Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1697: 540: Removing the Firewood from Under the Cauldron (Part 2)

These vessels were obtained by Su Ming during his aid to Queen Hai Lan in trading with Long Bai.

Thirty minutes passed.

Crimson Country's fleet pierced the atmosphere, venturing into the expansive cosmos.

Within the Red's command center.

Operators kept delivering updates.

“Aligning the prow, charting the path!”

“Faster-than-light engine heating up!”

…

As the vessels neared departure, Shu’en and his companions experienced a touch of ease.

Suddenly, the scanner blared a shrill warning, with red blips emerging.

The operator spotted it and shouted in panic.

“Space distortions detected!”

“Imperial Army fleet incoming!”

Queen Hai Lan and the rest showed grave worry on their faces.

Shu’en promptly inquired.

“How many ships?”

“Two Level 5 Mother Ships, three Level 5 Battleships, seven Level 4 Battleships, closing in fast from the right!”

Right after the operator's words.

Swish, swish~

Beams lanced across vast distances at the fleet's transport ships.

Boom, boom, boom~

Transport ships took hits, their energy shields trembling violently.

“Lord Shu’en, transport ships under fire!”

The operator yelled out instantly.

Witnessing this, Shu’en urgently told Queen Hai Lan.

“Your Majesty, we'll hold them off; you evacuate now!”

“No way, send the transport ships away—the Red and every battleship stays to confront them with us.”

Queen Hai Lan drew a steady breath and declared.

“Very well!”

Shu’en agreed with a nod.

…

Aboard the Level 5 Mother Ship·Jiao Sha from the Dark Star Empire's Seventh Legion command center.

A towering brute, 2.6 meters high, pure muscle and bearded, lounged in the command seat wearing a Vice Admiral's attire.

“General Weibite, we've overtaken them.”

A Colonel-uniformed man with a cunning look spoke with thrill.

“Hmph, since Fretta, Woguo, and Tasji joined the Federation, few plump Neutral Countries remain in the Danube Star Sea. Crimson Country's the final juicy target, foolishly trying to flee.”

Weibite sneered coldly.

“Sir, trouble—their transport ships are fleeing, while main vessels turn to fight us to the death!”

Condal noticed the Crimson fleet divide and hastily informed Weibite.

“Seeking doom. Only that tiny Federation unit in Crimson Country poses a threat; the others can't match us. Request communication with them.”

Weibite commanded Condal.

“Yes, sir!”

Condal worked the controls at once.

Communication linked up shortly, projecting Shu’en and Hejassi's holograms.

“Heh, Shu’en, fancy meeting you again. Surrender, and I may let you live!”

Weibite boasted assuredly.

“Screw your mother!”

Hejassi spat furiously.

“Such a dirty mouth—wonder if you'll stay cocky?”

Weibite shot back with icy grin.

“Hmph, cut the crap, show us your moves!”

Shu’en retorted, then severed the link.

The two fleets maneuvered into position, unleashing mechas, priming cannons and tubes.

Swish~

Beams and missiles surged forth in unison toward the foe.

Boom, boom, boom~

Myriad dazzling explosions lit the void.

…

Beyond Crimson Country's frontiers.

Space warped, and Star Destroyer·Thunder Extreme phased out of subspace.

“Lord Su Ming, we've reached Crimson Country's outskirts.”

Timi informed Su Ming.

“Mm.”

Su Ming gave a faint nod.

Just then, scanners lit up with green markers.

“Warning: Transport ships detected!”

…

Timi observed and updated Su Ming.

“Lord Su Ming, numerous transport ships spotted—looks like Crimson Country's, with Fatty Dun in the mix.”

“Contact the Fatty Dun.”

Surprised, Su Ming ordered promptly.

“Got it!”

Timi started the procedure right away.

Connection established soon, Captain Hagett's hologram materialized before Su Ming.

Startled at first by Su Ming's sight, he burst into delight,

“Lord Su Ming!”

“Captain Hagett, it's been a while.”

Su Ming smiled back.

“Lord Su Ming, rush to aid Shu’en and the rest—the Dark Star Empire vanguard struck, and they held back to shield the transport ships.”

Captain Hagett urged Su Ming desperately.

“Right, Timi, move in to assist now!”

Su Ming directed Timi without delay.

“Aye, engines to max thrust, full speed!”

…

After covering some ground, Thunder Extreme's radar edged with clusters of red and green icons.

Timi barked quick orders.

“Charge main cannon.”

“Arm ports 1 through 100W!”

Like a spectral predator, Thunder Extreme darted into the fray.

“Drop stealth, blast one!”

Su Ming's gaze hardened as he icily commanded Timi.

“Yes!”

Timi targeted a leading Dark Star Empire Level 5 Mother Ship.

Across the stars!

Star Destroyer·Thunder Extreme shed its camouflage abruptly, main gun blazing fiercely.

Swish!

A devastating azure ray, trailed by missile swarms, fired off.

Boom!

Instantly, Level 5 Mother Ship·Keton absorbed Thunder Extreme's main cannon strike.

A colossal blue star ignited, energy shield crumbling amid thunderous cracks.

Missiles then blanketed the vessel completely.

Boom, boom, boom~

Between erupting mini-suns and spectacular blasts.

The ship perished in a gigantic explosion.