The Seventh Base

Chapter 434: Chapter 63 Kidnapping_2

On a mountain in the suburbs of Byron Star.

At this moment, a line of flying devices arrived here, and within the mountain, a protective shield suddenly activated, revealing an airstrip below. Xu Mo was somewhat surprised by the scene below. Just before, it had been a dense forest, which turned out to be a virtual scenery. His vision had been deceived.

After the flying device landed, there was a shuttle waiting. They switched vehicles and continued on their way, arriving at a vast private estate, like a place hidden from the world.

Walking towards the inside, there was a huge garden with many precious plants cultivated there, creating an elegant and unique environment.

A middle-aged man came towards them, extending his hand to the Federation President, “Welcome, Mr. President.”

“Mr. Xiang.” The President extended both hands and bowed slightly as he shook hands in response.

...

Xu Mo was somewhat taken aback by this scene. Was the Federation President this humble?

Did the Xiang Family possess such terrifying influence?

“Director Shi.” The middle-aged man then extended his hand to Shi Qiang, and they shook hands.

Finally, his gaze fell on Xu Mo, smiling and saying, “As expected, young and promising. Very spirited.”

With that, he reached out his hand, saying, “Xiang Ye.”

“Mr. Xiang.” Xu Mo extended his hand and greeted him in return.

“You may call me ‘Uncle’.” Xiang Ye appeared very friendly, smiling as he spoke.

Xu Mo felt that the other party seemed somewhat close to him; it looked like they were indeed trying to win him over.

“Dad.”

Xiang Yuner came forward and called out.

“Yuner, you haven’t come home to visit for a long time.” Fondness shone in Xiang Ye’s eyes.

“Let’s go, welcome, honored guests.” Xiang Ye spoke very politely, turned, and led the way. As the most powerful family on Byron Star, no trace of arrogance could be seen in Xiang Ye. On the contrary, he seemed exceptionally courteous, giving others a very friendly impression. His smile also radiated affinity, as if it came from the heart.

“Mr. Xiang, it’s been some time since I’ve visited Elder Xiang. I hope he’s well?” The President asked Xiang Ye while walking through the Xiang Family’s garden.

“He’s in very good health.” Xiang Ye said with a smile.

“That’s good to hear.” The President nodded with a smile, and the two casually chatted. Xu Mo and Shi Qiang quietly followed behind, admiring the scenery as they walked.

Ahead, more members of the Xiang Family appeared, setting up a banquet in the garden. Seeing the group arrive, many came forward to shake hands.

“Xiang Nan.” A young man reached out to Xu Mo.

“Xu Mo.” Xu Mo responded, noting that Xiang Nan was sizing him up.

He was still not quite accustomed to such occasions.

“Everyone, please take a seat.” Xiang Ye said. A long banquet table had been prepared, accommodating many guests. Everyone began to take their seats, with Shi Qiang pulling Xu Mo down to sit at a spot towards the back.

Shortly after, an elder from inside the Xiang Family approached, surrounded by many people as if he was the moon surrounded by stars.

All stood up, and Xu Mo also rose to his feet.

The elder walked to the head of the long dining table.

“Elder Xiang.”

“Father.”

“Grandfather.”

People began to greet him. Xu Mo observed the elder, who appeared quite old but very spirited, exuding an authoritative air that seemed to have been cultivated from a long time in power.

His gaze swept across the crowd, pausing briefly on Xu Mo as he said, “Please sit.”

Saying this, he took his seat, and the crowd followed suit.

“Yuner has returned.” Elder Xiang’s gaze fell on Xiang Yuner, the sternness dissipating into gentleness.

In the family, Elder Xiang most doted on this granddaughter.

“Grandfather.” Xiang Yuner called, “It’s been some days since I last came to see you.”

“You still remember this old man.” Elder Xiang said with a laugh, “Come sit by my side.”

“Okay.” Xiang Yuner nodded, swapped places with her father Xiang Ye, and sat beside the elder. Across from her was the Federation President.

Many of the younger generation envied Xiang Yuner. Though age and hierarchy normally determined seating, such things were disregarded when it came to the elder’s beloved granddaughter. Xiang Ye willingly gave up his seat to his daughter, which was a sign of the elder’s affection.

“Mr. Chuan, how is the state of political affairs lately?” Elder Xiang looked towards the Federation President and asked.

The President sat upright, facing the elder with a slight bow of his head, “Elder Xiang, all is well.”

“Hmm,” Elder Xiang nodded, “Mr. President, you’re working hard with all these government affairs.”

