Zhong Li Feiyu lingered outside for a while after parting with Lu Wanqing and Cui Cui, ensuring there were no abnormalities nearby before returning to the cave.
Wei Xingzhou immediately approached him, grinning and saying, "Zhong Li Feiyu, Lu Wanqing and Cui Cui's livestream just captured you. You looked so ugly!"
Zhong Li Feiyu was speechless, but he stated seriously, "I still haven't found the insectoid queen."
Nearly a month had passed, and they hadn't even found a trace of the insectoid queen. In contrast, Lu Wanqing's side had already completed their house, and their lives might improve in the future. What began as a wilderness survival challenge might turn into an Earth tour.
Wei Xingzhou found his statement rather exasperating. "You're quite useless."
However, as he said this, Wei Xingzhou wasn't as worried as before. Zhong Li Feiyu's appearance in the livestream today meant that Cui Cui and Lu Wanqing were real, and they were safe. His dear daughter was doing well and living quite comfortably.
Zhong Li Feiyu remained silent.
Just then, Zhong Li Feiyu's optical computer vibrated. He opened it to check his messages, only to realize they were from Lu Yang.
"There was a gorilla in Qingqing's livestream just now. They might be in danger. If you and Wei Xingzhou are still nearby, please keep an extra eye on them and ensure their safety."
Zhong Li Feiyu was silent for a moment before initiating a communication with Lu Yang.
Lu Yang's projection appeared in the cave, and he saw... Zhong Li Feiyu and Wei Xingzhou, still clad in their gorilla suits.
Lu Yang was startled by the sudden appearance of two gorillas but quickly recovered and tentatively asked, "General Zhong Li...?"
"It is I," one of the gorillas replied, with Zhong Li Feiyu's familiar tone.
"The gorilla suit is a protective camouflage outfit. It allows us to disguise ourselves as animals and also prevents contamination from Earth's pollutants, safeguarding our genes from mutation," Zhong Li Feiyu explained concisely.
This was a newly developed product by the Federation, which happened to be useful for their current situation.
Lu Yang was silent for a long moment before speaking, "So the person who appeared in Qingqing's livestream just now... was you?"
"It was me," Zhong Li Feiyu said.
Lu Yang: "..."
"Hold on for a few more days. I'll be heading over soon," Lu Yang said after a while.
Zhong Li Feiyu was shocked. "Your Majesty, you're coming too?"
"Your Majesty need not do this. The insectoids are targeting Earth with their giant star cannons. It's too dangerous here. We are sufficient to handle things..."
"You can't defeat She Wanwan," Lu Yang stated concisely.
Zhong Li Feiyu was dumbfounded, looking at Lu Yang blankly.
Lu Yang continued, "I've already instructed them to prepare. Once I enter Earth, I will find a way to create a return wormhole. You and Wei Xingzhou will leave first."
Zhong Li Feiyu was stunned again, his mind buzzing, unable to process the information. "Your Majesty, what... what do you mean?"
"The Federation's idea is good. I've asked Tianxing and the Empire to cooperate fully to accelerate the research process. In a few days, opening two more wormholes should be feasible," Lu Yang explained simply.
Lu Yang mused, "Prepare yourselves too. I will enter Earth the moment the wormhole opens, and you should find a way to exit then."
This way, they wouldn't waste energy on forcibly constructing artificial wormholes.
One wormhole opening would allow him to enter and Zhong Li Feiyu and Wei Xingzhou to leave. For the second opening, he would devise a plan on Earth. When the time was right, he would bring Qingqing and Cui Cui out.
"Alright," Zhong Li Feiyu finally agreed after a long silence.
Engaging the insectoid queen was his previous plan. If he could defeat and capture her alive, he could use her as a hostage to negotiate with the insectoid forces outside, forcing them to retreat and rescuing Lu Wanqing and Cui Cui.
However, Lu Yang was right. His strength was still far inferior to the insectoid queen's. Capturing her alive, as he had envisioned, carried significant risks.
But if the Emperor himself were to come, he believed the chances of success would be much higher. At the very least, the Emperor wouldn't lose his life against the insectoid queen. Legend had it that the Emperor and the insectoid queen were equally matched. If they fought, it would at best be a draw, with neither able to defeat the other.
***
Lu Wanqing and Cui Cui had no idea that the gorilla was Zhong Li Feiyu. After seeing the gorilla leave, Lu Wanqing quickly led Cui Cui home.
Once back in their wooden cabin, they immediately bolted the door, feeling tense and scared.
Lu Wanqing pondered for a moment and felt the urge to craft tools.
If the gorilla were to return and attack them, or if there were other wild beasts in the forest, they would need tools for self-defense.
But they were inside the house now, and to make defensive tools, they would need materials. Could they do it now?
Lu Wanqing hesitated, then looked at Cui Cui.
Cui Cui was also scared, her little face pale. "Mom, that... animal was so big just now. It looked very dangerous."
Lu Wanqing hugged Cui Cui, comforting her, "It's okay, Mom will protect you."
"The goddess and Cui Cui are scared."
"I'd be scared too. That gorilla looked huge and fierce."
"I just looked it up. Gorillas apparently eat fruits and don't eat much meat."
"Don't eat meat?"
"Who says they don't eat meat? I checked history. Ancient Earth records show that chimpanzees actually love to eat meat. They hunt in groups and especially like to catch and eat monkeys."
"Also, to add, monkeys are closely related to humans."
"Oh my god, this is too terrifying. I'm worried about Goddess Wanqing and Cui Cui."
"Federation and Empire, please step up! How long have the goddess and Cui Cui been trapped on Earth? Why haven't they been rescued yet!"
On the Star Net, everyone was worried about Lu Wanqing and Cui Cui, questioning what the Federation and Empire were doing and why they hadn't rescued them yet. The topic even trended on major platforms.
Mu Sijie also grew anxious and immediately contacted Lu Yang, stating that if a war was necessary, the Mu family would fully support it.
However, what Lu Yang told Mu Sijie next left him completely stunned and bewildered.
That gorilla... was Zhong Li Feiyu?
Initially very concerned, upon learning the truth, Mu Sijie couldn't help himself and burst into laughter.