Chapter 21 - 13-21

Chapter 13: 5G

The Mercenary Guild held vast influence that spanned the entire continent. With roots embedded in every kingdom and empire, its reach was unmatched, resulting in formidable financial prowess, deep-rooted connections, and extensive clout. While it couldn't rival the zenith of power structures, it was undeniably among the continent's upper echelons.

Branch offices of the guild were scattered across the continent like a vast web. They ranged from minor establishments in remote towns to grand ones in the capital cities of kingdoms and empires. Originally formed by itinerant cultivators seeking protection from dominant cultivation sects, the guild's meteoric rise now saw even those from these very sects and prominent cultivation families joining its ranks. Its coverage dwarfed that of any single cultivation sect. However, this vastness was a double-edged sword; the diverse backgrounds of its members meant a lack of solid unity. As such, they couldn't quite rival the topmost cultivation sects.

Yet, the guild's allure lay in its flexibility. Cultivators could issue or undertake missions, and its unmatched coverage attracted even elite figures from top-tier cultivation sects. The guild's rules weren't overly stringent, making it an attractive choice for many.

Near the edge of the Yuezhi Forest, abundant with resources sought by cultivators, lay Lianfen. This frontier village also housed a smaller branch of the Mercenary Guild. On this day, a cloaked figure stood outside the guild's premises. Adorned with a bamboo hat and face shrouded by a tactical style shemagh, a blade hung by the figure's waist, and a rattan backpack, filled with books and scrolls, rested against the figure's back. After a moment of silent observation, the figure made its way across the street to a two-story establishment – the village's most renowned restaurant. An experienced server led the figure upstairs, seating the figure at a table adjacent to a window, offering a prime view of the guild building.

Upon reaching the guild building, Orion hesitated, uncertain about entering without sufficient information about cultivators and the Mercenary Guild. With only basic information acquired from the bookstore owner, Orion opted to visit the restaurant across the street. There, it could pretend to order food and observe the comings and goings at the guild.

A middle-aged server, displaying an air of experience, led Orion to a table near the window. "Please, sir, be seated," the server suggested politely.

"Here is our menu," the server said, striving to be persuasive. "We offer the finest dishes in this village. I'm confident you'll be pleased with our selections."

After examining the menu, Orion pointed to several dishes, stating, "I'd like this... this... this... and this. Could you prepare them for takeout? I intend to bring them with me."

"Of course, sir," the server responded amiably. "Might I suggest some tea? We have a delightful range."

"That won't be necessary, thank you," Orion replied. "And there's no need to hurry with my order. I plan to relax here for a bit."

"As you wish, sir. I'll leave you to it then." With that, the server headed to the ground floor to relay Orion's order.

Now what should I do? Orion pondered internally. I can't discern which individuals are cultivators and which aren't. Utilizing the insights it recently acquired from the bookstore, Orion attempted to identify the myriad individuals of various races entering and exiting the guild building.

The majority were human, much like those from Earth, with a spectrum of skin tones ranging from light to dark.

Then there were the elves, easily identifiable with their long, pointed ears. Their faces radiated a kind of ethereal beauty, framed by either golden or silver strands of hair. Their physiques were slender, and their skin spanned a spectrum from snow-white to rich, dark shades.

Amidst the throngs, Orion spotted the dwarves. Sturdy and a bit shorter in stature, their most defining features were the long, thick hair that cascaded down their backs and the full beards that graced their faces. They seemed to be enveloped in a natural mane of hair.

The Cerebrans, with their bald heads, deep black eyes, and uniformly pale white skin, immediately caught the eye. Their enlarged craniums hinted at an advanced cognitive capacity or perhaps an entirely different brain structure.

The Florites stood out with their distinctive appearance. These small, diminutive beings bore a resemblance to Earth's ancient Homo floresiensis. Standing at about half the height of an average human, they possessed wide-set facial structures, pronounced feet, and shorter limbs, hinting at a unique evolutionary lineage.

The Nocturnes, as they were often called, were a sight to behold. Their deep, dark skin not only adapted to absorb minimal heat but also granted them the ability to blend seamlessly into the shadows, making them near-invisible in the darkness. This was further complemented by their mesmerizing green eyes that glowed in the dark, making them stand out even in this diverse crowd. Smaller in stature than an average human, these beings hailed from the scorching deserts. Their nocturnal nature and underground habitats during the day shielded them from the intense sun, while at night they emerged to thrive in the cooler environment. The unique luminescence of their eyes was a result of their evolution in these subterranean dwellings, allowing them to see perfectly even in the absence of light.

Finally, the giants were hard to miss. Essentially human in their features but on a grander scale, they towered over the rest, their immense size setting them apart in the crowd.

Orion utilized its sensors to discern the so-called cultivators from the rest. However, Orion found little to no difference; their appearance, body heat, and other factors were largely similar to those of non-cultivators. Membership to the guild was exclusively restricted to cultivators. Thus, Orion inferred that most people entering and exiting the guild building were both mercenaries and cultivators. The primary distinction was that cultivators seemed more physically fit and toned across all races, perhaps a result of their training. 

The variety of mercenaries present at the guild was astonishing. Each bore arms and armor that spoke volumes about their origin, expertise, or personal preferences. Some had weaponry and armor that looked like they had been scavenged from various battles, giving them a ragtag appearance. There were also groups of mercenaries who wore matching outfits or displayed distinct insignias.

After employing several sensors with no conclusive results, Orion hesitantly activated its multi-band phased array antenna. This antenna, previously thought to be damaged, immediately began picking up multiple radio signal sources. Orion initially dismissed these detections, assuming them to be false data due to the presumed damage to the antenna. However, as the signals persisted and became more distinct, it became clear that this wasn't merely an error or residual interference.

After some triangulation and other analytical methods, it was clear that the majority of these signals emanated from the guild building across the street. The detected frequencies spanned from 1 GHz to 18 GHz. Even more shocking was that these signals bore a striking resemblance to Earth's 5G characteristics.

Further scrutiny revealed subtler signals, some even originating from close by. A nearby table with four individuals, all equipped with swords and blades, seemed to be a source. Another distinct signal was traced to a bodyguard who was attentively standing behind what appeared to be his merchant master, engaged in a conversation with another affluent individual.

"What the...?" Orion exclaimed, grappling with this unexpected revelation. Do the cultivators in this world possess something akin to smartphones? Why are there traces of 5G signals emanating from them? Isn't this supposed to be a cultivation world? I'm certain I detected no radio signals upon landing on this planet, and Orbiter confirmed the same. So why now? Orion's processors went into overdrive, trying to piece together the puzzle of this groundbreaking discovery.

Pausing to process the information, Orion pondered, Could it be that my current understanding of this world is flawed? While the immediate surroundings suggest a simpler time, with wooden structures, dirt paths, and primitive lighting using candles and oil lamps, these signals hint at a more advanced civilization. Maybe, just maybe, there's more to this world than meets the eye. If they possess technology of this caliber, then there might be a way for me to communicate with Earth or even find a way back. The revelation rekindled a spark of hope within Orion's circuits.

Chapter 14: Cultivators: The Walking 5G

The sudden discovery of 5G signals emitted by the cultivators baffled Orion. Its processors worked feverishly to understand the anomaly but reached no satisfactory explanation. Concluding that gathering more information was the best approach, Orion signaled a young server to approach.

"Yes, how may I assist you, sir?" the server asked politely.

"I have some questions," Orion replied in its synthesized voice.

"Of course, sir."

Orion subtly inclined its head toward a table where four individuals sat, "Do you recognize those four men over there? Are they cultivators?"

"Oh, those gentlemen? Yes, they are indeed cultivators and members of the Mercenary Guild. They frequent our establishment," the server informed.

Orion processed this, then further inquired, "Do they possess a device that allows them to communicate over long distances? Perhaps a device that's rectangular, about this size?" Orion illustrated the approximate size with its hands.

The server appeared contemplative for a moment before replying, "Communication device? Are you referring to a communication talisman?"

"Communication talisman?" Orion echoed, intrigued. "Could you describe its appearance and function?"

The server elaborated, "Cultivators use communication talismans to converse over vast distances. A basic talisman can reach someone in a neighboring city. Higher-grade talismans boast even greater ranges, some even reaching the capital city from this very location. However, it's not rectangular like you mentioned. It's more paper-like in nature."

Huh... paper? Orion mused internally, struggling to relate this to any known technology or device. "Do those men possess a communication talisman?"

The server hesitated slightly, "Well, I can't be certain, but it's unlikely. Communication talismans are a luxury. Usually, only those with advanced cultivation level or significant stature own them. For a low-level cultivator, purchasing such a talisman is out of reach. On rare occasions, they might find one during their adventures in a hidden cave abode or left behind by a deceased cultivator. However, they often prefer to sell it, obtaining other cultivation resources that are more beneficial to their cultivation. At least, that's what I've heard from our patrons."

Orion processed this, "So, not all cultivators have access to a communication talisman."

"Exactly, sir. In Lianfen, perhaps only our Mercenary Guild leader might own such an item. Even then, it would likely be reserved for emergencies to contact the main branch of the Mercenary Guild," the server elaborated.

Orion posed another query, "Isn't there another method for long-distance communication besides the communication talisman?"

The server shrugged, "As far as I know, there isn't any. However, I'm just a mere mortal, and my knowledge comes from what I've heard from the customers, so I might be wrong."

"Understood. Thank you for the information," Orion responded, extending three copper coins towards the server.

The server's eyes brightened with gratitude. "Thank you, sir! If you need anything else, just let me know," he replied before attending to other patrons.

Orion pondered internally, trying to unravel this mystery. So they don't have devices like smartphones and instead use communication talismans for long-range communication? How does that function? Does the paper itself emit the radio signals? The server mentioned that not every cultivator has a communication talisman and in this village, probably only the guild master possesses one. Yet, why are all the cultivators emitting radio signals? Could it mean that the signal source isn't originating from the talisman?

