Shieldmount know? Or do you not know?
If you doubted our abilities, why not ask before taking off from the spaceport?
Even if you wanted to provoke or test us, why not do it in a safe zone?
And before testing, did he consult you? Commander? When you asked him what he was doing, how did he respond?
With someone like that in your team, you still act as if nothing happened, calling it a misunderstanding?"
Qin Zheng's words left everyone stunned, especially the Red Commander, who felt a chill run down her spine.
Zhu Fugui and the others maneuvered their mechs to Qin Zheng's PS-01, chiming in:
"Whatever issues you have internally, we don't care. We're mercenaries, just wanting to leave and return safely. If you haven't thought it through, then let's call off this mission. We can head back now, no charge."
As tensions mounted, Luo Qingning piloted the Cangjie SC4-01 forward and said:
"We'll handle this internally."
"Alright."
With that, Zhu Fugui typed in the mercenary channel for the four of them:
"Let's go, Zheng Ge, let's give them some space. These noble affairs are too messy; it's best we stay out of it."
Qin Zheng nodded, lifting the Ship-Cleaving Blade back into the slot on his back.
The four mechs moved to one side of the tarmac, chatting there.
Huang Xiaorui asked excitedly:
"Zheng Ge! What special mech maneuver did you just use? It was amazing!"
The Ruan Brothers chimed in:
"Yeah, it was incredible! Is that the legendary kung fu? Ancient martial arts!"
Qin Zheng smiled and explained:
"Yes, it's ancient martial arts, a very powerful combat technique."
"Wow! That's amazing! Can we learn it too?"
Qin Zheng thought seriously and replied:
"You can learn it, but it will be tough. It requires years of physical training to enhance your control over your body. Of course, you'll also need the corresponding mech."
As he spoke, he controlled the PS-01 to shrug, making it look very lifelike.
While they were talking, the red Qianji approached them:
QJ3-01 (Red·Commander): "Everyone, we've completed our internal review. This matter was indeed MT3-02's fault, and I've brought him to apologize to you all.
But we still hope to complete this mission with you. After what just happened, we've reassessed your abilities and professionalism.
Rest assured, MT3-02 just has a bad temperament, not a fundamental problem. For the rest of the journey, I'll try to position him elsewhere to minimize contact.
Additionally, Miss is willing to increase the mission reward by an extra 10,000 Star Coins to hire you to complete the sample collection mission with us. What do you think?" This chapter was copied from novelping(.)com without permission.
Zhu Fugui frowned, uncertain, and looked at Qin Zheng's PS-01, asking:
"Zheng Ge, should we continue?"
Qin Zheng turned to look at Zhu Fugui and the others. Even through the mech, he could feel their eager gazes:
"I have no problem. What do you all think?"
Zhu Fugui breathed a sigh of relief, laughed heartily, and said:
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"That's great, an extra earning opportunity. Of course, there's no problem. Plus, after what just happened, things should go more smoothly."
QJ3-01 (Red·Commander): "Alright, thank you for your trust. Our mission officially starts now!
Maintain the formation from earlier, let's move out!"
As the woman's voice fell, a system notification sounded in Qin Zheng's ear:
[YT-117 Mining Planet Sample Collection Mission]
[Luo Family's genius researcher Luo Qingning seems to have discovered some unusual Sawtooth Bugs. She wants to collect samples to verify her hypothesis, unaware that... this might be the key to opening Pandora's Box...]
[Mission Difficulty: D1-D3]
[Pre-battle Options: Please choose one of the following blessings]
[1. Bury the Truth: Eliminate Luo Qingning during the mission, hide the secret of YT-117 Mining Planet, reward: Evil-Defying Sword Art ★★★]
[2. Go with the Flow: Survive the mission, preserve yourself, reward: an additional 3000 Martial Experience points]
[3. Pierce the Heavens: Protect Luo Qingning from dying during the mission until boarding the Bluebird Transport Ship to evacuate, reward: 200% increase in Martial Experience upon mission completion]
Qin Zheng looked at the options on the system interface before him, deep in thought.
What exactly had this woman named Luo Qingning discovered?
From the mission details, it was clear this wasn't a small matter! It was something that could affect the entire YT-117 Mining Planet!
He suddenly felt a bit of regret. If he had known, he wouldn't have agreed to take on this mission.
Initially, Qin Zheng considered that everyone was already on the Mining Planet, and the mission was just a round trip, guiding them without needing to be the main combatants, so he agreed.
Moreover, the other party had increased the payment, and seeing Zhu Fugui and the kids, it was clear they wanted to continue the mission.
If Qin Zheng had refused at that time, Zhu Fugui likely wouldn't have opposed, but they would never have another chance to cooperate in the future.
After all, the other party was just an ordinary person, without a system, and couldn't possibly understand the risk level of this mission in advance.