Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Farewell, Gifts, and the Space Warship
Lieyang Valley Base, Tarmac
Yan Qing and Qin Tian stood in front of the saucer-shaped flying device. Many people were there to see them off, including senior officers from the 319th Corps, friends who often sparred with Qin Tian, and the director of the Special Warfare Management Office.
Some were there for Qin Tian, others for Yan Qing.
Of course, the crowd wouldn’t be complete without the presence of the Earth Dragon Team.
"Qin Tian, safe travels."
Qin Dadi hugged Qin Tian and patted him twice on the shoulder, speaking earnestly, "Remember to keep in touch regularly after you get to the new environment. Earth Dragon Team will always be your strongest support."
Qin Dadi believed that with Qin Tian’s talent and strength, he could shine anywhere.
But one thing worried him deeply.
Qin Tian’s experience was too limited, and the world outside was complex, not everyone would treat him as sincerely as the Earth Dragon Team.
A young soul inexperienced in the ways of the world could easily be hurt by some people and some events.
But he also knew that some things were the trials Qin Tian needed to go through.
He hoped Qin Tian could overcome all difficulties, stay true to himself, and be the best he could be.
"Yes, thank you, Captain."
Qin Tian nodded heavily.
Then, Liu Zhaozhao stepped forward and gently hugged Qin Tian.
"Qin Tian, safe travels."
Surrounded by so many people, this quiet girl couldn’t say much, but in her slightly reddened eyes, one could still see reluctance and sadness.
"Hmm."
Qin Tian’s lips curled into a faint smile.
"My turn, my turn."
Xiao Yunlong eagerly squeezed next to Qin Tian and gave him a tight hug, whispering in his ear in a barely audible voice, "Brother, don’t forget our promise. In wealth, do not forget each other—Commander, Commander!"
With that, Xiao Yunlong released his arms and coughed twice, "After boarding the ship, we’ll contact each other via video."
"Okay."
Qin Tian made an OK gesture at him, unsure if he was agreeing to video contact or the previous promise.
"Alright, everyone, we can accompany someone a thousand miles, but we must eventually part. Let’s end it here today."
Yan Qing said with a smile, waving his hand, "Everyone, goodbye!"
"Safe travels."
Everyone said in unison.
Before boarding the flying device, Qin Tian swiftly handed a metal box to Qin Dadi, saying:
"Captain, this is my gift to everyone. Open it after you go back."
Before Qin Dadi could respond, Qin Tian had already boarded the flying device with Yan Qing.
WHOOSH!!!
The flying device’s lower jets spewed air, propelling it upwards, quickly disappearing from everyone’s sight.
"Captain, what did Qin Tian give us?"
Xiao Yunlong came over to ask.
Qin Dadi shook his head, "I don’t know either. Qin Tian said it’s a gift for us, we’ll open it when we get back."
"Okay."
Back in the room, Qin Dadi opened the metal box, revealing three exquisite crystal bottles containing a green liquid that shimmered translucently under the light, exuding a psychedelic color.
"What is this?"
Xiao Yunlong picked up a crystal bottle, spinning it around, and when he saw the label on the back, his eyes froze in shock.
"This... this is... Life Spirit Liquid."
"Life Spirit Liquid!"
Qin Dadi and Liu Zhaozhao exclaimed in surprise.
Life Spirit Liquid was famous, produced by the Dongfang Qingmu Clan, one of the Nine Great Holy Bloods. The liquid contained exceptionally abundant life force. When consumed while injured, wounds could quickly heal in a short time and the purest Life Spirit Liquid could even regenerate lost limbs.
Besides healing injuries, Life Spirit Liquid could also enhance physical abilities and delay aging.
Whenever Life Spirit Liquid appeared in auction houses, it would stir a frenzy among countless elites, tycoons, and socialites.
"This is 15% concentrated Life Spirit Liquid."
