Chapter 128: Arrival in Hezhou City

Soon, two missiles struck directly, hitting two terrifying Olmian Empire space fighters. With two thunderous explosions, both enemy fighters were reduced to ashes.

Zhang Desen immediately called out to Li Longfang, who was manning the rear turret: “Brother Longfang, the enemy planes are finished!”

Li Longfang replied excitedly, “Excellent! Let’s prepare to head to Dregelreh and rendezvous with the main forces!”

Zhang Desen nodded, saying, “Alright. But we were fortunate this time. Our nuclear strike on the Gomar people’s warship, the ‘Icy Cold,’ took place within the atmosphere. Otherwise, the ‘Icy Cold’ might not have been destroyed.”

Li Longfang was puzzled. “Isn’t it the same warship? Both nuclear strikes. Why would striking it in space be less effective? Why wouldn’t it be destroyed then?”

Zhang Desen explained, “Actually, there is a significant difference between nuclear detonations within an atmosphere and those in the vacuum of space, mainly in terms of radiation and shockwaves.

“When a nuclear weapon explodes within an atmosphere, the air amplifies the blast’s shockwave. So, the atmospheric explosion produces an enormous shockwave. Additionally, the surrounding air disperses the thermal radiation widely, greatly increasing its destructive power.

“However, the atmosphere also absorbs much of the nuclear radiation generated during the explosion. Hence, the radiation from a nuclear blast in the atmosphere is much lower than that from one detonated in space.

“In space, with no atmosphere to amplify the shockwave, the nuclear explosion’s blast force is much weaker than in the atmosphere. Similarly, without air to absorb the radiation, the nuclear radiation in space is about ten times stronger than in an atmospheric explosion.

“So, a spaceship in space faces a shockwave that is far weaker than what it would endure in the atmosphere. Since spaceships must be sturdily built to withstand various impacts, including asteroid collisions, they are exceptionally resilient.

“When a nuclear explosion occurs near a spaceship in space, it doesn’t have to endure a massive shockwave like it would in the atmosphere. This makes it quite possible for the ship to withstand the blast.

“In other words, a nuclear detonation in space is far less damaging to a spaceship than one occurring within an atmosphere.

“Although the radiation from a nuclear blast in space is ten times stronger than one in the atmosphere, spaceships are designed with strong radiation shielding to protect their crews from the harsh space radiation environment.

“Therefore, despite the higher radiation, nuclear explosions in space are still relatively ineffective against spaceships.

“This is why our nuclear strike against the Gomar’s ‘Icy Cold’ warship succeeded—it happened within the atmosphere. Had it been in space, the ‘Icy Cold’ might have survived.”

After hearing Zhang Desen’s explanation, Li Longfang felt they had indeed been lucky. He said, “Captain, it seems this mission exposed many of our shortcomings. We definitely have much to improve.”

Zhang Desen smiled and said, “Alright, let’s head to Dregelreh now and join Zhao Chengming’s forces.”

Li Longfang promptly replied, “Understood, Captain. Let’s depart.”

With that, Zhang Desen piloted their spaceship, the “Lifeline One,” to rendezvous with Zhao Chengming’s forces for the journey to Hezhou.

…

Outside Hezhou City, in a vast courtyard serving as a storage area for the Liu Family Trading Company’s branch, He Youcai, the branch manager, was directing workers to clear a large open space.

The company had established this massive storage site outside the city because the city gates often closed before cargo could be delivered. Each town had a storage depot to hold goods when access was restricted.

He Youcai was preparing the area in advance because he had received notice that Zhang Desen’s ship, the “Crater,” was about to arrive. Everything was being readied to facilitate its landing.

…

Meanwhile, inside the city, a jade gambling event was underway. The powerful clans who had arrived in Hezhou were eager to participate.

The event was organized by the Liu Family Trading Company at one of its urban trading posts.

Though these noble families looked down on merchant families like the Liu as mere traders, when it came to purchasing goods, trading, commissioning work, or even gambling on jade, they naturally turned to the Liu Company. This undeniable prestige reflected the company’s commercial strength.