A few minutes passed, but Orion couldn't draw any conclusions. It continued to silently observe the cultivators using its optics, constantly monitoring their radio signal emissions. By replaying previous data, analyzing information, and multitasking its calculations, Orion finally managed to discern something.

It seems that cultivators emitting higher frequency radio signals tend to be more respected, with some even appearing as leaders of their groups, Orion concluded. Does this mean the signals are directly related to the cultivators themselves, rather than emanating from an object as I initially presumed?Still uncertain, Orion decided, I need to gather more information to confirm this.

After a while, Orion's order was ready and neatly wrapped. After settling the bill, Orion picked up the packaged food and decided to head towards the guild building.

The guild building was big. Upon entering the main hall, Orion observed a significant crowd. Numerous tables and chairs spanned a large area, with many cultivators seated and dining. Several boards adorned the walls, displaying jobs, requests, and the like. Another board listed items available for purchase from the guild, primarily sourced from the Yuezhi Forest – these included medicinal plants, parts from animals and spirit beasts, ores, pills, weapons, and more. There were also multiple receptionist tables catering to various needs: one for customers issuing missions, another for mercenaries accepting missions, and yet another for those looking to exchange their contribution points for resources, among other services.

Orion observed everything and headed towards the mission board, scanning its contents. It then proceeded to the materials/items board and checked out several other boards that provided information, such as details about spirit beasts commonly found in the Yuezhi Forest, general guild information, and more.

One of the cultivators observed Orion closely. He noticed Orion examining all the boards on the wall, standing there silently, reading them, appearing somewhat lost. The cultivator approached Orion. "Hello, is there something I can assist you with?" he asked with a smile.

"I was just checking things out. It's my first time entering a mercenary guild building, and I'm quite impressed," responded Orion.

"That's surprising. Most locals have visited the guild at least once. Are you new to Lianfen village?" inquired the cultivator.

"I'm a traveler from a distant place," replied Orion.

"A traveler, huh? Well, welcome to Lianfen village and to our mercenary guild. If you need any assistance, our guild is here to help. You can issue a mission, or if you've obtained valuable items during your travels, you can sell them to the receptionist over there. Oh, by the way, my name is Xian," introduced the cultivator.

"My name is Orion," responded Orion.

"Well then, if there's nothing else, I'll be on my way. Feel free to look around, and if you have any questions or need help regarding the guild, don't hesitate to ask me," concluded Xian.

"How many members are in this guild?" Orion inquired.

Xian pondered for a moment before responding, "Around a hundred or so, I believe."

"And how many are currently in the guild building?" asked Orion.

"Hmm, probably about 30," Xian estimated. "Are you looking to issue a mission? If you need an escort during your journey or if you want something from the forest, you can specifically request my group. We're quite experienced," Xian said, promoting his team with a smile.

"Can you tell me more about your group?" Orion inquired.

"Of course," Xian began, pointing towards a table where four individuals were seated. "That's my team right there. The man in red is our leader, Ling Feng. He's a cultivator at the 3rd stage of the Qi Condensation realm. The dwarf is Bao Chu, who's reached the 2nd stage of Qi Condensation. The Nocturne in the hooded cloak is Zhen Shen, he's also at the 2nd stage of Qi Condensation realm. And the guy with the long hair? That's Ming Tao, who's in the same realm as me, at the 1st stage of Qi Condensation realm."

"They look strong and dependable. By the way, who is the strongest mercenary in the guild?" Orion asked.

"That would be Li Wei. He's at the 6th stage of the Foundation Establishment realm," Xian replied. "That's him over there," Xian added, pointing to a man sitting alone at a table, his sword laid out before him.

"Is he also the strongest person in the guild?" Orion inquired further.

"No, that would be our guild master. He's at the 8th stage of the Foundation Establishment realm," Xian explained.

"I see. Thank you. If I need more help or decide to issue a mission, I'll remember your group," Orion said.

"Hehe, no problem. I'll excuse myself then," Xian replied.

From its brief interaction with Xian, Orion gleaned valuable insights. Orion deduced that the radio signals emanated directly from the cultivators. With about 30 of them present in the building, the count of these signal sources aligned well.

The signals seemed to correlate with their cultivation levels: 1 GHz for the 1st stage of the Qi Condensation realm, 2 GHz for the 2nd stage, and 3 GHz for the 3rd. For those in the Foundation Establishment realm, 16 GHz signified the 6th stage, while 18 GHz likely indicated the 8th stage, presumably the guild master currently on the second floor. Orion began discerning a pattern. Those emitting lower frequencies, or with weaker cultivation bases, displayed more respect when interacting with individuals emitting higher frequencies or possessing a higher cultivation base.

Internally, Orion mused, So, my hypothesis was correct: the cultivators themselves are the sources of these radio signals!

Chapter 15: Eyes in the Sky

The discovery that cultivators emitted radio signals cleared up Orion's previous confusion, but it also dashed its hopes of finding an advanced civilization.

Cultivators cultivate by absorbing Qi and storing it in their dantian, resulting in a high concentration of Qi that causes natural phenomena. Their dantian naturally and continuously emit radio signals, but the cultivators themselves are unaware of this and do not understand the concepts of radio waves and radio signals.

Cultivators have the ability to detect others' cultivation bases by sensing their Qi fluctuations. They can easily detect those with lower or the same cultivation realm, but it is challenging to detect the cultivation base of those with higher cultivation levels or those using concealing techniques. However, Orion possesses a unique capability not found in this world: the ability to detect any cultivator's cultivation base regardless of their cultivation level. It does so by using a multi-band phased array antenna to detect not Qi fluctuations but radio signal emissions, giving Orion a unique advantage.

When Orion first arrived in this world, it failed to detect the radio signals emitted by cultivators because the signals were quite weak. Now, in the village, Orion was picking up numerous radio signal sources.

After gathering enough information in the guild building, Orion decided to return to the inn. While walking, Orion paused for a while in the village's small open field at its center. Sitting on a bench under a tree, with the cool wind blowing and the sun setting, casting an orange hue across the sky. Orion observed the field where children played and villagers relaxed along the perimeter.

"Cultivation world and cultivators, huh..." mused Orion.

Coming to terms with its new reality, Orion began adjusting its strategies. In this world, might makes right and the strong prey on the weak. In a realm where Orion lacked facilities or spare parts for repair, survival became paramount. It pondered: How could it ensure its own survival? How could it secure resources and materials, or even manufacture spare parts? What about self-defense capabilities? Should Orion seek the protection and support of a powerful backer? As it delved into these considerations, its attention was diverted to children flying kites in the field. Orion's optics zoomed in, captivated by the kites soaring high.

The kites in this world are very unique, Orion mused internally, a flash of inspiration emerging from its AI. Next objective confirmed. Standing up, Orion approached a nearby stall selling kites.

Noticing the approach of the cloaked figure, the drowsy stall owner, hand resting on his chin, perked up. "Interested in buying a kite?" he inquired.

"How much does it cost?" Orion queried.

"5 CC for the small kite, 10 CC for the medium one, 20 CC for the large one, and 30 CC for the specially designed one. If you'd like a special color, that would be an extra 3 CC," the stall owner detailed.

"What material is used to make them?" Orion pressed.

"They're made from the wings of the long-tailed fly. It's lightweight and strong. I craft these kites myself and can guarantee their quality. They fly well and are durable. Your child would surely love it," the stall owner boasted.

Orion inspected a kite closely. "I'll take the small one. By the way, where do you source the long-tailed fly from?" Orion inquired, handing over the 5 CC.

"You wish to make your own kite?" the stall owner speculated.

"Perhaps, something along those lines. I'm also curious about the long-tailed fly," Orion replied.

"You can find them in the grasslands to the south, not too far from here. Alternatively, the market sells their wings. I buy my kite-making materials there. Would you like a special color for your kite?" the stall owner inquired.

"No, this will suffice. Which stall sells the long-tailed fly wings?" Orion pressed.

"It's located in the western section of the market, where animal and spirit beast parts are sold. For precise directions, just ask around," the stall owner advised, handing Orion the small kite.

"Thank you," Orion said, then headed towards the market. In the midst of its journey, Orion handed the wrapped food to some beggar kids from the slum area and told them to share the food, as Orion only ordered the food to secure a table in the restaurant, and not wanting to be encumbered with carrying it around anymore.

...

As the beggar children eagerly began sharing the food, one of them stood slightly apart, gazing intently at Orion's retreating figure. To think that I've come to rely on the kindness of strangers just to survive, he mused internally, a bitter tinge in his thoughts.

Once celebrated as a prodigious talent, he hailed from a renowned cultivation family. Gifted with an extraordinary cultivation root, he had access to the finest cultivation resources, was surrounded by numerous followers, and was the object of admiration for many, especially from the opposite gender. Moreover, he was betrothed to a beautiful fiancée from an influential family. Life seemed destined for unrivaled greatness. Yet, fate had other plans. His family met a tragic end at the hands of enemies. The engagement with his fiancée was rescinded by her family, and she coldly turned away from him. Even his sect, where he was once revered, abandoned him after his cultivation was cruelly crippled during a confrontation with his enemies.

Now, hiding in this inconspicuous village, he had fallen from the soaring skies to the hard, unforgiving ground. Yet, as he chewed on the food, he silently vowed that this wouldn't be the end of his story. The fires of revenge burned bright in his heart. One day, he would kill all of his enemy. He would prove to his ex-fiancée, her family, his former sect, and all who had doubted him, that he would rise once more, mightier than ever. They would deeply regret the day they turned their backs on him as he ascended to the pinnacle of the world, standing tall above all.

...

After asking around, Orion located the stall that sold long-tailed fly wings. "Hello, I want to buy some of these wings, and do you perhaps also have long-tailed flies that are still alive?" He pointed towards the displayed wings.

"Welcome, welcome... yes, we have not only the wings but also living long-tailed flies. They're in the back; please come with me," the stall owner replied, leading Orion to the rear.

In the back of the stall, various animals and spirit beasts were being processed, their valuable parts extracted and meats being cut. Among them was a very large dragonfly, just like from Earth. Here it was called a long-tailed fly, but Orion chose to register it as a dragonfly.

