Conscription!
The bold red lettering caught Lu Sheng's eye.
In an instant, Lu Sheng understood why Li Mo had such a sense of foreboding when he learned of Tang Shun's death in the black market arena.
Heading to the frontline...
For those gifted Transcendents who hoped to advance further, it might indeed be an opportunity. But for most Transcendents... the frontline was nothing but a meat grinder.
Once you entered the frontline, whether as a logistics technician or a frontline fighter, you might be chatting one second and become a pile of bones the next.
"Tianqi Star will be dispatching 300,000 technical Transcendent personnel to the frontline. While 300,000 isn't a large proportion of Tianqi Star's Transcendent population, the addition of the word 'technical' significantly narrows the range!"
Lu Sheng stood by the roadside, watching the news being broadcast on the screen, and fell into silence.
This situation—let alone someone like Lu Sheng who had just entered the Extraordinary Domain—even someone like Gao Feng, a third-tier Transcendent, couldn't say anything about it.
With a heavy heart, Lu Sheng returned home and lay on his bed, unusually skipping his training.
A sleepless night.
The next day, Lu Sheng woke up early, went to school, and after class practiced the Longevity Posture and Five Elements Fist under Gao Feng's guidance.
"Alright, alright, you're a bit distracted today."
In Gao Feng's office, Gao Feng frowned at Lu Sheng in front of him. He could tell that Lu Sheng was obviously more distracted today compared to previous days.
So, he called off the training session.
"Did something happen?"
Perhaps Yang Meng's incident had made Gao Feng's heart a bit sensitive; he didn't want Lu Sheng to become the next Yang Meng, so he asked out of concern.
Lu Sheng was silent for a moment and then told Gao Feng about his situation with Li Mo.
He also mentioned the news he saw yesterday.
After hearing this, Gao Feng was silent for a moment before he said, "I know about this. In a month, Tianqi Star's first batch of troops will head to the frontline."
Upon hearing this, Lu Sheng felt a jolt in his heart.
A month's time—that meant...
Although the chances of Li Mo being selected were slim, Lu Sheng and Li Mo had spent quite a bit of time together, and Li Mo had been kind to him. Lu Sheng truly didn't want to see someone of Li Mo's age go to the frontline and fight.
But soon, Gao Feng's next words relieved Lu Sheng.
"From what I know, most of the Transcendents in Tianqi Star's first batch are volunteers, with only a few slots being forcibly conscripted. And because it's the first batch, most of those conscripted are young Transcendents; it's very unlikely that your Li Mo would be selected in the first draft."
Hearing Gao Feng's words, Lu Sheng felt a sense of relief.
Thank goodness, the probability was low!
"Of course, I can't say what will happen in the future. If the frontline situation becomes dire, there might be a second, a third, or even more drafts."
"Should that happen, even someone like me won't escape. It's a duty we Transcendents of the Human Federation have to bear."
Gao Feng sighed, perhaps thinking of something.
Despite Gao Feng's words, Lu Sheng's heart was no longer as troubled as it was last night.
At least, in this round of drafts, Li Mo's chances were slim.
"Alright, I see that you're somewhat distracted today. Let's call it a day for your training. Remember, focus on enhancing your Qi Blood Limit. Once you feel like you can't improve it anymore, don't waste time—advance to the second tier as soon as possible."
Gao Feng waved Lu Sheng off, advising him.
Lu Sheng smiled faintly, nodded, then packed his things and left the office, heading straight to the Tianqi Heavy Industry's repair workshop.
...
In the repair workshop, just like yesterday, only Li Mo was there, quietly resting in his chair. But compared to yesterday, Li Mo's expression was much calmer.
Lu Sheng approached Li Mo and softly said, "Uncle, there's no need to worry so much. I asked my Elite Class instructor, and he said the chances of you being drafted in the first round are very slim."
Hearing Lu Sheng's words, Li Mo slowly opened his eyes, a slight hint of surprise in his gaze. It was clear that Li Mo hadn't expected Lu Sheng to be so concerned about this matter.
"You rascal, what's the use in worrying about an old man like me."
Li Mo's voice, slightly reproachful yet carrying a hint of happiness, rang out.
As he spoke, Li Mo propped himself up from his chair, no longer lying down but sitting up, looking around the familiar repair workshop.
"Actually, I've lived for decades and worked here at Tianqi Heavy Industry for just as long. I've come to terms with many things."
"Naturally, I'm happy that you care, but you're mistaken about one thing."
Li Mo pointed at Lu Sheng, smiling as he spoke.
"Maybe this draft won't concern me. But after working so long here, I know more than your Elite Class instructors."
"Judging by the current frontline situation, one conscription is far from enough."
"Don't be fooled by the peace we've had in Tianqi Star for decades. In reality, we've always been at a disadvantage on the Federation's frontline battlefield. You'll see, this recruitment is just the beginning; more drafts will come."
"Once, twice, three times... even ten times!"
Hearing Li Mo's words, Lu Sheng's expression gradually turned somber.
"This time, I might dodge it, but what about next time? The time after that?"
"What about after ten times?"
Li Mo's voice resonated in Lu Sheng's ears.
"So, I can't escape this draft no matter what. Since I can't avoid it, there's no point dwelling on it. At least... I can still live peacefully here on Tianqi Star's rear for now, can't I!"
After speaking, a smile appeared on Li Mo's face, though it carried a hint of reluctance.
Seeing the reluctant smile on Li Mo's face, Lu Sheng fell into silence once again.