Chapter 1529

"Have you completed identity verification?"

Lin Qianxue ignored the surrounding shock and simply asked.

"Completed, Elite Warrior." Xu Jingming nodded.

"Oh? An Elite Warrior at Cosmic Stage One? Not bad."

"No wonder you're the leader's junior brother—some real talent."

The few people behind Lin Qianxue chuckled.

Lin Qianxue also nodded:

"Good. Follow me."

She turned immediately, gazing at the Cosmic Peak officer in charge of verification, her voice cool:

"Madon, I'm taking him. Assign him to our Ember War Band."

Madon clearly knew Lin Qianxue.

His tone carried a hint of respect, and he immediately nodded: "By all means, Leader Lin. I'll handle the paperwork."

Lin Qianxue said no more, signaled to Xu Jingming, and strode forward with those astonishingly long legs toward the aerospace port exit.

The hem of her black battle suit swayed slightly with each step, outlining a breathtaking curve.

Xu Jingming followed closely behind.

The other four members of the Ember War Band naturally followed.

The group passed through a crowd that automatically parted, leaving silence in their wake.

Only gazes followed the tall, coldly beautiful back.

And the black-clad young man beside her—seemingly young, yet with an astonishing background.

Noke stared blankly at Xu Jingming's retreating figure.

He opened his mouth, but not a single word came out—only regret and bitterness filled his heart.

If he'd known Xu Jingming's origins were this shocking, he should've clung to his leg just now!

Now it was too late to regret!

Lin Qianxue led Xu Jingming toward the north.

Those long, straight legs, encased in black battle suit, stepped forward—each stride radiating cold elegance and power.

"Inside the planetary fortress, except for Immortal Stage experts, everyone is forbidden to fly."

"Inside the fortress, private fighting is prohibited. If you want to fight, go to the challenge arena or the Virtual Universe."

She turned her head to look at Xu Jingming, her golden eyes gleaming with a metallic sheen under the fortress's harsh light:

"These two rules are the most important. Violators will be punished—minor offenses deduct military merit, major ones result in immediate imprisonment."

"As a newcomer, memorize these rules."

"Understood." Xu Jingming nodded.

His gaze swept the surroundings.

The planetary fortress's interior was far larger and more imposing than he'd imagined.

Alloy-paved streets stretched a hundred meters wide, flanked by towering metal buildings covered in energy patterns.

Small patrol craft silently glided through the air, their hulls flashing cold red surveillance lights.

Nearly all passersby were Cosmic Stage warriors, most clad in standardized battle armor.

They hurried along, faces marked by the grimness and vigilance unique to the Outer Battlefield.

Occasionally, Immortal Stage experts flew overhead, their aura deep as an abyss, drawing sidelong glances from the warriors below.

"Also, you're now a member of the Ember War Band."

Lin Qianxue continued, her voice as cold as an icy spring, "I'll give you a brief overview of the band's current situation."

Xu Jingming listened intently.

"The Ember War Band only recruits Elite Warriors, with a combat rating of Cosmic Stage Six or higher."

Lin Qianxue paused, "The band currently has 232 members, divided into squads of four to five, each led by a squad leader."

She looked at Xu Jingming: "After testing your actual combat power, I'll assign you to a suitable squad."

"On the Outer Battlefield, squad operations are the basic combat unit—coordination greatly increases survival rates."

"Alright." Xu Jingming did not refuse.

As a newcomer, following experienced veterans was indeed safer.

Besides, he knew nothing about the Outer Battlefield's combat patterns, alien distributions, or danger zones.

Having veterans guide him would save him many detours.

As they spoke, a group approached from the corner ahead.

About seven or eight people, led by a burly, bald giant.

He wore dark red heavy armor, his exposed arms covered in grotesque scars.

The members behind him radiated fierce energy, all at least Cosmic Stage Seven.

Two among them even reached Cosmic Stage Nine.

The bald giant spotted Lin Qianxue at once.

His gaze lingered on her for a moment, revealing a faint, hidden heat, then settled on Xu Jingming.

"Oh? A new face?"

The bald giant grinned, "Leader Lin, is this your band's new member?"

He sized up Xu Jingming.

Especially after sensing the Cosmic Stage One aura, his smile turned mocking.

"Let me take a closer look... Universe Rank One?"

The bald giant snorted, his voice echoing down the street, "Bringing a rookie into the squad? Lin Qianxue, are you all out of your minds?"

His teammates burst into laughter.

"The boss is right! Who dares come to the Outland Battlefield at Universe Rank One? He'd probably piss himself at the roar of a beast!"

"Has the Ashen Squad run out of recruits? Should we, the Blood Hammer Squad, spare you a few?"

Upon hearing this, the bald giant Jiao grew even more smug.

He pointed to a stern-faced warrior behind him, Universe Rank Seven:

"See that?"

"These are all our new recruits from this batch—each one at least Universe Rank Seven!"

"That's what real strength looks like!"

He feigned regret and shook his head:

"Leader Lin, if you're truly short on hands, just say the word."

"I'll give you a few. Better than dragging along a dead weight, don't you think?"

With those words, the Blood Hammer Squad laughed even louder.

Other warriors passing through the street stopped to watch, their eyes fixed on the spectacle.

On the Ashen Squad's side, the four members behind Lin Qianxue instantly darkened in expression.

"Jiao! Watch your mouth!"

A lean man, twin blades strapped across his back, stepped forward, his eyes glinting with cold fury:

"Who gave you the right to meddle in who we recruit?"

Another female member, her hair tied in a high ponytail, subtly released her primordial aura, her voice icy:

"Leader, should we teach them a lesson?"

Lin Qianxue raised her hand to halt her member's impulse.

Her expression remained calm; her pale golden eyes fixed on Jiao, her tone as cold as ice:

"What? Was the lesson from last time on the Frost Wastes—not enough? You spent half a year recovering from the injuries I gave you?"

Jiao's smile froze instantly.

A low intake of breath rippled through the onlookers.

"Is that true about the Frost Wastes? I heard Jiao was blasted three hundred meters by Lin Qianxue's spear!"

"More than that! Didn't you hear Leader Lin? He was seriously injured!"

"No wonder the Blood Hammer Squad has never surpassed the Ashen Squad in ten years..."

"..."

Though quiet, the murmurs reached Jiao's ears clearly.

His face flushed crimson, veins bulging on his temples, his gaze locked on Lin Qianxue, eyes blazing with fury.

"Lin Qianxue!"

Jiao spat the words through clenched teeth, "I won't waste time arguing with you!"

He drew a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his rage, and sneered:

"What good is showing off now? Wait until the Hundred Squads Ranking is announced—I'll see how bold you still are then!"

"Let's go!"

Jiao snorted, unwilling to stay another moment, and stormed off with his squad.

The Blood Hammer Squad followed behind him.

Before leaving, they shot hostile glares at the Ashen Squad members.

Especially toward Xu Jingming—his gaze brimmed with contempt.