After a week of discussion and calculations by the Divination Commission, combined with the opinions of the Jade Dwelling Xianzhou, the final conclusion was presented to the Marshal.
Maintain the course and take the initiative to attack.
After the special training led by Qi Zhimu, some of the Cloud Knights had undergone a complete transformation, with their combat power far exceeding what it once was.
The Star Skiff was fully prepared for war; it was impossible for them to be surrounded by the Abominations of Abundance.
But that was the public statement.
Only those with the military rank of Cloud Knight Vanguard or higher knew the daunting truth: the probability of Shuhu appearing was nearly ninety percent.
The Xianzhou Luofu, which was closer to the Azure City, was already prepared to send Cloud Knights for support at any time.
When the Yaoqing Xianzhou learned of the potential large-scale army of Abominations, it even moved its entire ship toward the Azure City's flight path.
Yaoqing is known as the Alliance's sharpest arrow; its people are fierce, and it has always been at the forefront of the Hunt expedition against Abominations rather than focusing on economic development.
Changing course would result in almost no loss for Yaoqing.
As long as the voyage went smoothly, in about five months, they could escort the Azure City from half a light-year away.
Once the combat strategy was finalized, the Star Skiff would dispatch a Cloud Knights expeditionary force to set out three days early.
They would eliminate any Abominations of Abundance that might form a coalition before entering the dangerous star sector.
General Teng Xiao would remain in the Azure City to stay alert for Shuhu.
Thus, one of the heavy burdens fell on Qi Zhimu's shoulders.
According to current intelligence, there were six massive groups of Abominations of Abundance in the star sectors surrounding the system the Star Skiff would enter in six months.
It was reported that the civilizations of these worlds had been completely overrun by the Abominations of Abundance.
Qi Zhimu's mission was to wipe out the Abominations in two of those worlds.
This journey involved bloody battles on the scale of planetary civilizations and was destined to be perilous—this was also the result given by the Divination Commission's predictions.
But just as Lord Zhimu said—
Home is right behind us; there is no way back for anyone.
Not to mention peril; even if it were a great calamity, the Cloud Knights would set out with the conviction of not fearing death and the determination to hunt down every last one of the Abominations.
The mission was urgent, and all the departing Cloud Knights had only two days to rest and reorganize.
Half a day of that could be spent returning home to bid farewell to loved ones; after all, there was no telling if this departure would be a final goodbye.
When Qi Zhimu arrived home, he found that there were guests visiting—familiar faces.
"Yu Huai?"
Not just him, his daughter Jingliu was also there.
"Good evening, Guard Qi," Jingliu greeted him politely, her small face looking a bit constrained.
"Yes, good evening."
Qi Zhimu nodded slightly, his gaze returning to Yu Huai.
Before he could speak, Qiu Zhiyan brought a plate of fruit over. When she saw Qi Zhimu, she was first startled, and then an unnatural smile appeared on her face.
"How do you have time to come back today?"
Beneath the smile was a worry that was inconvenient to show because of the guests' presence.
Qi Zhimu hadn't changed into casual clothes... Returning home clad in Cloud Knights battle armor, as a former member of the Cloud Knights, Qiu Zhiyan understood what this meant.
He was going to war.
"There are important matters in the army. For at least the next six months, I won't have time to come back," Qi Zhimu said as tactfully as possible, maintaining his composure.
Qiu Zhiyan's eyes flickered slightly; she wasn't surprised.
The other father and daughter were both stunned, as if they hadn't expected Qi Zhimu to say this in front of them.
"What a coincidence. In a few days, Hui Yu and I are to serve as representatives on a diplomatic mission to Pier Point. It will take about five months before we return to the Azure City," Yu Huai took up the conversation.
A diplomatic mission to the Company headquarters for exchange... Qi Zhimu quickly ran through the star charts in his mind, confirming that they wouldn't pass through that dangerous star sector, and felt slightly relieved.
"I wish you and your wife a smooth journey."
"Haha, thank you for the kind words. Actually, I have an impolite request for this visit."
Yu Huai's tone was solemn as he said seriously:
"For this mission, could I trouble Aunt Qiu to look after Jingliu for a while?"
