Forty-eight hours remained until the Black Star Empire launched its full-scale counter-offensive.
Gu Ya awoke from his stupor, or rather, his amnesia.
Bai Ying stood on her front paws on the pilot's seat, her hind legs seated, controlling the mecha with a transmission cable.
"Dad, you're awake," Bai Ying said calmly, her eyes fixed on the screen.
Gu Ya clutched his head, shook it, and asked in a low voice, "What happened? Why don't I remember anything? Was I asleep?"
Bai Ying was silent for a moment, then said, "Dad, your daughter doesn't want to lie to you. I inserted a life code into you."
"What?" Gu Ya blinked, "Into my human body, a life code? What's it for?"
Bai Ying corrected him, "It's your mechanical body. To connect our lives."
Gu Ya's brow immediately furrowed. He got up from the ground and looked at Bai Ying seriously, saying, "You want to extend my life when I'm on the verge of death! No, quickly remove that code! Your life is your own!"
"My life was given by you..." Bai Ying said calmly, "Don't worry, Dad, I've made arrangements."
Gu Ya's wristband suddenly rang; it was Xian Wangchuan.
Now that they had no qualms, they could contact each other openly.
Xian Wangchuan's avatar appeared on the holographic screen projected by the wristband. He looked composed and spoke quickly, "Gu Ya, we just received intelligence deciphered by Dou Mei, sent by Fu Yafang."
"Two pieces of information: First, Hai Yang's main body is in Kuanqiu City near Black Star Mountain. Second, Fu Yafang has left a backdoor program for Hai Yang, which leads directly to its core control."
"Dou Mei has confirmed the reliability of this intelligence! This means Hai Yang is not dead! We can use the backdoor program to destroy it completely!"
"I have dispatched a coalition force of thirty thousand mechas, who are en route to Kuanqiu City as we speak."
Gu Ya's lips curved into a smile upon hearing this. He said with excitement, "Excellent. Fu Yafang has rendered a great service. I will head to Kuanqiu City immediately!"
After ending the communication, Gu Ya picked up Bai Ying and held her on his lap, piloting the mecha himself.
Bai Ying said with a worried tone, "Dad, are you going to war in this mecha? Kuanqiu City is still under Black Star's control, heavily guarded. Also, do you plan to leave Mom behind in the Black Star Capital City?"
"Hmm..." Gu Ya looked troubled.
Bai Ying continued, "According to calculations, returning and bringing the teammates will increase the success rate by seventy percent."
"Alright then!"
After a long absence, Gu Ya returned to the Black Star Capital City.
The city was as bustling as ever.
After all, it was wartime. The Golden Power Nation had enacted many temporary regulations to control the military and the people, aiming for stability.
In the sky, rows of mechas flew in formation.
The once wide streets were parked with heavy mechas, and ground support troops were stationed there.
High temporary shelters stood at all major traffic junctions and exits.
The Black Unity Tower had also been temporarily converted into the Golden Power Nation's wartime command center. Many large transport mechas were coming and going, delivering defensive supplies.
Gu Ya found his teammates inside the Black Unity Tower.
As soon as Bai Ying saw Ye Ying, she leaped onto her and sniffed her meticulously.
Gu Ya briefly explained the intelligence.
Little Jin Quan said, "The Xian Xia army is now attacking from the west of the Black Star Empire and will soon reach here."
"The nations of the Great Palm State, after revolting, have reached the south. At this rate, they will have conquered the entire continent in another week."
"The Nan Jin Nation is adjacent to the southwest border of Black Star. According to the battle report from Master Liang, they will coordinate with the Xian Xia army to attack Black Star."
"Currently, the war situation is very smooth."
"I have conferred with the commanders-in-chief of the various armies. We will converge at the Black Star Capital City to jointly discuss the advance into Black Star Mountain."
Gu Ya calmly asked, "What's the situation with Black Star Mountain?"
Little Jin Quan replied, "According to the reconnaissance squadrons sent out, the entire Black Star army is concentrated within Black Star Mountain, numbering around three hundred thousand."
