Earth, Super God Academy
Ge Xiao Lun explained the Dawn Light to everyone.
"So, according to current Earth technology, it's impossible to build the Dawn Light, right?" Di Leina asked. Although she was a goddess, she didn't pay much attention to Earth's technology and hadn't thought much about the Dawn Light when she first saw it.
"Yes, but how did the Dawn Light come to be?" Ge Xiao Lun asked, echoing his own curiosity.
"Is that all you're curious about? Don't you remember that Aunt Lianfeng is the chief engineer of the Deno Civilization? While it's impossible to instantly elevate Earth's technology from the pre-nuclear era to the space age, it's quite simple for Deno's technology to create aircraft that are only slightly ahead of Earth's current tech," Du Qiangwei explained, somewhat frustrated.
"How could they not notice this before? The equipment they used for health checks was far more advanced than Earth's current technology. It's as if having knowledge hasn't improved their understanding," Du Qiangwei thought to herself.
With the commotion over, Di Leina, realizing there was no more excitement to be had, said, "Alright, everyone, board the aircraft. We need to gather on the Giant Gorge."
She then led the way onto the aircraft, followed by Ge Xiao Lun and the others. Just then, Liu Chuang exclaimed, "Hey, Monkey King, when did you get here?"
"Monkey King," Ge Xiao Lun and Zhao Xin both called out in unison.
Only then did the Xiong Bing Lian group notice Sun Wukong following them onto the plane.
"I've been behind you the whole time. You were so caught up in your game that you didn't notice me," Sun Wukong said, feeling a bit exasperated.
He was also somewhat troubled, wondering if these would be his future teammates. They had shown promise the night before, but today they seemed unreliable. If Old Du knew he had let them pass, where would he put his face? Sun Wukong contemplated, with a hint of dark humor, whether to silence them. However, he quickly dismissed the thought, reminding himself he was now the victorious Buddha, not the rebellious Monkey King.
The Xiong Bing Lian group, seeing Sun Wukong's changing expressions, felt nervous. Sun Wukong's frustration was palpable, making everyone uncomfortable. As a result, no one dared to sit close to him except for the naive Rui Mengmeng, who ended up seated several rows away from Sun Wukong.
Zhao Xin, Liu Chuang, and Ge Xiao Lun avoided Sun Wukong, sensing that his irritation might be related to their own actions.
The atmosphere in the plane grew tense. The boys were too intimidated to speak, and the girls fell silent as well. Only Di Leina, ever the eccentric, struggled to find a topic of conversation.
The Dawn Light was very fast and soon arrived above the Giant Gorge. Di Leina, receiving a communication, knew the moment had come. She had been holding back excitement for a while.
"Prepare for aerial deployment. Today's training is airboarding," Di Leina announced before adding with her usual flair, "I am the light of the sun!"
"Jump."
With her command, the girls were the first to leap out of the aircraft. The boys followed, eager to escape Sun Wukong's oppressive mood. Ge Xiao Lun glanced back at Sun Wukong, hesitating, but was promptly nudged out by Di Leina's small foot.
Seeing everyone had jumped, Di Leina noticed Sun Wukong still seated and felt her authority as team leader was being challenged.
"Sun Wukong, it's your turn. What, is the Great Sage Sun afraid to jump?" Di Leina taunted, using the title Sun Wukong had earned during his battle with the Solar Civilization.
Sun Wukong, seeing Di Leina's childish behavior, shook his head. He wasn't interested in a confrontation and moved towards the plane's door. "Little girl, you don't need to show hostility. I've said before, Earth and the Solar Civilization have reconciled. I'm not here to vie for your position as team leader."
Di Leina scoffed at Sun Wukong's words. While he wasn't after her leadership position, he still needed to follow her orders.
"If you don't want to follow the leader's orders, then conquer me!" Di Leina declared, grabbing Sun Wukong's hand and jumping off the plane with him.
During the airboarding exercise, the Xiong Bing Lian team performed admirably. After changing gear, Du Qiangwei opened a wormhole and descended directly onto the Giant Gorge. Cheng Yaowen used his powers to form a large hand from the ocean, sliding down to the deck of the Giant Gorge.
Ge Xiao Lun, showing off his wings, flew down slowly and stylishly. This surprised many, including his teammates, who had never seen him fly before.
The exception was Liu Chuang, who felt another urge to punch Ge Xiao Lun.
With a splash, Zhao Xin fell into the water, causing a large splash. Sun Wukong landed on the deck face-first, having been pulled by Di Leina.
Seeing everyone had landed, the aide to General Dukaolao quickly approached Di Leina and saluted, "General Dukaolao is waiting for you."
The aide was referring to Sun Wukong and Di Leina, while Qi Lin and Rui Mengmeng had already joined the female soldiers on the Giant Gorge for a volleyball game. Zhao Xin, Liu Chuang, and Ge Xiao Lun had headed straight to the restroom.
Sun Wukong and the others followed the aide to the Giant Gorge's laboratory. There, Sun Wukong would find the Shenhe Battle Armor prepared for him.
During the walk, Sun Wukong approached Cheng Yaowen and quietly asked, "Kid, what does 'conquer' mean in your alien culture?"
Cheng Yaowen, confused and not wanting to offend anyone, explained, "I grew up on Earth, and Earth's mother gave me much love."
Sun Wukong understood that Cheng Yaowen had misunderstood. He asked again, "I just want to know what 'conquer' means."
He glanced meaningfully at Di Leina. Cheng Yaowen, realizing Sun Wukong's intention, was too intimidated to speak. He merely smiled and remained silent.
Seeing he wouldn't get an answer from Cheng Yaowen, Sun Wukong stopped pressing him. Di Leina, having overheard the conversation, wore a smug smile.
Finally, they arrived at the laboratory where the Shenhe Battle Armor awaited Sun Wukong