Ye Yun sat in the hovercar on the way to the Earth Command Building, letting out a soft sigh.
He tidied his scattered hair, forcing himself back into his usual meticulous appearance. There might be a tough battle ahead, and he couldn't afford to appear at a disadvantage from the start.
Ye Yun gave a wry smile. He had sworn to dedicate everything to Earth and to fear no danger or power during his school days. Now, he had to learn to constantly mind his image, just like those people.
Ye Yun gazed out the window at the wide road that seemed to stretch endlessly forward. The trees lining the road had already begun to shed their leaves, and machines were constantly clearing them away, as if they had never been there.
It was as if Earth itself, with its scars hidden beneath a facade of blooming flowers, now presented a scene of pristine clarity, concealing the murky depths of sewage and filth beneath.
Chairman Lin was a great leader. During his tenure, he had led a small, little-known planet to its current standing in the galaxy, having poured his entire life's effort into it.
History textbooks recounted countless battles where Earth had been bullied, each word a lesson etched in blood.
The twilight of a hero was the most heartbreaking regret, but Lin Zhiyuan's body was no longer capable of carrying Earth further.
Ye Yun's eyes were deep, as if not a single ray of light could penetrate them.
Earth had enjoyed too long a period of peace. The minds of its people were filled with wealth and power, their actions sluggish, their thoughts dulled.
That was why, when the tentacles of the insect race reached Earth, those people had panicked.
Ye Yun had not interfered before because he did not want to. He preferred to be a general who roamed the battlefield and opened up new territories, rather than being confined to high towers and hidden behind the scenes.
He sighed, hoping that the old fuddy-duddies weren't too foolish. If they only targeted him, it would be one thing. But if they foolishly provoked the insect race, they wouldn't even know how they died.
As Ye Yun pondered, his mind became a tangled mess. He truly was more suited for the battlefield than for the negotiation table.
In the innermost room on the top floor of Earth's highest command building, Ye Yun stopped at the door. After a brief pause, he raised his hand and knocked.
The faint sounds from within the room immediately ceased. Chairman Lin, with a smile on his face, looked towards the door and called out, "Little Ye is here. Come in and sit down, we've been waiting for you."
Ye Yun looked up at Lin Zhiyuan, who was seated at the head of the table. A severe illness seemed to have stripped Lin Zhiyuan of his last vestiges of vitality. Although his expression remained gentle, the signs of sickness were visibly apparent.
He was thin, making the chair look large, and he sat with a thick blanket draped over him, barely concealing his depleted body.
Ye Yun nodded almost imperceptibly and sat in the only empty seat. This seat was at the back, and from this distance, the scene beneath the conference table was unclear. He could only see Lin Zhiyuan's withered hands resting on the armrests of his chair.
His mood was somber, and he spoke softly, "I'm here, Chairman."
Lin Zhiyuan smiled and nodded, "Alright, repeat what you were just discussing to Little Ye."
The conference room fell into silence. Those who had been discussing heatedly moments ago now quieted down.
They had the audacity to argue and pressure a chairman who was nearing the end of his tenure, but they lacked the courage to face a rising major general who held military power.
Ye Yun surveyed the room and let out a disdainful laugh before speaking:
"Even if you don't say anything, I know what you're plotting. But I'll make my stance clear today: the incident of the insect race appearing at the elementary school today is to be treated as if it never happened.
It would be best if you all understood this. If you don't, then pretend you know nothing about it. It's best to remember the meaning of 'wise men protect themselves'."
As Ye Yun finished speaking, another silence fell, followed by a stir. He coldly watched the officials around the large conference table, each with their own agenda, and raised his voice slightly:
"Speak your minds directly. I don't have time to listen to your incessant chatter."
The faces of the crowd turned grim. The reason Ye Yun was so envied, besides his high position at such a young age, was his straightforward nature. If he was displeased, he wouldn't spare anyone's feelings.
An official seated below Chairman Lin suddenly let out a cold laugh, his gaze sharp as it shot towards Ye Yun:
"Even if you are a major general now, and even if you are on good terms with the Insect King, you don't have to show such disrespect to us old folks.
What, you're not yet the ruler of Earth, but you're already trying to exercise that authority?"
The speaker was named Zhao, the highest minister of Earth's security department. He had been a decisive figure in his youth, but in his old age, he had become increasingly senile and incompetent. As long as he could maintain outward peace during his tenure, he would do anything.
Moreover, he had descendants, and they relied on him to continue the family's glory. If Ye Yun were to ascend, they would never have such good days.
Most of the officials present shared this sentiment. They were like a tree that appeared lush and verdant, but in reality, its roots had withered and aged. If new nutrients and blood were not infused, it would only become an empty shell.
Minister Zhao's wrinkled face contorted into a stern expression, and he said coldly, "Major General Ye speaks lightly, but with the insect race's influence infiltrating Earth, who will guarantee Earth's safety?
If any problems arise, can you bear the consequences? Do you intend to protect all of Earth based on your personal relationship with the Insect King?"
Ye Yun's lips curled into a mocking smile, "Then what do you want to do?"
Minister Zhao said, "Since you personally guaranteed the Insect Prince's enrollment on Earth, then this matter naturally falls to Major General Ye Yun to resolve.
Before that, we have reached a conclusion. We hope that Major General Ye Yun can persuade the Insect King to take the Prince away from Earth to ensure Earth's absolute safety."
As soon as he finished speaking, others immediately chimed in:
"Yes, yes, this matter should naturally be resolved by Major General Ye."
"I believe that with Major General Ye's relationship with the Insect King, there shouldn't be any problem."
Minister Zhao smiled with satisfaction. For many years, Ye Yun had been dedicated to establishing diplomatic relations with various races in the galaxy, including the insect race. His political views were completely contrary to Zhao's. This time, Ye Yun had made a mistake, and it was a perfect opportunity to show this young man his limits.
Minister Zhao tapped his fingers lightly on the table, contemplating his plan.
He had always believed that those who are not of our kind are bound to be different. Moreover, the insect race was much more powerful than them, and with the insect race constantly lurking on their territory, Minister Zhao could not tolerate it.
If Ye Yun could drive away all the insect race, that would be best. If not, and if he even angered the insect race, then he could step forward and concede to the insect race, and wouldn't the insect race be willing to help him then?