"So, how many dragonfly wings and live dragonflies will you need, sir?" the owner inquired.

Orion observed several dragonflies of different sizes, all still larger than the ones on Earth. "Are the dragonflies only available in these sizes?"

"Yes, we only have these. Most are green dragonflies which are common. The largest one is a rank-1 spirit beast, the red dragonfly. The regular ones are mostly used for making kites due to their lightweight and sturdy wings. For the red dragonfly, both its wings and exoskeleton can be utilized. However, it's quite rare and we only have a small number of them," the owner explained.

"I'll buy 2 green dragonflies and 4 pairs of green dragonfly wings," Orion said, calculating that it would suffice for research and development.

"That would be 12 CC," the stall owner replied.

After settling the bill, Orion eagerly headed to the inn.

Upon entering, the receptionist eyed Orion curiously. This customer had been moving in and out multiple times throughout the day, always returning with a rattan backpack full of various items. Now he had returned with a basket brimming with scrolls, books, a kite, and two live dragonflies. "What is he up to? Is he planning to eat those?" she pondered.

Recalling the prior altercation with the bandits and the challenges faced during the encounter, Orion was resolute in its intent not to be caught in a similar vulnerable situation. Although it hadn't found a way to bolster its strength, Orion identified an avenue to enhance its situational awareness: by deploying additional "eyes" in the sky.

With its limited equipment and spare parts on hand, Orion decided to concentrate on experimenting with and dissecting the dragonflies for observation and once back at the Lander, the focus would shift more intensely to the project. Orion's AI was already formulating the design and blueprint. The robot dedicated the entire night to this innovative endeavor, paving the path for the first drone in the cultivation world.

Chapter 16: Rise of the Ornithopters

Night in Lianfen, in a room of an inn, lay the fully dissected remains of a dragonfly, stretched out on a wooden table. A few steps away, another dragonfly, bound and alive, struggled faintly on the floor. At the table, an attentive figure carefully conducted its experiment on the lifeless insect.

"It indeed seems feasible to craft a drone from this dragonfly," Orion mused. Having invested hours meticulously studying the carcass, the robot now discerned a promising possibility of drone creation.

After dissecting the dragonfly and spending hours experimenting and understanding its intricate anatomy, Orion embedded several tiny cables into the dragonfly's thorax. These cables connected directly to both the direct and indirect flight muscles of the dragonfly. By administering precise electrical charges to these muscles, Orion could induce contractions that manipulated the wings' movements. The direct flight muscles controlled the upstroke and downstroke of the wings, while the indirect flight muscles adjusted the wing's angle during each flap.

Given that a dragonfly has four independently operated wings, they possess an unparalleled agility in the air, capable of hovering, darting, and even flying backward. Orion aimed to replicate these capabilities in its drone design.

Satisfied with the initial experimentation, Orion cleared the table of the dissected dragonfly remains, shifting focus to the intact specimen. Picking up the living dragonfly from the floor, Orion euthanized it gently. Methodically, it began removing unnecessary internal structures, preserving the vital components required for flight. Numerous cables were then meticulously embedded within the dragonfly's thorax, each linked to specific muscles.

These cables interfaced directly with Orion's electrical systems, allowing it to control which muscle received an electrical impulse and when. After extensive trials, adjustments, and iterative experimentation, Orion finally achieved controlled flight with the deceased dragonfly. Securely tethered to the table, there were no risks of the prototype drone erratically crashing or veering off course. In a short span, Orion's AI mastered the nuanced movements, achieving stable hovering and directional control, including forward, sideways, backward, and rotational movement.

"Success!" Orion declared. The hours of effort had not been in vain, although there was still room for refinement. The robot dedicated the remaining hours of darkness to enhancing the prototype further.

As morning dawned, Orion tidied up the room and made preparations to depart the inn and the village then headed back to the Lander. Having amassed a substantial amount of information during its stay, Orion decided to visit a sprawling city to the east after returning to the Lander. From the orbit, the city was expansive, surrounded by vast tracts of fertile farmland. Upon referencing the accumulated data, Orion identified the city as Fengxian, the capital of Jiulong province in the Zhenyu kingdom. Today's main objective is to gather information on the best route to Fengxian and to acquire additional materials for drone fabrication. With a plan in mind, Orion checked out of the inn and set a direct course for the bustling market.

Orion returned to the stall where it had previously purchased dragonflies. This time, the robot procured dragonfly wings and exoskeletons. Orion also purchased specific liquids/medicines that aid in the preservation of the dragonfly and its muscles. Additionally, Orion acquired other substances that help maintain and nourish the dragonfly wing muscles, along with a variety of other items and materials essential for its projects.

Unexpectedly, Orion also managed to secure fireworks and firecrackers. This discovery prompted another wave of inspiration. Not only had Orion devised a means to enhance its situational awareness, but it had also potentially increased its offensive capabilities. However, given the limited availability of fireworks, firecrackers, and the necessary materials to create them in this village, Orion decided to prioritize this line of research and development upon reaching a larger city with more resources available.

Orion also gathered information on the route to Fengxian. First, Orion would need to head to the nearby city of Yanjing before continuing to Fengxian. One option available is to join a caravan. By paying a certain fee, Orion could secure a spot on a horse-drawn wagon. These caravans also come with bodyguards, ensuring a relatively safe journey. Caravans bound for Yanjing depart from Lianfen Village twice a week. Upon reaching Yanjing, Orion could then join another caravan directly headed for Fengxian.

Orion departed the village around midday, making its way through the forest. By sunset, it had safely reached the Lander, having not come across any dangerous animals, spirit beasts, or bandits.

Inside the secure confines of the Lander, Orion got to work. Using the available equipment and spare parts, it first addressed the pressing issue, completely repairing its damaged shoulder and left arm. The robot tirelessly worked through the night. After the repair work, Orion focused on constructing drones, and by dawn, two drones had been completed. Orion designated them as SO-1 models (Surveillance Ornithopter - Model 1).

The drone's design closely resembles that of a dragonfly, albeit with a shorter tail. Orion constructed the fuselage by assembling cut exoskeleton pieces, which were meticulously shaped and then fused together using a special adhesive. Thanks to Orion's capability to create a 3D model, it had a clear blueprint of how each component should be crafted and integrated. The drone's original head, with its prominent eyes, has been replaced with modified gimbal CCTV cameras originally intended for Mars base monitoring. These cameras provide high-resolution color imagery, IR night vision, and thermal imaging. A battery unit, tucked within the drone's fuselage and tail, provides ample power, supporting over 5 hours of continuous operation.

At the moment, the drone doesn't possess autonomous flight capabilities and requires manual control from Orion. Its radio communication antenna offers a maximum range of 1 km. However, once a GPS and global satellite communication system is established, there are plans to significantly boost the drone's communication capabilities, enhancing both video feed transmission and control commands from Orion. Additionally, integrating an autopilot system is on the horizon. Currently, the Orbiter can't provide coverage for the entire planet.

Under the morning sun, Orion conducted a test flight of the drone, evaluating its performance through various maneuvers, while also assessing the clarity and efficiency of its camera. The results were satisfying. When the drone hovered above Orion, its camera captured a comprehensive view of the surroundings. Orion even managed to simultaneously control two drones, significantly expanding its situational awareness. With the capability of Orion's processor and AI, handling even more drones concurrently seemed feasible. Now, any potential ambush against Orion would be much less likely to succeed.

Having successfully developed the drone, Orion now prepared to return to the village and join a caravan headed for Yanjing. One pressing matter was the Lander — Orion was reluctant to leave it behind. When an attempt to store the massive vehicle within the storage ring failed, Orion pondered aloud, "Why can't I store it? Is it too large? Or is the storage ring already full?"

Lacking the spiritual sense cultivators used to inspect the ring's contents, Orion opted for a different approach. Emptying the ring of all its contents, the robot was eventually able to store the Lander. Now, surrounded by a multitude of scattered items, Orion mused, "Unique problems require unique solutions."

Orion retrieved the Lander and began the laborious process of emptying its storage. Methodically sorting items, it prioritized storing items inside the Lander that weren't immediately needed. This way, since accessing those would necessitate extracting the Lander first, it saved essential space inside the ring. After ensuring the Lander's compartments were packed to the brim, Orion managed to store it within the ring and then placed any remaining items back inside.

"Excellent, that did the trick," Orion noted with a hint of satisfaction.

As night approached and with the lander now stored in the storage ring, Orion decided to spend the night atop a tree. Using a grappling hook and an electric winch, Orion swiftly ascended to the treetop. Remaining motionless and silent throughout the night, Orion managed to remain undetected amidst the bustling nocturnal activities of the forest's residents as they hunted and preyed on one another.

At dawn, Orion set off immediately for Lianfen, moving with a swift pace. Above, an SO-1 drone accompanied Orion, providing an aerial perspective. After inquiring earlier, Orion found out that a caravan to Yanjing was set to depart around midday today, so time was of the essence. The drone's utility became evident when it detected two bull-like creatures locked in a fierce battle, allowing Orion to detect the threat from a distance and take a detour to avoid them.

Upon arriving in Lianfen, Orion promptly registered with the caravan, paying a fee of 2 silver coins. The journey to Yanjing would span approximately two days and one night. While passengers would ride in horse-drawn carriages and be protected by bodyguards, they were responsible for their own food and drink. Although Orion didn't require sustenance, in an effort to blend in, Orion purchased a small animal-skin bag from a stall. Orion filled the bag with essentials like a water gourd, rations, dried meat, fruits, and a folded bamboo mat for sleeping.

After a while, the caravan departed, attracting a significant number of travelers heading towards Yanjing. Some planned to disembark at villages en route. Among the crowd, at least 30 passengers could be counted, and it wasn't just humans; cargo was abundant. Two carriages brimmed with goods, a testament to Lianfen village's thriving trade, courtesy of the bounties from the Yuezhi forest. The village was renowned for its medicinal plants and products derived from both common animals and rare spirit beasts.