Qiu Zhiyan nodded without hesitation. "Of course."
This child was handsome, well-behaved, and sensible, making her quite lovable.
Jingliu looked up at her father, then at Qiu Zhiyan, and said obediently, "Jingliu will be good."
Yu Huai patted his daughter's head. "Father and Mother will be back soon. Don't be too lax with your studies, and you must help your Grandmother Qiu with whatever you can, do you understand?"
"Mhm," Jingliu nodded.
Yu Huai turned back to Qiu Zhiyan and gave a deep bow. "I'm troubling you."
"It's no trouble," Qiu Zhiyan smiled.
"Lord Zhimu, thank you also for the care you showed this child during the pilgrimage."
"No need for words between friends," Qi Zhimu waved his hand dismissively.
After seeing off Yu Huai and his daughter, the house suddenly became quiet.
Qiu Zhiyan didn't ask immediately.
"Mother, I want to eat the Yangchun noodles you make." Returning to his haven, Qi Zhimu finally shed his military sternness.
"Hehe... alright," Qiu Zhiyan smiled and stepped into the kitchen.
Before long, a bowl of steaming Yangchun noodles was served.
Qiu Zhiyan sat opposite him, watching her son use his chopsticks, and finally asked softly, "When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"Is it really six months?"
"That's just a conservative estimate; it might be longer."
Qiu Zhiyan was silent for a moment, her fingers gently rubbing the tabletop. "What did the Divination Commission say?"
"Dangerous," Qi Zhimu didn't hide it.
Qiu Zhiyan fell silent, unable to hide her worry.
"Lately, I've been feeling a bit unsettled, as if something big is about to happen."
Qi Zhimu knew what his mother wanted to say; she had the same premonition back during that battle at Yueque.
"If any accidents occur in this battle, both the Yaoqing and Luofu Cloud Knights will support us immediately, and besides..."
He looked up into his mother's eyes.
"I must go."
He didn't say things like 'please don't worry' to his mother; to her, they were meaningless.
Qiu Zhiyan was dazed... In the blood of the Qi Family descendants, there had never been cowardice.
"Promise me, come back alive."
"But Mother must also promise me, wait for my return."
Qiu Zhiyan was taken aback, a kind smile appearing on her face.
She understood why her son said that.
"Alright, I promise you."
The next day, before dawn, Qi Zhimu finished his preparations.
He took a step back, gave his mother a formal military salute, then turned and pushed the door open to leave.
Qiu Zhiyan watched his starship take flight until it disappeared, her gaze not moving for a long time... Above the port, ten thousand ships were ready to depart.
The Cloud Knights were in orderly formation, silent as the grave.
The morning light pierced the clouds and fell upon the silver armor, reflecting a bit of coldness.
Qi Zhimu ascended the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the countless faces below, his voice echoing throughout the port.
"This journey is dangerous. The world we are going to has already had its civilization destroyed by the Borisin."
"If we do not wipe them out, when the Azure City sails into that star sector, there is a high probability we will face a formed Abomination coalition."
"Once the flames of war spread to the Azure City, our family and friends will all be exposed to a fatal threat."
"Comrades, today we set out on this Hunt expedition for only one thing—"
"To protect the home behind us, to protect everyone on the Xianzhou, and to protect those we care about."
Qi Zhimu's voice suddenly rose, like the clashing of metal and stone.
"Do you dare to follow me into this danger?"
"We dare!"
Ten thousand people shouted in unison, their voices shaking the starry sky.
"Are you willing to fight for the Azure City?"
"We are!"
"Very well. Keep this oath: We are the Cloud Knights, like clouds covering the sky, we protect the Xianzhou!"
Countless Cloud Knights erupted in a shout that shook the heavens.
"We are the Cloud Knights, like clouds covering the sky, we protect the Xianzhou!!!"
"The Xianzhou soars, the Cloud Knights are ever-victorious!"
"The Xianzhou soars, the Cloud Knights are ever-victorious!"
"..."
Every face was filled with determination, and every eye burned with a fighting spirit that defied death.
Qi Zhimu turned around abruptly.
"All units, board the ships! Depart!"
...Happy 2026! Before the Spring Festival arrives, I wish everyone all the best during this period!