I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield - Chapter 475 - 396: Hidden Guard, Nightmare

Chapter 475: Chapter 396: Hidden Guard, Nightmare

“Ming Yue, the family has dispatched two experts to Shuang Hua Star. They will arrive in three days. But during these three days, you must pay close attention to your surroundings and protect yourself well.”

On the video projection, Dongfang Haoyue’s voice carried a hint of worry, and his handsome face was full of concern.

“Yes, I know, brother.” Dongfang Mingyue nodded, her fingertips gently tracing the edge of the screen.

“Also, Qin Tian belongs to the Seventh Bureau of the Military Department, and he saved A Yu in the Azure Wood Star Realm before. He is considered a friend and can be trusted,” Dongfang Haoyue added, his tone more assured.

“Okay.” Dongfang Mingyue replied, feeling slightly relieved.

“Ming Yue, remember, it doesn’t matter if you win the competition or not, your safety is the most important,” Dongfang Haoyue reminded once more, afraid she would focus too much on the competition and overlook the danger.

“Alright, I get it. You’re almost like a nagging old man.” Dongfang Mingyue teased with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

“You little girl.” Dongfang Haoyue smiled reluctantly, “I won’t disturb you anymore. Get some good rest so you have the energy for the competition tomorrow.”

“Hmm… brother.” Just as the video was about to end, Dongfang Mingyue suddenly spoke up.

“What’s wrong?”

“You also need to protect yourself over there.” She said softly, her eyes hiding an imperceptible concern.

“Haha, don’t worry!” Dongfang Haoyue patted his chest, his tone hearty, “Those clowns can’t hurt your brother.”

The video ended, and the holographic screen dimmed, reflecting Dongfang Mingyue’s worried face.

She walked to the window, gazing at the falling white snow outside—the nights on Shuang Hua Star were especially cold. Snowflakes landed on the transparent glass, quickly forming a thin layer of ice, enveloping the entire city in a serene white.

She knew she was in danger, but she was more concerned about her brother, Dongfang Haoyue—the Royal Star was the center of power struggles. Since those people were targeting her, who was far away in the Azure Wood Star Realm, they would undoubtedly exert ten or even a hundred times the effort to eliminate her brother.

Her brother’s situation was far more dangerous than hers.

Dongfang Mingyue pursed her lips, her gaze gradually becoming resolute. Initially, she only wanted to enter the headquarters of the Alchemy Association through the competition to enhance her alchemical skills, but now, she had a more urgent reason—she had to quickly become strong and fight alongside her brother on the Royal Star, using her abilities to share even a slight burden with him.

“Miss, it’s late. You should rest.” Xiao Yu, dressed in pink pajamas, came out rubbing her sleepy eyes. “You have the competition tomorrow; it won’t be good if you’re tired.”

“Yes, I know.” Dongfang Mingyue nodded, turning to close the window and following Xiao Yu into the bedroom.

Soon, the room’s lights went out, merging into the quietness of the snowy night.

…

Downstairs from the hotel, a meat soup shop with warm yellow lights was still open. By the window, two men sat at a table, occasionally glancing towards the window in the upper floors of the hotel where the lights had just gone out.

“Miss Ming Yue has gone to bed.” He Wu, who was thin, withdrew his gaze and used spiritual energy to transform his voice into a fine wire, transmitting only to Nie Yunxing opposite him, “The boss just sent a message saying that someone has been watching Miss Ming Yue recently. Let’s work hard tonight and check the potential threats on the three streets around the hotel again.”

Nie Yunxing nodded, his fingertips quietly reaching for the short blade at his waist under the table—they were Hidden Guards sent by the Dongfang Clan. Thirteen guards were divided into three groups; two groups of Guard Ming stood next to Dongfang Mingyue, protecting her closely, while the two of them were the hidden group, responsible for scouting the perimeter, paying attention to every suspicious person approaching the hotel with a broader perspective.

“Soup’s coming!”

At this moment, the shop owner came over with two steaming bowls of soup. In the blue and white porcelain bowls floated tender white lamb, and the rich aroma instantly spread.

