Star Iron: I, who forged my own armor by hand, ascended to the cycle of reincarnation.

Chen Jie straightened his expression and said, "Lead the way."

P.S.: The author has started a new book, a non-brainless fantasy novel about beast taming, where everyone is intelligent. Readers are welcome to check it out.

Chapter 166 Star: It's Over, the Machine Crisis

Please follow me.

The silver-maned iron guard immediately led the way, shouting in advance to anyone who might be blocking the way to move aside.

"What's the situation in the large mining area? I heard some miners were injured."

Upon hearing Chen Jie's question, the Silver-Maned Iron Guard replied without turning his head, "Yes, those people claiming to be from the company didn't hesitate to brandish their weapons and drive people away as soon as they arrived at the large mining area."

"The Earthfires and the Silvermane Iron Guards stationed in the lower city to maintain order are no match for those people who claim to be from the company, and their equipment is far superior to ours."

"Even scavengers in the lower city have spontaneously taken up arms to resist. In the latest news, some scavengers have even been crippled."

Scavengers protecting their homes were attacked and destroyed? Is that something those guys would do?

The entire train crew was stunned upon receiving this news, and Chen Jie was especially surprised.

This was a situation that Chen Jie had not anticipated, so he couldn't help but ask...

"I understand the principle of 'the rabbit is killed once the hunt is over, the hunting dog is cooked,' is it really necessary to risk my life like this?"

"Yeah, yeah, why can't we talk things out properly? Why make such a fuss?"

As the group's darling, March 7th's expression immediately became complicated, even somewhat saddened. To sacrifice himself to protect his homeland and suffer such a fate—regardless of what he had done before—at this moment, he truly deserved to be called a hero.

Upon hearing this news, Chen Jie was filled with mixed emotions. Those scavengers were truly unexpected.

"Commander Jepard is currently leading the Automaton soldiers and the Silvermane Guards in a fight against those corporate agents. Please stay close to me."

The silver-maned Iron Guard led the way, running tirelessly ahead, and soon the group arrived at the lower city.

Unlike the last time, there was a steady stream of wounded being evacuated from the large mining area. This central passage led directly to the large mining area in the lower city.

"Huh? So many of these Iron Guards have come again? Is this never going to end? They owe money and still have the nerve to hit people, huh?"

Unfortunately, just as everyone came downstairs, they were stopped by company employees carrying weapons, accompanied by a mech resembling a Grizzly Grim Reaper.

"Bastards! No matter what, this is no excuse for you to harm people!"

The Silvermane Iron Guard leading the way couldn't help but shout angrily. The company personnel who had been so aggressive just moments before now became even more volatile, like a powder keg ready to explode at any moment.

"Huh? You still have the nerve to say that? Not only do you owe money and don't pay it back, but you also tried to sneak in and steal things? Who else should we beat up if not them!"

Dust Tribulation:

I knew it

The righteous and indignant Silvermane Iron Guard froze on the spot, looking at the company employees with some bewilderment. March 7's face was filled with speechlessness at this moment.

"We were just praising that scavenger and feeling sorry for him, but it's true what they say, there's always a reason why someone is pitiful."

"Hey, no matter what that scavenger is like, your company can't just forcibly occupy his home, can it? The snow hasn't stopped yet, won't everyone in Belleberg freeze to death if you take over the big mining area?"

Faced with March 7th's counterattack, the company's people paused for a few seconds, then began to show signs of resorting to underhanded tactics.

"I don't care about all that. Debts must be repaid. Once you've paid back the money, we naturally won't stay on this damn planet anymore."

"We didn't want to come! There's a awful smell in the air!"

The Silvermane Iron Guards who had come down with him instantly flew into a rage upon hearing this, grabbing their weapons and pointing them at the company employees in front of them, ready to fight to the death at any moment.

Seeing that the situation had been quickly turned upside down by the other party and was heading in a bad direction, March 7's eyes widened instantly. "No wonder Chen Jie hates your company. How come the people in your company are even more sarcastic than Huo Huo?"

"Dust Calamity? Hiss, that name sounds familiar. But I'm warning you, don't blame us for being impolite if you take a step forward!"

Snap, snap

"Topa and Jepard must be facing off inside the mine, right?"

The company employees, seeing Chen Jie still ignoring them and steadily advancing, immediately flared up with their short tempers.

"Brothers, grab your weapons!"

"Hmm?" Chen Jie glanced in surprise at the company employees charging at him with weapons, then with a wave of his hand, a strange green energy materialized out of thin air, instantly pressing all the company employees to the ground.

"What, what is this thing?! Why can't I move? Hey! You there!"

The company employees pinned to the ground kept shouting, but the train crew and the Silver Mane Iron Guards had already poured into the large mining area like fish into the sea.

However, once inside the large mining area, everyone discovered that those who had blocked the entrance were only a portion of the group; the entire mining area was practically teeming with company personnel.

Realizing the enemy was charging towards them with the intention of intercepting them, the Silvermane Iron Guards rushed forward without hesitation.

"Quickly! Commander Jepard is located deep within the mining area. You go first, we'll help you hold off these despicable invaders!"

For some inexplicable reason, Chen Jie's eyes flickered, and the ground in the large mining area trembled as well. Anyone who lost their footing collapsed to the ground. Dan Heng, who was behind him, silently watched Chen Jie's back before running ahead to stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

"Dust Calamity, are you thinking about something that's bothering you?"

Normally, Chen Jie would respond immediately to such words of concern, but this time he didn't, which made Dan Heng certain that Chen Jie had something on his mind.

"Being smart isn't always a good thing; it means remembering everything that happens around you."