The jade gambling event was designed not only to entertain these influential families but also to give Zhang Desen a chance to observe their personalities and understand their ways of conducting affairs.

…

Inside the “Crater” spaceship’s conference room, Zhang Desen, Li Longfang, Zhao Chengming, and others gathered to discuss their plans.

Zhao Chengming said, “Captain, the Hezhou branch has arranged everything. Those powerful families will surely attend the jade gambling event. You can observe them discreetly then.”

Zhang Desen chuckled, “Is that enough? I think I should participate in the gambling myself.”

Li Longfang was surprised. “Captain, you actually want to join? You know, it’s risky—many people lose everything trying to find jade that yields green stones. It’s a gamble between sudden fortune and utter ruin.”

Zhao Chengming added, “Yes, Captain. Honestly, the Liu Company is running this event mainly to provide entertainment and collect some fees. It wouldn’t be wise for us to get personally involved; it’s too risky.”

Zhang Desen smiled and responded, “Why don’t you trust your captain? Look at what I’ve done recently—have I ever fought a battle without confidence?”

Li Longfang and Zhao Chengming exchanged glances before Zhao said, “True, Captain never fights without assurance. But we really think it’s impossible to know if the stones will yield green jade. If we spend heavily and get nothing, it won’t end well.”

Li Longfang agreed, “Yes, yes. Captain, we don’t have X-ray vision. How can we guarantee green jade inside?”

Zhang Desen then asked, “What if I told you we do have such vision? Would you believe me?”

Li Longfang and Zhao Chengming looked at each other again and simultaneously asked, “Captain, you have X-ray vision?”

Zhang Desen smiled and produced an object, saying, “Look at this—what do you think it is?”

With puzzled expressions, they listened as Zhang Desen explained. Afterward, they both laughed and said, “If that’s the case, those powerful families are in for a rude awakening.”

At that moment, a guard entered the conference room and reported to Zhang Desen, “Report: we are about to reach the Hezhou branch outside the city. Everything on the ground is prepared for landing.”

Zhang Desen promptly replied, “Good. Proceed with the landing as planned.”

“Yes, sir!” the guard responded before departing to carry out orders.

…

At the Liu Family Trading Company’s storage area outside Hezhou City, branch manager He Youcai was leading staff in preparations to welcome Zhang Desen and his team.

An assistant asked He Youcai, “Sir, in all our years of experience, this is the first time we’ve heard of someone arriving from the sky. Could it be a mistake?”

Many others joined in the murmurs of doubt. But He Youcai replied firmly, “No mistake. If the higher-ups say so, there must be a reason. Stop wasting time with guesses and just follow orders.”

The assistant pressed, “That may be, but what if the orders are wrong? What if we fail to meet Mr. Zhang and get blamed?”

Others echoed, “Yes, if they don’t arrive, we’ll be in trouble.”

Growing impatient, He Youcai raised his voice in anger, “Enough! No matter what you think, the written orders are clear. You can’t change anything. Now stand at attention.”

Just then, someone in the crowd pointed skyward, shouting, “Look! What’s that?”

Everyone turned to see a brilliant light rapidly approaching from a distance, passing just overhead.

It was a massive flying object—disc-shaped, like an enormous inverted plate. Its surface was dotted with glowing lights. It was none other than Zhang Desen’s “Crater” spaceship.

Seeing this, He Youcai took out the earlier letter with an illustration and said solemnly, “Stop arguing. This is the craft Mr. Zhang and his people are arriving on. They’re here. Prepare to welcome them.”

Everyone immediately sprang into action, ready to greet the newcomers.

Meanwhile, the “Crater” ship slowly descended and finally landed at the designated spot.

Shortly after, the ship’s huge, sci-fi-style door began to open—a surreal sight amid the surrounding ancient-style buildings, making the scene almost comical.

Nonetheless, the “Crater” was now fully landed, and its doors opened completely. Zhang Desen and his team stepped out with measured steps.

At once, He Youcai led his entire welcoming party forward to greet them.