Xiao Yunlong checked an online marketplace, and upon seeing the price, felt a jolt in his heart.
"2000 Military Merit Points per bottle, three bottles in total, amounting to 6000 Military Merit Points."
Military Merit Points!
The three exchanged glances, astounded that Qin Tian would leave them such a precious gift.
No wonder Qin Tian handed over the gift to Qin Dadi so hastily before boarding; he surely worried that if they knew the gift was Life Spirit Liquid, they would refuse to accept it.
"There’s also a letter here."
Liu Zhaozhao took out a letter from the bottom of the metal box and slowly opened it.
"Captain, Zhaozhao, Yunlong, so sorry that we couldn’t walk to the end together. I’m someone who dislikes being overly sentimental, so I’m not used to saying some words face-to-face. Let me say goodbye in this way instead.
After arriving in this world, everything around felt foreign and cold to me, but fortunately, I joined the Earth Dragon Team. It’s you who made me feel the real warmth of this world, giving me a sense of belonging bit by bit.
During battles, the Captain always stood firm in front of me.
When I was immersed in training, Zhaozhao silently prepared towels and warm water for me.
When I faced a life crisis, Yunlong would voluntarily teach me the Spirit Awakening Technique and accompany me in endless day-and-night knife and fist training.
No matter how long time passes, these wonderful and colorful days will always be etched in my heart.
Tomorrow, I will leave you all, but I believe, one day the Earth Dragon Team will gather again.
Finally, I wish everyone a smooth life, peace, and joy in the days ahead.
Qin Tian"
Halfway through the letter, Liu Zhaozhao’s face was already streaked with tears, and even the two grown men, Qin Dadi and Xiao Yunlong, had red eyes and felt their noses grow sour.
"Damn, this kid usually doesn’t like to talk much, but his writing is so touching."
Xiao Yunlong tilted his head up, wiping the tears at the corners of his eyes, his voice noticeably nasal.
Holding the letter, Qin Dadi found that a light piece of paper at that moment weighed as heavy as a thousand pounds.
"Qin Tian."
Qin Dadi gazed out the window, silently praying.
"Take care of yourself too, we’ll meet again in the future."
......
The saucer-shaped flying device ascended into the boundless cosmos, breaking through the atmosphere
A small military starship was docked in orbit. As the flying device appeared, the bottom hangar of the starship opened, allowing the flying device to safely enter.
The hatch of the flying device opened, and Yan Qing and Qin Tian stepped out one after the other.
A group of soldiers had been waiting for a long time, and as soon as the two stood firm, they immediately saluted in unison.
"Greetings, Officers!"
Yan Qing nodded in return and, walking ahead, said:
"Qin Tian, follow me, your room has been arranged."
On the way to the room, Qin Tian quietly observed the interior of the starship. The layout was compact and orderly, with metal walls dotted with various indicators, and the walls made of high-strength alloy, hard and cold. The cabin was equipped with a gravity system to keep it consistent with ground gravity.
Patrols moved through the corridors, pausing to salute promptly upon seeing the two.
"This is your room." Yan Qing stood at the door, swiping a card to unlock it.
Qin Tian entered the room, which was better than he’d anticipated in terms of space and seclusion, around 30 square meters, with a two-meter iron bed against the wall, an ensuite bathroom with a shower—a fully equipped room.
"Thank you, Officer." Qin Tian said.
"It’s no big deal."
Yan Qing smiled and said, "I still have some things to deal with. Rest well in your room, in two days we’ll reach Alpha 1 Star, and then transfer to Silver Gray Star."
"Yes, Officer." Qin Tian nodded.
After Yan Qing left, Qin Tian closed the door. The room had a transparent porthole through which Alpha 7 Star became smaller and smaller below.
They should have seen the gift and letter by now.
So happy to have had everyone’s company on this journey, and hoping that we can meet again soon.
Qin Tian waved downwards, a soft glint passing through his eyes.