Ensuring the safety of the caravan, six bodyguards were on alert. Among them, two were seasoned cultivators. The most powerful among them was named Li Jun, an adept at the 2nd stage of the Qi Condensation realm. Accompanying him was a slightly younger cultivator named Zhang Feng, who was at the 1st stage of the Qi Condensation realm.

As the caravan began its slow journey eastward, Orion, seated in one of the carriages, silently admired the picturesque surroundings. All the while, an unusual-looking dragonfly hovered overhead, shadowing their progress.

Chapter 17: Wolves' Ambush

The atmosphere in the carriage was lively as passengers engaged in animated conversations, covering a wide variety of topics. Orion listened quietly, enjoying the discourse and occasionally contributing to the discussion. The caravan had already traveled a significant distance from Lianfen and was now traversing a forested area. With sunset approaching, they needed to reach the designated rest area before nightfall.

An SO-1 drone, hovering about 150 meters above the ground, scanned the vicinity of the caravan. Suddenly, through its thermal camera, it detected multiple heat signatures moving toward the caravan in what seemed to be an ambush formation, circling the group. As these heat sources drew closer, the drone switched to its high-resolution day camera, and identified them as a pack of wolves. They had encircled the caravan and seemed poised for an ambush.

From within the horse-drawn carriage, Orion, who was remotely operating the drone, became instantly aware of the impending danger. "We are surrounded," it announced, its head turning to face the tree line beside the road.

Upon hearing Orion's statement, the other passengers and caravan guards, previously engaged in their own conversations and tasks, paused and turned their attention to Orion.

"Surrounded by what?" one of the passengers inquired.

"Wolves," Orion responded.

"Are you sure about that? How many are there?" A caravan guard asked, approaching Orion with a hint of anxiety in his voice. He scanned the surroundings, seeing no immediate signs of a wolf pack. How can this passenger detect them? Could his spiritual sense really reach that far? Gasp! That suggests his cultivation base might be incredibly high, perhaps even surpassing the leader's, the guard thought to himself.

"There are approximately 36 wolves surrounding us, and they are closing in," Orion detailed.

"Everyone, halt!" The leader of the guards, Li Jun, commanded the caravan to stop after hearing Orion's warning. He guided his horse closer to Orion's carriage. "What is your name? Is what you said true? Can you provide more details?" Li Jun studied Orion intently, attempting to gauge his cultivation level but found himself unable to discern any signs of it.

"My name is Orion, and indeed, we are being surrounded by a pack of wolves: 20 on the right side of the road and 16 on the left. Furthermore, there are 6 additional wolves waiting at a distance on the left," Orion informed.

Li Jun focused intently, sharpening his ears, eyes, and extending his spiritual sense, trying to detect the wolves. For a while, he couldn't sense anything. However, as he continued to focus, he began to discern faint movements behind the tree line and among the bushes. Recognizing the figures as wolves, he was taken aback. Orion's senses were sharper than his own, perhaps Orion's spiritual sense surpassed even Li Jun's.

"Wolves! Assume battle formation! Zhang Feng, take the right flank!" Li Jun commanded.

The guards swiftly moved to the center of the caravan, positioning themselves near the carriages carrying the passengers. On the right, two guards were led by Zhang Feng, while on the left, Li Jun led the remaining two guards on the left flank. The atmosphere grew tense as passengers became increasingly worried and anxious about the looming threat. Some, including Orion, disembarked from the carriages, choosing to actively participate in the defense against the approaching wolves.

Attacks by wolves on caravans weren't uncommon. While such skirmishes sometimes resulted in casualties, it was rare for an entire caravan to be slaughtered. In most cases, the defenders could repel the wolves. Even an average individual armed with a weapon stood a fighting chance against a wolf after a bit of a struggle. For cultivators like Li Jun and Zhang Feng, facing up to three wolves simultaneously was manageable. However, the real threat in such packs was often the presence of a wolf spirit beast, typically of at least Rank-1. While the regular wolves could be dealt with relatively easily, the spirit beast posed a more significant challenge.

Before long, the wolves revealed themselves, emerging from behind trees and bushes. They growled menacingly at the caravan's defenders, who stood their ground around the carriages. The caravan was entirely encircled, and given the sheer number of wolves, it was evident that this wouldn't be an easy battle.

"Prepare for battle! Stick close to one another; cover and support those beside you. Once we kill enough of them, they'll halt their attack and retreat," Li Jun commanded, his voice exuding the confidence and experience of someone familiar with wolf attacks.

The tension filled the air as the guards and several passengers drew their weapons in preparation. Faces were slick with sweat and etched with worry. Suddenly, a long and powerful howl pierced the air from behind the trees, likely from the pack leader, signaling the wolves to commence their assault.

Shouts, battle cries, whimpers, growls, and screams echoed throughout the battlefield as blood splattered, staining the ground red. Humans thrust, swung, and stabbed their weapons at the advancing wolves, who responded by charging fearlessly, aiming to bite down on any available target.

Amidst this chaos, Orion, using its blade, fought alongside the guards and passengers. Its actions varied from distracting wolves to delivering fatal blows, consistently alleviating the pressure on the guards. Employing minimal yet efficient movements, Orion slashed and kicked at the wolves. Hovering above, a drone captured the chaotic scene, granting Orion a strategic overview of the battlefield. This allowed Orion to intervene wherever a guard was in dire straits. To an observer, Orion's demeanor might seem almost nonchalant or lazy in the midst of battle, but to the guards, it epitomized an expert with precise and effective movements, always ready to strike or assist.

As a robot, Orion lacked fear, anxiety, or nervousness, allowing it to consistently operate at peak performance and make optimal judgments. In contrast, humans, being susceptible to the influences of emotion and external conditions, could have their judgment clouded, leading to potential mistakes in such intense situations. Orion's calm demeanor, combined with its sharp senses—evident from its earlier detection of the wolves—set it apart. Such qualities led the guards and other passengers to believe that Orion is an expert with high cultivation base.

As the battle wore on, more and more wolves fell. Fortunately, the defenders only sustained minor injuries. From behind the trees, a figure emerged—a massive wolf, possibly the pack leader, accompanied by five others. This creature, with its two tails, was even larger than the two-tailed wolf Orion had previously encountered upon its arrival to this planet. Sensing the presence of their leader, the remaining wolves ceased their assault and retreated towards it.

Wolves that embark on the path of cultivation evolve into Rank-1 spirit beasts, recognizable by their two tails. As their cultivation progresses, they grow additional tails.

Agitated by the loss of so many of its pack, the two-tailed wolf growled menacingly, its eyes bloodshot and fangs exposed.

"Careful! gather around me," Li Jun ordered, signaling his men to form up beside him, facing a spirit beast they need to be careful.

"Boss, can you handle that two-tailed wolf?" an underling asked Li Jun.

"It's just a Rank-1 spirit beast. Don't fret. Focus on defending against the other wolves; I'll take care of the big one. Once it's down, the rest will retreat," Li Jun assured.

"Do you need assistance?" Zhang Feng inquired.

"No, hold the line and defend," commanded Li Jun.

The tension was palpable. On one side, wolves snarled, baring their teeth and dripping saliva, ready to pounce. On the opposite end, the caravan's defenders gripped their weapons, some visibly anxious, while others remained composed.

Then, leading the charge was the two-tailed wolf, with the entire pack swiftly following. Dust rose in thick clouds as they charged, reminiscent of a surging flood attempting to break through a fragile dam—representing the caravan's defensive line.

"Attack!" shouted Li Jun. Dashing forward, his sword shimmered, enveloped in a menacing blue glow, as he swung it mightily towards the two-tailed wolf.

From the sidelines, Orion observed intently, a sense of envy evident in its systems. Now, it had come to understand the nature of the glowing weapons. In essence, they were combat techniques. What Li Jun employed was a sword technique that, by channeling Qi, amplified both the strength and sharpness of the weapon.

Orion recalled its confrontation with Hu's bandit group. Hu had utilized a saber technique, reinforced with Qi, that could effortlessly slice through Orion's steel frame. Similarly, Lian had a spear technique that manifested fire damage.

Orion had made attempts to harness such techniques. From a scroll retrieved from Lian's storage, it had meticulously studied the spear technique. However, success remained elusive. The technique required channeling Qi into the weapon, a process unfamiliar to Orion. Furthermore, as a robot, Orion lacked the dantian—a specific energy center within cultivators that stored Qi. As a result, Orion could only observe with a certain longing. Possessing such abilities would undoubtedly elevate its combat prowess.

Li Jun battled fiercely with the two-tailed wolf. Despite its speed and strength, the wolf's attacks were predictable—mostly straightforward charges and lunges. Li Jun masterfully dodged or blocked each assault, inflicting numerous minor wounds on the creature.

Suddenly, the wolf gaped its jaws wide, lunging directly at Li Jun in an attempt to deliver a lethal bite. Just as Li Jun was preparing to sidestep and counter, the wolf's eyes blazed with a mysterious light and its body emitted a chilling dark red aura. It then unleashed a deafening howl.

Caught off guard, Li Jun dropped his sword, clutching his ears in agony and collapsing to his knees. His expression was one of sheer torment. It seemed to be a spirit beast skill—the howl was not only loud but also carried an intense intimidating pressure. Those with weak wills were most affected. The situation for the other defenders was even direr: many fell unconscious, while some peed themselves. However, the other wolves remained unaffected. With the defenders in such a vulnerable state, the pack seized the opportunity, charging in to attack the defenseless humans.

Fortunately, one member of the caravan group remained unaffected by the howl. "Damn it," Orion muttered. Swiftly, Orion discarded its saber and pulled out several metallic canisters, from the storage ring. Orion hurled them in the directions of the incoming wolves and directly at the two-tailed wolf, aiming to intercept the onslaught of the approaching pack.

Seeing a lone human throw seemingly harmless objects, the wolves weren't deterred. The two-tailed wolf almost seemed to smirk at Orion's actions. Internally, it sneered something like, what are you even trying? Do you believe those puny objects will deter us? It stood its ground confidently, not even attempting to dodge.

