Chapter 119: Into Space!

Upon receiving the orders, the Space Agency immediately began preparations, simultaneously retrofitting the space capsule and selecting personnel for the mission to retrieve the meteorite.

The candidates for this space mission had to undergo rigorous screening. While they required a certain level of space experience, this was not a standard exploration mission; it was a high-stakes retrieval operation, presenting a formidable challenge. The psychological demands on the crew would be extreme. Chu Xiao also spent these three days pushing himself to the limit, cramming as much aerospace knowledge as he could. He was tasked with locating the meteorite in outer space, while the Weapons Research Institute was developing specialized equipment capable of cutting through the meteorite in a vacuum.

"You haven't undergone specialized training. Going into space is dangerous; you should stay here and deal with Pluto!"

When Number One learned that Chu Xiao was preparing to go into space, he feared for his safety, knowing that space held too many unknowns. Furthermore, Chu Xiao lacked formal training; even a crash course in space knowledge barely scratched the surface. To veteran pilots, Chu Xiao was not even a novice. Yet, Chu Xiao insisted on being on the front lines, possessing a strong ability to adapt despite his lack of aerospace expertise.

After much persuasion, Number One finally relented, though he insisted that Chu Xiao remain inside the capsule unless absolutely necessary.

"I cannot grant you command authority for this mission; you must follow Wang Yan's lead!"

"No problem, as long as I can go, I'll follow whoever is in charge!"

Wang Yan, whom Number One referred to, was the premier pilot of the Nine Provinces. She led almost every space exploration mission, possessed vast experience, and was the foremost astronaut of the Nine Provinces.

By the afternoon of the next day, the capsule's modifications were nearly complete. Chu Xiao was also preparing his equipment, as weapons were essential for every astronaut. Early the next morning, led by Number One, Chu Xiao arrived at the Space Agency, where Director Zeng Hui was waiting at the entrance with Wang Yan and the rest of the team.

"This is Chu Xiao. He wishes to participate in this mission as well."

Number One introduced Chu Xiao to Zeng Hui and Wang Yan. Having only seen Chu Xiao in the media, they were visibly excited to meet him in person.

"Welcome, welcome! You look even younger than in your photos. I never expected you to be such a handsome young man!"

Zeng Hui and Wang Yan both reached out to shake Chu Xiao's hand simultaneously. Chu Xiao’s reputation in the Nine Provinces was legendary, known to young and old alike.

"Wang Yan, you must listen to Lieutenant General Chu on this mission. Do not act on your own initiative!"

"Yes, Director. With Lieutenant General Chu overseeing us, we will certainly complete the mission!"

Both assumed that since Number One had brought Chu Xiao along, he would naturally be in command.

"No, I brought Chu Xiao here so he could learn from you. Wang Yan will remain in command of this operation, and Chu Xiao will obey orders unconditionally!"

Despite this, Zeng Hui specifically instructed Wang Yan to consult with Chu Xiao in the event of an emergency, given his extensive combat experience.

"That's right, Director Zeng. In front of Captain Wang and the team, I am not even an intern. I have no knowledge of space; I'm just here to broaden my horizons!"

Seeing that they had misunderstood Number One's intentions, Chu Xiao quickly clarified. He knew that combat experience did not necessarily translate to space operations.

"Lieutenant General, you are too modest. You may not know this, but our Captain Wang, while experienced, is prone to acting on her own. Having you here to supervise her is perfect!"

Finding their politeness overwhelming, Chu Xiao could only nod awkwardly.

"Let's get inside. Once the team is ready, we set off!"

Noticing Chu Xiao's discomfort, Wang Yan immediately stepped in to usher everyone inside. Seeing him so young yet already a Lieutenant General, she found herself admiring his courage and intellect.

Wang Yan introduced Chu Xiao to the rest of the crew. They were stunned to realize that their idol was joining the mission, and they were thrilled to have him on board. Once introductions were over, the time came, and they boarded the capsule.

The only thing weighing on Chu Xiao’s mind was Wang Lulu. He had not told her he was participating in this mission.

"Did you really intend to just sneak away like this?"

Just as Chu Xiao was about to board the capsule, a woman's voice echoed from behind. Turning around, he saw Wang Lulu running toward him, breathless and with tears in her eyes. Every time he left for a mission, she was reluctant to let him go, yet she knew she could not stop him; she only hoped for his safe return.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry. Don't worry, I'll be fine. Take care of yourself and wait for my return!"

Chu Xiao kept it brief, then turned and boarded the capsule. Through the window, he saw Wang Lulu weeping, his heart aching. He never wanted to tell her about his missions to avoid causing her pain, but she always found out.

"Three, two, one, ignition!"

At Zeng Hui’s command, dazzling flames erupted from the base of the capsule. Even from a distance, Wang Lulu could feel the heat waves hitting her face. She watched as the capsule slowly ascended until it vanished from sight, before returning to Mingzhu City with Number One.

"Altitude nine thousand, first stage fuel exhausted, initiate separation!"

At the control console, Wang Yan operated the computer with focus. Looking out the window, Chu Xiao could no longer see the ground, only layers of white clouds.

"We have exited the atmosphere and entered space. Shutting off fuel!"

It was Chu Xiao’s first time seeing Earth from space, and it was more spectacular than he had imagined. The capsule drifted slowly along its predetermined trajectory.

Space was filled with unknown galaxies and the possibility of alien life, sparking Chu Xiao’s curiosity. He didn't know how long they had been drifting when the capsule began to tremble slightly. Everyone was puzzled, but Wang Yan remained calm, checking the systems.

"This is bad. Two planets have collided, causing a massive explosion. In three minutes, the shockwave will hit the capsule directly. We must leave the trajectory immediately!"

Wang Yan lived up to her reputation as an ace astronaut, remaining composed under pressure as she assigned tasks to the crew. Everyone worked at maximum speed.

The dangers of space were vast. This was a situation Wang Yan had never encountered before. Deviating from their course meant heading into the unknown, where further dangers awaited. But if they didn't leave now, the entire crew would be destroyed by the shockwave.