Chapter 69: A Thread of Evidence

The Base, Command Center.

The return of the Security Team Leader with an escort was, of course, bound to catch Wang Yunfei's attention immediately.

This time, the team brought back three ship hulls from the outside, and Wang Yunfei couldn't help but worry that Tian Xiao might cause trouble over this.

After all...

As the highest-ranking official at the base, it was his responsibility and duty to ensure the smooth operation of the facility. The authority over such matters, including the handling of external affairs, rested solely with the Security Team Leader.

Seeing Tian Xiao leading a fully armed team toward the ship dismantling site, Wang Yunfei slammed his fist down on the table.

"Let's go! We need to meet with our head of security and see what he's up to this time."

"Director!"

"Boss!"

"You should take a look. The modified No. 2 'Blue Bird' has launched, and the pilot is Chen Wuling. Its destination is also the dismantling site outside the base."

The voices of Wang Yunfei's four bodyguards suddenly changed.

After Tian Xiao decisively asserted his authority during their first encounter, the bodyguards had lost their previous arrogance. They were now extra cautious and on guard—especially around the two modified Blue Birds.

Whenever the No. 2 modified Blue Bird moved, they knew Tian Xiao was serious.

Wang Yunfei froze in his tracks. After a brief hesitation, he felt a sudden wave of pressure and ordered his chip assistant to contact the head of security.

"Tian Xiao, leader of the Security Team."

"I heard your escort mission has been completed. Was the journey smooth?"

"Heh."

"No, no, I'm just checking in on you, and I have some good news to share. I managed to bring back the three ships from the Starry Wind Guild's old hideout. They're currently being dismantled, and don't worry, you'll get half of what's inside."

Wang Yunfei's first time assuming his position had been a disastrous failure, leading to a harsh scolding from his family elders.

It wasn't that they accused him of being overly ambitious, but they brought up the matter of his attempt to flaunt his connection with Vice President Yan Qing, reprimanding him sharply.

"Don't show your true intentions so openly! If you show off, it'll be your downfall! Using your power to suppress others in public is the lowest of moves."

As punishment, Wang Yunfei was cut off from his family's financial support for six months.

Wang Yunfei couldn't express how uncomfortable he was. Eventually, to ensure his growth, he had no choice but to focus on the three ships' hulls from the Starry Wind Guild, planning to make up for his losses here.

But now, with Tian Xiao making his move...

He was beginning to panic.

The highest-ranking officer at the base stepping beyond his bounds—especially during the Security Team Leader's absence on an escort mission—was strictly forbidden. Such actions could lead to unforeseen incidents.

For instance, it could leave the base vulnerable to attacks by alien creatures or star pirates, or worse, draw the attention of space-faring creatures and ferocious beasts.

If Tian Xiao decided to escalate this matter, Wang Yunfei, who had only taken office for less than a month, could easily be dismissed by the headquarters. His actions had already risked the safety of the base twice. The higher-ups wouldn't cover for him a second time.

With no other choice, Wang Yunfei decided to offer Tian Xiao a portion of the "cake" to appease him. It was a rare gesture of compromise, given his position.

Meanwhile, Tian Xiao had ended the communication.

He hadn't planned on taking a share of Wang Yunfei's spoils. He understood the saying, "A perfectly clear stream holds no fish."

Over the years, he had maintained a subtle and mutually tolerant relationship with Luo Fei and Lin Xu, each closing one eye to the other's actions, without interference.

He wasn't here to make a big fuss about it.

But...

There was no concrete evidence yet showing that these three ships were key to the parasite infestation. He had no need to engage in unnecessary conversation with Wang Yunfei and simply stated that he was here to investigate the disappearance of the three missing miners.

Nevertheless, Wang Yunfei rushed over, clearly uneasy.

The area around the base was flat and expansive.

When the base was being established, great care had been taken to avoid unstable rock layers, and thus, the surrounding land was wide and clear. The three ship hulls lay side by side in an imposing row.

Several staff members from the logistics and maintenance department were working overtime to cut and dismantle the ships.

At the sight of the head of the Security Team arriving with full gear, many of the workers slowed down their tasks nervously. Word had spread of Tian Xiao's overwhelming authority within the Security Team, and no one knew whether he was about to clash with Wang Yunfei again.

"Qinglong, use the parasite beast's unique energy signatures to locate any traces," Tian Xiao commanded.

"Scan all the workers to ensure their chips are uncorrupted," he added.

"Yes!" Qinglong responded, his calculations running swiftly.

"Zhu Xiaotian."

"Take your team and thoroughly search the ships. Look for any hidden chambers, tunnels, or potential hiding spots. Leave no area unchecked."

"Yes!" Zhu Xiaotian's team immediately dispersed to begin the search.

Just as Tian Xiao finished issuing his orders, Wang Yunfei, accompanied by his four bodyguards, arrived.

"Tian Xiao, may I have a word with you?" Wang Yunfei smiled, his demeanor forced and polite.

Qinglong's calculations were just completed.

Indeed, traces of the parasitic beasts were found.

In the hull of one ship, a very discreet inner compartment was discovered, marked by faint claw marks. After comparing these with the data in the database, it was confirmed to be the marks of a G-class 'Chameleon Red Lizard.'

The Chameleon Red Lizard had parasitic abilities, capable of sending its offspring into containers through a special method passed down through generations.

This was the evidence Tian Xiao had been waiting for.

He glanced at Wang Yunfei, his expression one of quiet sympathy.

Wang Yunfei and his four bodyguards suddenly felt a chill run down their spines, sensing that something was wrong.

"Director Wang," Tian Xiao said slowly. "I'm afraid I must inform you that the ships you brought back may be connected to the disappearance of the three miners. You need to immediately halt all operations here and order your logistics team to leave the site."

ions had already endangered the base twice,