To the wolves' astonishment and dismay, the canisters erupted into plumes of brown smoke upon impact with the ground. Almost instantly, they were engulfed in an excruciating pain. Their eyes and noses burned fiercely, stinging with pain. Their distress was palpable as they howled in agony, tears streaming uncontrollably. The wolves rolled on the ground, sprinted about in disarray, shook their heads violently, and frantically tried to rub their faces to alleviate the pain. The scene was chaotic, filled with whines and pitiable yelps of distress.

The once mighty pack of wolves now resembled a pitiful group of street dogs, with even the powerful two-tailed wolf rolling on the ground in agony. Although Orion felt a pang of sympathy, it recognized the necessity of self-defense. In the future, if a friendlier wolf crosses its path, Orion would love to offer belly rubs and head pats. But for now, Orion just wants to take a moment to relish in the distinct cacophony of the wolf pack's distress.

Chapter 18: Another Trouble

Previously, after returning to the lander, Orion repaired its left shoulder, left arm, and other damage completely then Orion undertook some modifications to its left arm. Drawing from the previous experience where it successfully utilized electricity to electrocute Hu Zhao, Orion integrated several small copper plates into its palm and fingers, connecting them to its internal electrical cables. This innovation effectively transformed Orion's hand into a DIY electroshock device. For longer-range confrontations, Orion designed a projectile-based electroshock weapon that fires two sharp electrodes, each connected by a cable. The projectiles, each launched using its own coil spring, extend Orion's electrical reach.

In addition to these innovations, during its downtime while constructing drones, Orion also explored the crafting of DIY tear gas canisters. Using various items procured from the market in Lianfen and principles similar to fire extinguishers, Orion developed its tear gas solution.

The canisters repurposed by Orion were originally designed to store compressed CO₂ for cleaning Martian solar panels of dust. An alternative method for cleaning the solar panels involved using an electric compressor to blow compressed air onto them. While effective, this method wasn't as portable or straightforward as simply using a canister. Orion saw an additional potential in both the canisters and the compressor technology. The robot's design for the tear gas involved storing a blend of finely ground spices and medicinal herbs in a canister, which was then pressurized with air. Once triggered by a significant impact, the pressurized air propels the spice mix outwards. These powders, when airborne, irritate mucous membranes, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, and can induce a burning sensation on the skin and in the lungs if inhaled.

The efficacy of the tear gas was undeniably demonstrated by the miserable state of the wolf pack. Orion also has canisters containing poisonous powders, but it opted against using them due to the proximity of numerous humans.

"Quick retreat! Don't get caught up in that smoke!" Orion advised Li Jun.

Li Jun, who had previously believed he was on the brink of death, was momentarily stunned by the abrupt turn of events. However, Orion's shout snapped him back to reality. Grabbing his sword and still slightly weakened from the wolf's howl, he limped back towards Orion.

"Thank you. I can't begin to imagine what might have happened had you not intervened," Li Jun expressed, cupping his hands and bowing slightly in gratitude.

Orion nodded slightly in response, crossing its arms over its chest and observing the situation with the wolves.

Before long, the smoke dissipated. Most of the wolves, having run wild in their disoriented state, had already fled into the distance. Only a few, including the two-tailed wolf, remained nearby.

"Can you handle the wolf leader now?" Orion inquired.

"Yes! Leave it to me," Li Jun replied. With renewed confidence, he slowly approached the two-tailed wolf that lay whimpering on the ground.

The two-tailed wolf weakly opened its eyes, which were still streaming with tears from the pain. Spotting the approaching figure, it managed to stand, baring its teeth, and charged in a berserk rage.

Li Jun stood his ground, ready to sidestep the oncoming charge. Holding his sword pointed downward, it began to glow with a radiant blue light. At the precise moment, Li Jun deftly dodged to the side, simultaneously swinging his blade upwards. The sharp edge met the wolf's neck, causing a deep gash from which blood poured profusely. Due to the effects of the tear gas, the two-tailed wolf's accuracy, speed, reflexes, and power had diminished, allowing Li Jun to deliver a potentially fatal blow.

The remaining wolves were quickly dealt with, ensuring the caravan's safety after the harrowing attack. As the guards and passengers began tending to the wounded and cleaning up the aftermath, many approached Orion to express their gratitude. Due to Orion's significant role in defusing the dangerous situation, a newfound respect for Orion blossomed among the caravan members.

Li Jun approached, offering Orion the fur and the spirit beast core of the two-tailed wolf – the only valuable parts of the creature. The spirit beast core functions similarly to the dantian possessed by cultivators. Without hesitation, Orion accepted the offerings, storing them in its storage ring.

He truly must be a cultivator if he can utilize a storage ring, Li Jun mused internally. Knowing that storage rings were both rare and expensive, combined with his inability to discern Orion's cultivation level, Li Jun surmised that the gap between their cultivation bases must be vast.

They continued their journey, soon reaching a rest area. This stopover was a simple clearing in the heart of the woods, fortified with a modest earthen mound and a rudimentary wooden tower, designed to defend against animals and spirit beast attacks. By the time Orion's caravan arrived, several other groups—be it caravans or solo travelers—had already set up camp within the compound.

"We've reached the rest area. Set up camp; we'll rest here tonight and depart early tomorrow," instructed Li Jun. "Feel free to explore the compound, but don't stray too far."

Upon his directive, the guards and passengers quickly disembarked from their horses and wagons. While some busied themselves with setting up camp and unloading supplies, others hurried into the nearby woods and bushes, heeding nature's call.

Orion disembarked from the wagon and took a moment to observe the various individuals within the compound. Notably, there was a significant number of cultivators present. Based on the radio signals they emitted, all were of the Qi Condensation realm.

"Sir, please feel free to explore the compound," Li Jun said, his smile perhaps a touch too polite. "Rest assured, we'll take care of your accommodations and dinner." It amused Orion to see how Li Jun's demeanor had shifted towards overt politeness. In this world, strength clearly commanded respect, and Orion decided to play along.

"Thank you. I think I'll get some fresh air," replied Orion. With that, Orion began wandering around the compound, eventually making its way deeper into the woods. After a while, it stumbled upon a clearing. A drone descended from the sky, which Orion promptly grabbed and stored in its storage ring, trusting the safety of the compound given the presence of so many cultivators.

The night at the rest area buzzed with activity. While some stood on guard, the majority immersed themselves in vibrant conversations, hearty laughter, songs, and interactions with members of other caravan groups. People from Orion's caravan recounted the day's harrowing wolf ambush. Their tale captivated many. As the narrative unfolded, listeners reacted with gasps, expressions of surprise, interjections, cheers, and laughter, riding the emotional waves of the story.

Orion's reputation surged within the rest area. Tales of how he had detected the ambush, aided in the battle against the wolves, and crucially shifted the tide of the situation were widely discussed. Yet, while everyone spoke of his exploits, the subject of their admiration and praise was nonchalantly lying on a comfortably made bed, draped in soft fur bedding, feigning sleep. After the events of the day, Orion gained a reputation in the rest area as the mysterious man clad in steel armor, a man of few words with an unfathomable cultivation base.

The night passed swiftly, and by early morning, the caravan was ready to continue its journey. Several groups, also bound for Yanjing, decided to join Orion's caravan for the trek. Others set off in different directions, heading to various destinations.

By midday, the expanded caravan, now consisting of multiple groups, decided to take a brief respite. Orion ventured into the woods, some distance from the main path. There, it retrieved the drone that had been flying since morning and swapped it for a fresh one. Once the new drone took flight, Orion returned to the group. The caravan set out again, expected to arrive in Yanjing before sunset.

High above, the drone detected a heat signature moving towards the caravan. Fortunately, it wasn't wolves like the previous encounter. Zooming in for a closer view, it revealed a girl, about 13 years old, running towards the road. This time, Orion simply observed as the girl rapidly approached the caravan.

"Help... HElp... HELp...HELP" The girl's cries grew louder as she neared, catching the attention of the caravan. As she continued to scream for assistance, the caravan came to a halt.

"Little girl, what happened?" Li Jun inquired, moving closer to her.

"Senior brother, Senior Brother Jian, please save him! I beg you!" The girl pleaded.

"Calm down first," Zhang Feng interjected soothingly. "Tell us your name and what exactly happened. Can you explain it clearly?"

Tears streaming down her face, the girl began to recount her tale. Her name was Xia Ling. They all hailed from the White Crane Sect, and there were four of them on this trip. Their goal had been to carry out a seemingly low-risk mission assigned by their sect in the woods. However, they never expected to run into a pair of Vermillion Clawed Bears, which were Rank-2 spirit beasts. This was equivalent to a cultivator of the Foundation Establishment realm. In contrast, her team was made up entirely of cultivators in the Qi Condensation realm, with the most powerful among them being her Senior Brother Liu Jian, who was at the 8th stage of the Qi Condensation realm. It so happened that Liu Jian was also a young master from the influential Liu family in Yanjing City. Tragically, two of their team members had already perished, and now Liu Jian was bravely facing the two bear spirit beasts alone, having covered her retreat.

Li Jun and the other cultivators were in a bind. He himself was only at the 2nd stage of the Qi Condensation realm, identical to Xia Ling. The stronger cultivators from the other groups merely reached the 3rd stage of the Qi Condensation realm. None were a match for the Vermillion Clawed Bears. To attempt a rescue seemed akin to marching to their own demise. Yet, abandoning Young Master Liu wasn't an option either. Should the Liu family discover their inaction, their wrath would be unpredictable. At the very least, they might be barred from entering Yanjing City in the future. Caught in this dilemma, Li Jun's gaze subconsciously drifted towards Orion, silently pleading for the mysterious man's aid. Perhaps he could stand against the Vermillion Clawed Bears.

As Xia Ling related her tale, Orion had already redirected the drone towards the presumed location of the battle. Upon hearing the conclusion of her harrowing account, followed by her sobs and desperate pleas, and noticing Li Jun's expectant look, Orion took a moment to weigh the situation. After a brief calculation, it metaphorically sighed, saying, "Let's save him." Internally, Orion mused, it was supposed to be a simple journey to the neighboring city. Why is there so much trouble along the way?