The seemingly irrelevant answer made Danheng fall into deep thought. Bailu smacked her lips and said, "That's how adults are. They talk in such strange ways that you can't understand them at all. Can you two understand them?"

As expected, March 7th and Xing shook their heads in unison, then smiled at each other.

"Oh dear, Dust Tribulation is sometimes like that, and compared to that arrogant Black Tower, Dust Tribulation is far better!"

Even now, Xingdu still remembers how narcissistic Heita was when he was first found by the train crew and talked to Heita.

Conversely, the equally brilliant Dust Calamity doesn't have this problem. Don't believe me? The ringing of the phone proves it all.

The train crew arrived at the depths the Silvermane Iron Guard had described without any hindrance, and indeed saw the Silvermane Iron Guard, led by Jepard, and the company, led by Toppa, in confrontation.

"Wait a minute, isn't that Schwarzkopf? Why is he standing over there? And next to that guy who looks like the leader?"

March 7th stopped in shock, and Xing seized the opportunity to...

"Could this be a new global crisis for artificial intelligence?"

Chapter 167 Topa: A Sincere Invitation to Cooperation

Hearing their conversation, Toppa's lips twitched, and he gave an awkward yet polite smile.

"Hehe, everyone on the Star Train is joking. A crisis involving androids is unlikely to happen again in the universe."

After speaking, Topa waved his hand, signaling the employees behind him to step back.

"Director Toppa, isn't this too dangerous?"

Topa simply smiled indifferently at the concern shown by his subordinates.

"You're overthinking it. If the passengers on the Star Train really intend to resolve things violently, we're no match for them."

"Furthermore, the Star Train has always been renowned throughout the world; it's impossible for them to do such a thing. On the contrary, with the Star Train's involvement, this mission should be progressing much faster."

"Go down"

Seeing that his boss had spoken, the employee didn't dare to hesitate any longer and led his team to retreat a short distance.

It's understandable to care about your boss's safety; it can help you maintain your performance record, potentially get a promotion, and also make your boss more familiar with you—a win-win situation.

Obedience is expected; no boss likes a disobedient subordinate. Although Toppa is easy to talk to, it's always good to cultivate a good impression and make your boss remember you.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to climb to the position of action team leader.

As the company staff voluntarily stepped back and created distance, the atmosphere eased considerably. Toppa casually tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled brightly.

"Everyone on the Star Train, you've finally arrived."

These words stunned the Silvermane Guards. Jepard frowned slightly. "Is your target Belloborg's guest?"

Upon hearing this, Toppa quickly waved his hand in denial and explained.

"Oh dear, garrison commander, please don't be angry. It wouldn't be good to ruin the harmony. I've already explained the situation regarding that scavenger very clearly, haven't I?"

"After all, you owe us money, and we're here to collect the debt. We can't just come here to collect a debt and lose our things, can we? Besides, even though we were rude at first, it was the other party who started the fight, wasn't it?"

Hearing this, Jepard took a deep breath. "It was our fault. We, the Silvermane Iron Guard, are cooperating with Earthfire to control the situation in the lower city."

"But you rushed into the lower city through other secret passages without a word, seized the large mining area, and fought with innocent miners. Isn't that going too far!"

March 7th tugged at Chen Jie's sleeve and whispered, "Chen Jie, are we just going to stand here and watch?"

Everyone thought Chen Jie would say no, but to March 7th's surprise, Chen Jie actually nodded.

"Otherwise what? We're intervening as a third party, and it's a matter of repaying debts—it's only natural. Directly interfering wouldn't be appropriate, but it's not impossible either."

"Just pay off Belloberg's debt directly."

March 7th blinked, deciding it was best not to ask; simply following Chen Jie obediently was the right thing to do.

On March 7th, when asked again, Xing, who was standing nearby, remained silent, listening to both sides and making an analysis.

Upon hearing Jepard's words, Toppa's expression immediately turned serious.

"I am very sorry that this happened. I have made it clear that there should be no unnecessary disputes with the indigenous people. As for those employees who did not take this seriously, we will dismiss them and compensate you for your losses."

Hearing this, Jepard's expression softened somewhat, but considering their respective identities and circumstances, a look of distress immediately welled up in his heart.

Belloberg is currently rebuilding from scratch and desperately needs money everywhere. This sudden debt from seven hundred years ago is a devastating blow to Belloberg's current situation.

"Regarding the debt, Bellberg will definitely repay the company in full, and we hope Miss Topa will be lenient."

Topa suddenly laughed: "You're quite easy to talk to, aren't you? Oh, by the way, let's answer the question from the nameless passenger on the Star Train."

"Mr. Schwarz did not betray Belloberg; on the contrary, he is making efforts to repay Belloberg's debts. He is a robot from seven hundred years ago, and there are many things that only he knows."

"It was all meant to take me to get something that could offset the debt, but things got too out of hand in the big mining area, so I had to come here first. It's not some kind of machine crisis."

March 7th and Xing exchanged a glance, then she scratched her face sheepishly: "Uh, you can continue, just ignore us."

Topa smiled, then turned her gaze to Chen Jie, who was at the head of the group. It was then that she noticed a little girl with dragon horns and a dragon tail behind Chen Jie, and she was stunned.

"I wonder if this young girl is the Medicine-Carrying Dragon Girl from the Luofu Immortal Ship?"

Bai Lu, whose name had been called out, smiled slightly. "That's right, I am Bai Lu, the Wisdom Dragon Lord and Medicine-Bearing Dragon Maiden of the Luofu Immortal Ship."

Upon hearing this long self-introduction, Chen Jie's face darkened slightly. Had this kid been watching too many dramas with San Yueqi and the others?