He gently placed the soup bowls on the table, smiling, “Enjoy, gentlemen. There’s nothing better than a bowl of hot soup in this snowy weather.”

“Thank you, boss.” Nie Yunxing picked up a spoon and sipped a mouthful of soup, feeling a warmth slide into his stomach, so comfortable that he sighed, “Your soup is truly fresh. I’ve been drinking it every day recently and still haven’t gotten tired of it.”

“Haha, that’s the secret!” The owner laughed with wrinkles bunching up at the corners of his eyes, speaking with pride, “This soup uses thigh bones from snow sheep, simmered for seven hours. The meat is freshly slaughtered snow lamb. We don’t add any extra seasonings, relying solely on the authentic flavor of the ingredients.”

He paused, then added, “You can get a free refill once you finish, just call me if you need more.”

“Alright.” Nie Yunxing smiled, “Boss, give us another jin of lamb to add to the soup.”

“Sure thing!” The owner responded, turning to walk into the kitchen.

The kitchen’s lights were dim. The owner picked up the cleaver on the countertop, the sharp blade slicing through the lamb, making a “thump thump” sound. He looked down at the meat on the cutting board, the corners of his mouth curling into an imperceptible smile.

…

The cold wind of the snowy night was piercing, as if it could penetrate clothing and freeze one’s soul.

On the pristine fabric, specks of blood spread like red plum blossoms, striking to the eye. A woman curled up in the snow; her once vibrant face now wrinkled and aged, like a flower withered by the harsh frost, her breath so faint it was almost gone.

“Xiao Yu! Xiao Yu!”

“Miss… I can’t… don’t be sad for me… I’m happy to protect you…”

“No! You’re not going to die! I forbid you to die!!!”

“Miss… take care… of yourself… In the next life, I still want to be your maid…”

“No! No!!!”

“Miss! Miss, what’s wrong with you!”

Swoosh—

Dongfang Mingyue suddenly opened her eyes, gasping for air. Cold sweat slid down her temple, streaking her face. What met her eyes was Xiao Yu’s face full of concern, looking at her worriedly.

“Miss, did you have a nightmare?” Xiao Yu’s voice was urgent, reaching out to wipe away the cold sweat for her.

Dongfang Mingyue looked at the living Xiao Yu in front of her, her eyes turning red instantly. Suddenly remembering something, she threw off the quilt and rushed to the adjoining suite—Xiao Yu’s bedroom.

She pushed open the door, walked straight to the wardrobe, and forcefully pulled it open, frantically rummaging through the clothes inside.

“Not this one!”

“Not this one!”

“No! No!”

“Miss, what are you looking for? Let me help you find it!” Xiao Yu followed in, looking at the mess on the floor and Dongfang Mingyue’s frantic state, and was so anxious that she stomped her feet.

Click—

A soft click sounded as Dongfang Mingyue opened the drawer of the bedside table. Her gaze fixed on the deepest part of the drawer—where a white coat was folded, exactly the one she had seen in her nightmare.

At the sight of the coat, Dongfang Mingyue could no longer hold back her tears, which fell like broken pearls, splattering on the white fabric, spreading a small dark stain.

She covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking violently, yet restrained sobs escaped through her fingers.

“Miss, what’s wrong with you?” Xiao Yu quickly approached, holding her trembling body, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed painfully, “Are you feeling unwell? Don’t scare me!”

Dongfang Mingyue turned around, grabbing Xiao Yu’s shoulders tightly, her knuckles turning whitish from the force. Her eyes were bright red, tears obscuring her vision, her voice trembling uncontrollably: “I… I dreamt of you…”

Before she could finish her sentence, she couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into tears. The crying was full of fear and helplessness, disjointed, unable to form a complete sentence, allowing the emotions to completely collapse at this moment.

Xiao Yu’s body trembled violently. She looked at the white coat clutched in Dongfang Mingyue’s hands, then at her losing control appearance, and found her answer in an instant.