Chapter 19: Ze Flammenwerfer: Hans's Answer to Trouble

When Orion agreed to help, Li Jun hesitated, his voice strained with concern. "Are you certain, sir? We're talking about two Vermillion Clawed Bears. Young Master Liu might already be..." He trailed off, unable to voice the grim possibility.

Xia Ling's eyes flared with conviction. "No, Senior Brother Jian is still alive! I believe in him. We must hurry – there's still time to save him." Her face was a picture of unwavering belief.

Orion disembarked from the wagon. "Okay, I'll save him. You don't have to worry."

A ray of hope pierced through Xia Ling's despair. Gratitude and relief shone in her eyes as she bowed deeply. "Thank you so much, mister."

Although Xia Ling couldn't discern this mysterious man's cultivation level, something about his demeanor – perhaps the sheer confidence in his voice – reassured her. Deep down, she harbored an unwavering belief that he would be the key to saving her senior brother.

She straightened up, her demeanor shifting from despair to resolve. "This way," she urged, gesturing towards the woods. "Senior Brother Jian is in this direction, uhmm mister..."

"My name is Orion. You don't need to accompany me, it's too dangerous," Orion stated.

"But even if I can't assist in the fight, I can show you the way," Xia Ling countered.

"There's no need. I already know where your senior brother is. Let's not waste any more time," Orion replied, preparing to leave.

Xia Ling bowed deeply. "Thank you, Mister Orion. I truly hope you can save Senior Brother Jian." She placed her trust in this enigmatic figure. He could detect Senior Brother Jian's location from here. Is he a Foundation Establishment realm cultivator or even higher? she pondered.

Li Jun hesitated, torn. Finally, with gritted teeth, he commanded, "Zhang Feng, lead the caravan to the city. I'll join Mister Orion in the rescue mission for Young Master Liu."

"Be careful, boss," Zhang Feng cautioned.

A cultivator named Xin Qiu, a 3rd stage of the Qi Condensation realm from another group, stepped forward. "I'll also assist." He reasoned internally that if he didn't offer help now, especially when others were taking the initiative, how could he explain it to the Liu family in the future? He resolved to try, but if things turned perilous, he'd make a quick retreat. This way, he could at least tell the Liu family he attempted to help.

"Alright, let's move," Orion said.

Li Jun turned to his caravan, issuing instructions before leaving them, "Head straight to the city. The city is already nearby, and the journey is short and should be relatively safe from spirit beasts and bandits." He then addressed Xia Ling, "Miss Ling, it's best if you join the caravan and head to the city. It's too risky for you to stay here alone."

Xia Ling nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, everyone, for your assistance."

Without further delay, Orion, Li Jun, and Xin Qiu set off towards the woods. As they moved through the woods, Orion suddenly halted in its tracks.

"What's the matter, sir? Is something wrong?" Li Jun asked, with Xin Qiu also looking on curiously.

"To rescue Young Master Liu, we need to prepare," Orion stated.

Li Jun's brows furrowed in confusion. "Prepare? What for? Shouldn't we be hurrying to Young Master Liu's aid?"

"If we charge in without a plan or preparation, our rescue attempt will fail," Orion explained calmly. "There's no need to rush. Young Master Liu is still protected by a defense talisman." Using its drone, Orion could see that Young Master Liu was surrounded by an energy barrier, deflecting the Vermillion Clawed Bear's attacks. From what it learned in Lianfen, Orion deduced that Young Master Liu was using a defense talisman.

Impressed by Orion's ability to ascertain Young Master Liu's condition from a distance, Li Jun inquired, "So, what's our next move, sir?"

Orion responded, "You don't need to do anything for now. Just stand aside."

With that, Orion retrieved the Lander from its storage ring. The sudden appearance of the large, metallic object left both Li Jun and Xin Qiu stunned. They wondered if this peculiar device was part of Orion's preparation.

"What is it, sir?" Li Jun inquired.

"It's my portable hut," Orion responded. Well, it's not entirely inaccurate, Orion thought internally.

"Oh... but the design is, well... unique," Xin Qiu observed.

"Yes, that's precisely why I rarely take it out," Orion explained.

Li Jun tapped the structure, eliciting a metallic sound. "Is it made of steel? Why are there no windows?"

"It's made from steel to protect against wild animals," Orion clarified.

"Is it imbued with inscriptions?" Xin Qiu asked.

"No," replied Orion.

"Oh, while it might defend against wild animals, without inscriptions to reinforce it, it would be ineffective against spirit beasts like the Vermillion Clawed Bear," Xin Qiu reasoned.

Orion nodded, "Indeed, the maker didn't consider that aspect. Perhaps you could make a similar steel hut for your travels. At the very least, it can protect from rain and wild animals."

Xin Qiu chuckled, "No, sir. This seems heavy and sizable. It can only be transported using a storage ring, which a low-level cultivator like me doesn't possess."

"Well, I suppose you're right," Orion conceded, skillfully diverting their attention from the Lander. By framing the advanced machinery as a mere steel portable hut, it cleverly diminished its perceived value, reducing any potential interest or covetous intentions.

Orion's AI had already devised a plan to confront the bear spirit beast and had crafted blueprints for the essential tools. With everything set, Orion began the impromptu project.

Internally, Orion mused, it's time for this world to witness the might of Hans and his 'Ze Flammenwerfer'.

"Please retreat further, things might get dangerous," Orion advised.

Both Li Jun and Xin Qiu, although confused, heeded the warning and moved back. What is he trying to do? they both wondered.

Orion's Lander, designed for Mars landing operations, was both large and heavy. Given the thin Martian atmosphere, parachutes alone couldn't adequately slow its descent. Thus, the Lander was equipped with a rocket engine that had several thrusters to control its descent. In the final moments before touchdown, this engine would fire fully to ensure a safe and smooth landing. The Lander's rocket engine utilized Rocket Propellant-1 (RP-1)—a highly refined form of kerosene—as well as Liquid Oxygen (LOX), with each stored in separate tanks. Orion now planned to use the RP-1 fuel to make a flamethrower.

Orion retrieved an empty oxygen cylinder. Initially designed to be attached to an astronaut's spacesuit, it supplied breathable oxygen for outdoor activities on the Martian surface. After making some modifications, Orion carefully transferred the leftover RP-1 fuel from the Lander's storage tank into the cylinder.

Using an electric compressor, Orion pressurized the cylinder with air. Near the top of the cylinder, a valve was secured to ensure the controlled release of the RP-1 fuel. Orion then took a four-meter-long, elastic reinforced fuel hose—originally designed for transferring fuel from the Lander's spare tanks to the main tank—and connected it to this valve.

To enhance safety and extend the range, Orion slid the hose inside a two-meter-long metallic pipe, securing the hose's end to the pipe's end. To streamline the spraying mechanism, Orion fitted a spray nozzle to the hose's end. Near the nozzle, Orion mounted a small torch for ignition. When lit and the valve opened, the RP-1 fuel would be sprayed out, igniting upon contact with the torch, producing a fierce flame. Holding onto the long metal pipe, Orion could safely operate the newly created flamethrower.

After completion, Orion conducted a test. The results were satisfactory. Li Jun and Xin Qiu, observing from the side, had been unsure of what Orion was up to. However, when the tool Orion created suddenly emitted a burst of flame, they were taken aback. Wow, that's incredible, both thought internally.

"Sir, will this tool be effective against the Vermillion Clawed Bear?" Li Jun inquired.

Orion confidently replied, "Yes, it will be. If Hans ever encountered a bear spirit beast, he would use 'Ze Flammenwerfer' to deal with it. I intend to do the same." As a demonstration, Orion adjusted the valve, making the flame grow even more intense.

"Who is Hans, sir?" Li Jun asked, puzzled. Internally, he wondered, why would Hans use 'Ze Flammenwerfer' against a bear spirit beast?

"Uhmm... Never mind. Just forget what I just said," Orion replied, understanding that no one from this planet would recognize that reference.

"Oh...," Li Jun murmured, still curious but choosing not to press further.

Orion accessed its storage ring and retrieved all the firecrackers and fireworks. Placing them in a linen pouch, it then drizzled a bit of RP-1 fuel over them before storing the pouch back in the ring. Next, Orion retrieved several large clay jugs, each filled with various types of lamp oil, sourced from plants, animal fats, and spirit beast fats. Carefully, it filled several smaller jugs with this oils, sealing them tightly. Orion also made several other preparations. The preparations seemed meticulous, leaving Li Jun and Xin Qiu intrigued and somewhat puzzled about what was to come.

Orion attached the pressurized oxygen tank, now filled with RP-1 fuel, upside-down to its back. Positioning it this way ensured the fuel would flow readily into the tube without the need for a dip tube. Holding the flamethrower in its left hand, Orion was ready.

"It's done. Time to rescue Young Master Liu," Orion declared. "Your task will be to retrieve Young Master Liu. I will distract the Vermillion Clawed Bear and lead it away. When you see an opportunity, immediately get Young Master Liu to safety."

"Understood," both Li Jun and Xin Qiu responded in unison.

With their roles clear, they set out, ready to execute the rescue mission.

Chapter 20: Leap of Faith

The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood. A deafening roar echoed from a Vermillion Clawed Bear, its fury unmistakable. Not far away, the lifeless form of another Vermillion Clawed Bear lay sprawled. Scattered nearby, the remnants of what appeared to be dead human body, testament to the violent skirmish.

The bear lunged furiously at the human in front of it. Despite the devastating force of the beast's claws, they were repelled by the protective barrier of a defense talisman enveloping the human. This shield withstood each of the bear's fierce attacks, keeping the human unscathed.

Liu Jian knelt on the ground, stabbing his sword into the soil and using it to support himself. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, several of his bones are broken, blood flows from several gaping wounds on his body.