“It’s my duty to the Federation,” responded the President.

Xu Mo sat quietly in his place. In front of this elder, even the Federation President seemed to be trembling, which spoke volumes about the gap between their statuses.

This was the true power behind the scenes of the Federation.

“Deputy Director of the Divine Sword Bureau?” The elder then turned to Shi Qiang, who responded with a smile, “Elder Xiang, I am Shi Qiang.”

“Your Director hasn’t visited me in a long time,” Elder Xiang spoke indifferently.

“The Director is very busy on regular days and seldom seen even at the Divine Sword Bureau, please don’t take offense,” Shi Qiang said politely.

“I wouldn’t dare, I’m old, how could I blame your Director,” the elder said coldly.

“You’re exaggerating, Elder. You’re still hale and hearty. I will inform the Director and ask him to visit you when he’s free,” Shi Qiang replied.

The elder said nothing more, his gaze moving from Shi Qiang to Xu Mo beside him.

“Xu Mo,” Elder Xiang called out.

“Elder Xiang,” Xu Mo nodded to the elder.

“Come sit by my side,” Elder Xiang said, causing everyone at the table to pause, their movements ceasing as they looked at the elder in surprise, then turned to Xu Mo, with turmoil brewing inside them.

Xiang Yuner was a junior, Elder Xiang’s cherished granddaughter. It was clear that Elder Xiang’s invitation for her to sit by his side was a sign of affection; there was no problem with favoring a family member.

But for Xu Mo, to sit by his side?

That was rather intriguing.

The Federation President was also taken aback. If Xu Mo was to sit next to the elder, then clearly Xiang Yuner would not be asked to move, as Elder Xiang had intentionally asked her to come over. How could he then ask Xiang Yuner to leave?

Thus, it was he who must give up his seat.

The Federation President very sensibly stood up and smiled as he gave up his seat, showing no concern whatsoever.

Shi Qiang was also surprised and, for a moment, stood still. Seeing Xu Mo’s lack of reaction, he nudged Xu Mo; since the elder had spoken, it was time to go over.

However, he felt something was not quite right. The elder seemed to hold Xu Mo in high regard.

“Yes, Elder,” Xu Mo stood up and, when he reached the President, he nodded slightly, and they switched places.

“Let’s begin eating,” Elder Xiang picked up his chopsticks first, prompting everyone else to start their meal. At this moment, each harbored their own thoughts, and across from them, Xiang Yuner glanced at Xu Mo.

Xu Mo also looked up and met her gaze. Xiang Yuner smiled, sunny and bright.

“Xu Mo,” Elder Xiang called out again.

Xu Mo looked up at the elder who said, “It wasn’t easy coming all the way from Steel Dome City to where you are now, was it?”

Clearly, he had looked into Xu Mo’s past.

“Somewhat,” acknowledged Xu Mo.

“In the Capital, many enjoy superior conditions and the best resources. Yet in a mere Transcendent competition, the top three positions are monopolized by an alien race and remain inaccessible,” the elder expressed his dissatisfaction and anger, “It’s because of this that these aliens swagger around our planet, claiming nobility. This is intolerable.”

“Our predecessors founded the Federation with their blood and established the current order. But now, our descendants grovel before aliens, shaming those before us.”

The elder continued speaking, clearly a hardliner.

“Xu Mo, I watched the Transcendent competition and your duels from behind the scenes, unfortunately not live. You did very well, bringing honor to Byron Star,” Elder Xiang obviously admired Xu Mo a lot.

“No young person has done what you have; you’re the first, and I like that very much,” Elder Xiang’s voice was robust, his personality just so. Shi Qiang forced a smile, seeing the elder was clearly poaching talent.

And he was doing it personally.

Observing the elder’s attitude, he understood that Elder Xiang truly appreciated Xu Mo. Perhaps it was Xu Mo’s disposition that won him favor, his act of slaying an alien in the duel earning Elder Xiang’s approval.

No wonder Xu Mo was honored with the Purple Gold Medal. It seemed that it must have been Elder Xiang pushing for it from behind the scenes. Hence, the President’s Mansion gave the Purple Gold Medal, and Xiang Yuner personally cooperated, giving Xu Mo extremely high honor.

This was an outright talent grab!

Xu Mo, unsure how to respond to the elder’s words, remained silent, simply listening.

Then, Elder Xiang continued to speak.

“Xu Mo, I’ve heard you’ve been through a lot of hardships in the past, but that won’t be the case anymore. Would you be interested in becoming a part of the Xiang Family?”