"This includes the flying mother ships, super-large mechas, and giant biological mechas."
Gu Ya nodded. It seemed the Black Star Empire was not making any significant moves.
In that case, destroying Hai Yang's main body was the most crucial battle before the final confrontation.
"Master! Mistress!!"
Suddenly, Ning Yu's voice came from the doorway.
She looked at everyone with surprise and rushed towards Ye Ying with open arms, intending to give her a big hug.
Bai Ying instantly jumped from Ye Ying's shoulder, positioning herself between them, baring her small fangs and growling at Ning Yu.
Startled, Ning Yu stopped in her tracks and looked curiously at the little white cat.
Ye Ying picked up Bai Ying and said softly, "Ning Yu is not a bad person, don't be fierce towards her, do you hear me, Bai Ying?"
Bai Ying said, "You cannot be startled right now."
Gu Ya was naturally pleased that Ning Yu had returned early from the Nan Jin Nation.
With her joining, the success rate of destroying Hai Yang increased by another point.
Gu Ya immediately said, "There's no time to lose. We depart immediately! To destroy Hai Yang."
"Mom can't go..." Bai Ying said softly.
...
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Gu Ya and his team's operation was delayed.
Ye Ying, emerging from the medical equipment, looked slightly worried but also more joyful.
"Are you sure? Really?" Gu Ya asked anxiously.
Ye Ying nodded with a smile and said, "Yes, it's true. I'm pregnant with our baby. The timing is right for when we were on our way to Black Star Mountain... that time..."
A wave of heartfelt happiness and joy washed over Gu Ya. He clutched his head, closed his eyes, and his breathing quickened with excitement.
After calming down, Gu Ya quickly said, "This way, Ying, you stay here and wait for me. I'll have Bai Ying and Ning Yu stay to protect you."
Ye Ying lowered her head, her expression turning somber.
"What's wrong? You should be happier now. Be careful of that thing called... yes, postpartum depression. Ying, there's nothing to worry about!"
"How about this, I'll have Little Jin Quan escort you back to the Golden Power Nation, no, back to Xian Xia! Xian Xia is safe now! Yes, Youyou and Youran are still in Shanhai City. Let them accompany you back! Youyou is a bundle of joy, and Youran knows how to take care of people; they'll make you happy."
"Gu Ya!" Ye Ying suddenly raised her voice and said calmly, "I'm not worried about that, I... I'm worried about..."
"What is there to worry about?" Gu Ya asked, not understanding, and gently coaxed, putting his hands on Ye Ying's shoulders, "You are the most important now. You are more important than anything to me!"
Ye Ying looked at Gu Ya and said calmly, "Have you forgotten? My blood contains the Mech Blood Factor."
This sentence hit Gu Ya like a thunderclap!
It pulled Gu Ya back to the cruel reality.
"So... should we still have the child..."
"No!" Gu Ya refused decisively, his hands on Ye Ying's shoulders tightening slightly.
"If this child cannot be saved due to the Mech Blood Factor, then we'll consider future matters. But for now, we must at least try, Ying!"
Ye Ying's tone became more worried, saying, "What if, what is born is a monster... would you bear to see him suffer?"
Gu Ya said firmly, "Then we will take him and flee to a secluded place. We will nurture him with care and educate him. In short, we must at least try."
"Whether it's a girl or a boy, no matter what he looks like, he is hope."
Ye Ying's worried expression gradually faded. She let out a breath, feeling much more relaxed, and smiled, "I'll listen to you. But with one condition. I want to go with you. Our family will fight together."
Bai Ying jumped onto Gu Ya's shoulder and said softly, "Dad, Mom, and me."
Gu Ya happily embraced Ye Ying and said, "Yes! Family!"
Preparations were complete.
After resting and recuperating, everyone, fully equipped, gathered in the hangar the next morning.
Gu Ya led the team, started their mechas, and flew out of the hangar towards Kuanqiu City.