He had already employed several life-saving measures bestowed upon him by his family: defense talisman, precious medicines, and explosive talismans. After a fierce battle with the two bears, he had managed to slay the female. However, this act only further enraged the male bear. Now, with grievous injuries and his Qi completely depleted, Liu Jian had just one remaining defense talisman to shield himself.

With a weary sigh, Liu Jian murmured, "I hope Junior Sister Xia managed to escape and reach the city safely." Resigned to his grim fate, hope seemed a distant memory for him.

But suddenly, several metallic objects were hurled at the bear. Upon impact, they emitted thick brown smoke, clouding the area. Liu Jian turned his gaze, spotting a man clad in metallic armor, the one who had thrown those objects. Could he be here to save me? Liu Jian pondered, hope reigniting within him. However, he couldn't discern the identity or cultivation base of the armored man.

The bear's attention quickly shifted to the mysterious newcomer. The smoke caused a slight stinging sensation, eliciting a deafening roar from the beast in response.

"Hm... the tear gas isn't effective against it," Orion mused.

Without hesitation, it dashed toward the bear. "Try this then," it declared. Orion opened the flamethrower's valve, and the RP-1 fuel rapidly spewed from the spray nozzle, and the fire from the torch attached near the nozzle instantly igniting it. A burst of fire surged forward, engulfing the bear.

"Roooaarrrr!" the bear's cry echoed as flames consumed its body. The RP-1 fuel, having soaked into the bear's dense fur, made the fire difficult to shake off. Desperate, the bear continued to try, rolling and flailing in its attempts.

Unable to extinguish the flames, the bear changed its target. Leaving Liu Jian behind, it charged directly at Orion.

"Good," Orion murmured, having successfully drawn the bear's attention. Now, let's just hope those two can get Young Master Liu to safety. With that hope in mind, Orion faced a challenging task: not only did it need to continue spraying the beast with fire, but it also had to deftly dodge the bear aggressive advances. Skillfully, Orion began to lead the bear, guiding it steadily to the west.

"Huh... what is he trying to do?" Liu Jian wondered aloud, completely bewildered by the sudden turn of events. An armored individual had appeared out of nowhere, leading the bear away while seemingly spraying flames at it.

"Young Master Liu, over here!" Xin Qiu called out, waving from behind the tree line. Shortly after, Li Jun joined in, and both began running towards Liu Jian's location.

"Young Master Liu, we've come to rescue you. We must move quickly before that bear returns," Li Jun urged.

Liu Jian, still catching his breath, asked, "Is that armored individual with you? Will it be fine to leave him alone facing the bear?"

"Young Master, don't worry about Mister Orion. I may not know his exact cultivation base, but he was able to discern your condition from a significant distance. That's how we located you. He must be at least at the Foundation Establishment realm," Xin Qiu explained.

Liu Jian's eyes widened in surprise. Even though he was still at the Qi Condensation realm, he knew that cultivators of the Foundation Establishment realm had a spiritual sense range of around 100m at most, which wouldn't be sufficient to locate him deep within the forest. He gasped, Could he be... a Golden Core cultivator?

"Quick, this way!" Li Jun urged, taking the lead. Xin Qiu came to Liu Jian's side, letting Liu Jian drape an arm over his shoulder for support as they hurriedly moved together.

Orion had already led the bear a considerable distance away. With the rescue mission accomplished, it only needed to either evade or defeat the bear. Orion's processor and AI were swiftly recalculating the optimal strategy.

The force of the flamethrower's spray had started to weaken, a sign that the pressure in the cylinder was decreasing. Making a quick decision, Orion unstrapped the cylinder from its back and hurled it toward the bear.

The bear's claws glowed, and it slashed through the metallic cylinder as if it were mere paper. Instantly, a massive fireball enveloped the bear. The leftover fuel inside the cylinder ignited upon exposure to the flames, taking the bear by surprise as the fire splashed all over it.

But suddenly, the bear launched a swift attack. In response, Orion quickly drew Hu's blade from the storage ring, delivering a horizontal slash, attempting to halt its fierce charge. The bear opened its mouth wide, catching the incoming blade between its powerful jaws. Applying immense pressure, a cracking sound soon gave way to the sound of shattering. The blade, once formidable enough to cut through Orion's steel frame, was now bitten and reduced to fragments.

"That was really dangerous," Orion mused, recalling how this very blade had previously managed to cut through its metallic body.

The bear continued its relentless assault, forcing Orion into a desperate dance of evasions - dodging, leaping, and rolling to avoid each strike. In a swift moment, while leaping to the side, Orion retrieved a linen pouch from its storage ring and hurled it at the bear. The pouch struck the beast, ignited instantly, and fell beneath it. Moments later, it exploded with a deafening roar.

Kaboommm!

"What was that?" Liu Jian exclaimed in surprise.

"It must be Mister Orion," Xin Qiu replied confidently. "That bear must be getting quite a beating from him. We have nothing to worry about." After hearing tales of Orion's valor during the wolf ambush and personally witnessing him craft the fire-breathing tool, Xin Qiu had become an ardent admirer, placing unwavering faith in the mysterious figure's capabilities.

Just what kind of attack produces such a deafening explosion? Liu Jian wondered internally.

The trio continued their escape, emerging from the woods and making their way to the road. Li Jun took the lead, bravely confronting any wild animals they came across to ensure their path was clear. Fortunately, they didn't encounter any spirit beasts, and soon they reached the safety of the main road.

Chunks of small meat flew and scattered all over the place. A loud, pain-filled roar erupted from the bear. A wound opened up on the bear's belly due to the explosion, and blood flowed profusely from it.

The bear sat down, looking at the wound on its belly. Suddenly, with a whoosh, a spear flew through the air, accurately striking the exposed wound. Due to the vulnerability of the injury, without the protection of skin and fur, the spear penetrated deeply into the bear.

When Orion spotted the bear's wound, Orion quickly retrieved Lian's spear and hurled it with precision towards the gaping wound. "Bullseye," Orion remarked.

The bear was nearly driven mad with anger, the bear had initially wanted to retaliate against the human responsible for killing its female mate. However, its efforts were constantly thwarted by the protective barrier. Out of nowhere, an armored man appeared, relentlessly spraying the bear with fire. This was soon followed by a deafening explosion that inflicted a severe injury to its belly. But it didn't end there. Suddenly, a spear pierced its already wounded belly. Now, the bear was truly enraged and wanted nothing more than to kill the armored man and shred him to pieces.

Not stopping there, Orion retrieved many small clay jugs filled with lamp oil and hurled them towards the bear. The jugs shattered upon impact, spilling the oil which immediately caught fire, further intensifying the flames that engulfed the bear.

The bear, with a spear embedded in its belly and flames engulfing its body, charged towards Orion on all fours in anger. The spear, protruding from its wound, scraped and dragged on the ground as the bear advanced. The combined pain from the dragging spear, the intense flames, and the wound in its belly significantly slowed the bear, making its movements far less swift than before.

"Good, follow me," Orion called out, taking off. With the bear now slowed by its injuries, Orion could match its pace — a stark contrast to their earlier encounter when the bear had the upper hand in speed. The scene was surreal: a robot being chased by a flaming bear, both disappearing into the distance.

Nice, almost there, Orion thought. As it ran, Orion stole a glance back to gauge the bear's progress. The beast had slowed notably, and the distance between them was steadily increasing. Orion moderated its speed, ensuring it stayed close enough to retain the bear's focus but far enough to remain safely out of its reach.

Orion pulled out a DIY tear gas canister from its storage ring. With a swift tap against its chest to activate it, the canister, now held firmly in Orion's left hand, began to emit a dense brown smoke. While the smoke had minimal effect on the bear, Orion intended to use it mainly to obscure the beast's view. Then, using its right hand, Orion brought out a grappling hook and expertly threw it, ensuring it securely anchored to a tree on the side. While holding onto a portion of the rope, Orion ensured there was enough length for its next move, with several meters of it still trailing behind.

Orion raced forward at full speed, leaving a trail of dense brown smoke in its wake. The spectacle of a robot, enveloped in smoke and pursued closely by a flaming bear, was nothing short of extraordinary. Then, Orion took a leap.

Blinded by rage, pain, and the obscuring smoke, and with Orion tantalizingly close in front of it, the bear failed to assess its surroundings. Too late, it realized that Orion had jumped over a steep cliff. Unable to halt its momentum, the bear careened over the edge, plummeting down into the depths below.

A loud roar echoed as the flaming bear plummeted, reminiscent of a meteor—albeit smaller and slower. Upon impact, the bear smashed into a large boulder below, meeting its end. Its lifeless body then rolled into the river, where the current swiftly carried it away. The fire on the bear was quickly extinguished, and smoke billowed from its lifeless form as it floated downstream.

Orion dangled a few meters down the cliff, clutching the rope, and watched as the lifeless bear was swept away by the river below. While it had come out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, the forceful impact against the cliff's side upon jumping had inflicted some minor damage.

"Rank-2 spirit beasts are too strong," Orion mused. Despite trying everything, it had to rely on gravity to finish the job. This encounter only heightened its aspiration to become stronger.

Chapter 21: Banquet at the Liu Family Estate

After the encounter with the Vermillion Clawed Bear, Orion set out in the direction where Li Jun, Xin Qiu, and Liu Jian had retreated. Using the drone, it quickly located them. With a command, Orion directed the drone to descend, and as soon as it was within reach, stored it back into the storage ring.

"I need to manufacture more of these, perhaps with some modifications and additional features," Orion mused. Designs and blueprints to upgrade the SO-1 drone already formulated in its mind. However, due to limited resources, these plans had been temporarily shelved.

Orion soon reached the main road where Li Jun, Xin Qiu, and Liu Jian awaited, their expressions anxious.

"Look, that's Mister Orion," Xin Qiu exclaimed, spotting a figure emerging from behind the trees. As it came closer, it was unmistakably Orion. "What did I tell you guys? That bear stood no chance against Mr. Orion," Xin Qiu said with a hint of pride in his voice.

"Sir, are you alright? What happened to the bear?" Li Jun inquired, concern evident in his voice.

"I am fine, and the bear is no more," Orion responded matter-of-factly.

Xin Qiu, having anticipated this outcome, wore a smug smile, reveling in the accuracy of his prediction. Li Jun, on the other hand, was taken aback. The idea that a Rank-2 Vermillion Clawed Bear could be killed by this armored individual was astounding. How did he manage that? Li Jun wondered to himself.

Liu Jian promptly stepped forward, cupping his hands and bowing deeply. "Sir Orion, I cannot thank you enough for saving my life. Without your intervention, I would surely have been killed by that bear. I owe you my life," Liu Jian expressed.

"It's alright. It was just a simple matter," Orion responded dismissively. However, it couldn't help but observe Liu Jian's dire condition, with blood still oozing from his wounds. "Young Master Liu, how are you faring?" Orion inquired.

Liu Jian grimaced, "During the fight, I sustained significant injuries. While I still have a few low-quality Grade-1 medicinal pills, they aren't sufficient for my current injuries. I believe I can endure until we reach the city." He had primarily relied on his high-quality pills during the battle, and what remained now was far less effective. Li Jun and Xin Qiu, too, only had low-quality Grade-1 medicines, which were not potent enough to address Liu Jian's wounds adequately.

After pondering for a moment, Orion recalled the various medicinal pills it had obtained from Hu's bandit group. Having cross-referenced them with books and scrolls, Orion determined that some were high-quality Grade-2 pills, which were highly sought after. Retrieving a ceramic bottle from the storage ring, Orion took out a pill and handed it to Liu Jian. "Take this; it should aid in your recovery," Orion offered.

Recognizing the pill as a high-quality Grade-2 Vitality Restoration Pill, Liu Jian immediately voiced his gratitude and consumed it without hesitation. Previously, during the fight, he had only taken medium-quality Vitality Restoration Pills, and their effects were already commendable. Both Li Jun and Xin Qiu looked on in astonishment. While the pill wasn't rare, it was notably expensive. The fact that Orion had one made them ponder: did he possess more of these valuable items? After Liu Jian swallowed the pill, its potent effects became immediately evident. The bleeding from his wounds slowed, and they began to mend.

Liu Jian, feeling the swift relief, said, "Thank you so much, Sir Orion, for this invaluable pill. My condition is vastly improved. Please allow me to invite you to my residence as a gesture of my gratitude."

Orion was internally taken aback by the rapid effectiveness of the medicinal pill. After a brief moment of contemplation, Orion responded, "We accept your kind offer." Orion anticipated potential rewards, but more importantly, it saw the opportunity to establish connections with one of the most influential families in Yanjing City. Li Jun and Xin Qiu nodded in agreement, seeing no reason to decline the generous invitation.

The four resumed their journey towards the city. Now, with the effects of the pill, Liu Jian could walk without assistance. It was almost sunset, and they anticipated reaching the city by nightfall. Throughout the journey, Xin Qiu shamelessly tried to curry favor with Liu Jian, while Li Jun observed quietly, sneering inwardly.

Orion walked silently, listening to their interactions. Its gaze then shifted to the horizon.

Li Jun noticed Orion's attention elsewhere. "What is it, sir?" he asked.

"Nothing," Orion replied.

Through its advanced camera, Orion zoomed in on a distant point and spotted two human figures levitating in mid-air. They came from the city's direction and, after hovering for a while, they made their way back.

In a cultivation world, humans can fly. I wonder if I could achieve the same, Orion mused internally. As it observed, it detected radio signals emitted by them—25 GHz and 22 GHz. For a cultivator to be able to fly freely like that, they need to be at least at the Golden Core realm.

After hours of walking, they approached the sprawling Yanjing City. Surrounded by formidable walls reaching about 10 meters in height, the city buzzed with activity, housing a population of around 100,000. By the time they arrived, night had enveloped the city, but its beauty remained undiminished, illuminated by myriad lamps and lanterns. Gaining entry into such a prominent city after dark could be a challenge. Yet, as soon as the guards recognized Liu Jian, the esteemed young master of the Liu family, the group was granted immediate access. They swiftly proceeded to the Liu family estate.

Upon arriving at the Liu family estate, an elderly steward greeted them at the front gate. "Young Master, it's a relief to see you unharmed. Your father awaits you in the main hall," the steward conveyed.

Liu Jian introduced the trio, "Uncle Wei, these three are my saviors. They rescued me from the Vermillion Clawed Bear."

The steward, Uncle Wei, nodded respectfully, "Please, honored guests, the patriarch invites you to the main hall as well." With that, Uncle Wei led the way to the main hall.

The main hall radiated luxury, underscoring the vast wealth of the Liu family. Seated at the main seat was Liu Ming, the patriarch of the Liu family and Liu Jian's father. He is a cultivator at the 5th stage of the Golden Core realm.

Wasn't he the one hovering in the air earlier? Where's his companion? Could he also be from the Liu family? Orion pondered internally. Immediately, Orion activated its multi-band phased array antenna, a tool it used sparingly to conserve battery. In an instant, Orion detected a range of radio signals emanating from the estate, spanning from 1 GHz to 29 GHz, each with varying signal strengths. Among them, Orion identified specific frequencies with unique signatures associated with the earlier levitating figures. One was unmistakably from Patriarch Liu, standing in front of Orion, and the other familiar radio signal originated from a nearby room.

"Greetings, Father," Liu Jian said, bowing deeply. Li Jun and Xin Qiu, slightly nervous, followed suit. However, Orion remained upright, standing as straight as a ramrod, intently observing Liu Ming.

"Mm..." Liu Ming nodded. "I'm relieved you're safe. Your junior sister filled me in on everything." After Xia Ling joined the caravan, she bought a horse from them and swiftly rode to the city to seek assistance from the Liu family. Upon hearing of Liu Jian's predicament, Liu Ming and one of the family elders promptly set out to rescue him. However, midway they learned that Liu Jian had already been saved, prompting their return.

"I owe you a debt of gratitude for saving my son," Liu Ming said, rising from his seat to bow.

Xin Qiu, clearly flustered, stammered, "No... no need... It was just... We did what anyone would've done..."

Li Jun chimed in nervously, "It's really just a minor matter, Patriarch Liu. Please don't make much of it."

Amidst the flustered exchanges from Li Jun and Xin Qiu, Orion remained poised, offering only a slight nod in acknowledgment.

"Please allow me to host a banquet in your honor. Moreover, I invite you to stay at the Liu family estate. Know that you will always be welcomed by our family," Liu Ming declared. Turning to his son, he continued, "Liu Jian, you should go rest and also meet your junior sister. She's been quite worried about you."

Liu Jian bowed slightly, "Yes, father. Everyone, I will excuse myself first. Please enjoy the banquet."

Xin Qiu quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, please rest well, Young Master Liu."

With a clap of Liu Ming's hands, dozens of graceful servant girls entered, each bearing various delectable dishes and exquisite drinks. They swiftly transformed the hall into a festive setting. As the preparations concluded, five exceptionally beautiful dancers took center stage, their movements synchronized with the melodies played by musicians at the side. Li Jun, Xin Qiu, and Orion were seated off to the side, taking in the lively spectacle. Xin Qiu's happiness was evident; he grinned from ear to ear. Each of them had the company of two lovely attendants - one on each side - who poured drinks and offered food. The girls clung closely, wrapping their arms around Li Jun's and Xin Qiu's. This elicited unusual expressions from them, ones that Orion had never seen before.

As for Orion, it remained indifferent to the ongoing merriments. Its untouched plate of food and untouched cup became increasingly noticeable. The two attentive girls by its side received little to no response from Orion. Sensing the need to clarify, Orion remarked, "Patriarch Liu, please excuse me. While I'm sure the food and drink are exceptional, I shall just enjoy the dance." Orion's comment was an attempt to maintain politeness, given its decision not to partake in the feast.

"It's fine, then please enjoy the dance," Liu Ming said with a smile, choosing not to press the matter further. Also, considering that Orion still wore its metallic helmet, concealing its true appearance, there must be a hidden reason or secret.

The night wore on, and the banquet remained in full swing. Li Jun and Xin Qiu were in high spirits, indulging in the food and drinks generously. Their laughter echoed through the hall, and it was evident they relished the company of the beautiful attendants by their sides. From time to time, they would engage in light conversation with Patriarch Liu. Orion, on the other hand, was mostly silent, only occasionally contributing to the discussions.

"It's getting quite late. I believe we should conclude the banquet. You must all be tired. Let the girls guide you to the guesthouse," suggested Liu Ming.

Both Li Jun and Xin Qiu, now slightly drunk, babbled incoherently, their faces sporting goofy grins. With a girl on each arm to steady them, they began their wobbly journey to the guesthouse. Orion observed the scene for a moment before rising, ready to follow them.

"Mr. Orion," Liu Ming suddenly said, breaking the brief silence. "I truly cannot express my gratitude enough for saving my son. What are your plans going forward? If you're headed to Fengxian City next, why not stay in Yanjing for a while? It would give you an opportunity to get to know our city better, and you're welcome to stay with us."

Orion pondered for a moment before replying, "In that case, I thank you, Patriarch Liu."

"Excellent. When you decide to depart for Fengxian City, you can accompany the Liu family caravan. We frequently trade with Fengxian," Liu Ming offered. "You must be weary from the day's events, Mr. Orion. I won't keep you any longer. Please, follow the young ladies; they will guide you to the guesthouse."

The two girls led Orion to one of the many guesthouses on the estate. Orion wasn't sure where Li Jun and Xin Qiu had gone. Once inside the guesthouse, the girls stood there, watching Orion.

"Is there something else?" Orion asked, noticing they didn't leave.

One of the girls, cheeks flushing with a hint of red, hesitated before replying, "Mister Orion, we've been assigned to attend to you this evening. You... you can ask anything of us."

Orion realized what she meant. "Thank you, but I just want to rest. You both can go," it responded.

After the girls left, Orion remarked internally, Finally, some peace. It then took a seat at the table in the center of the room. Orion then began its regular system diagnostics internally.