After wrapping up the matters here, everyone boarded the Pique and landed on Skull Star.
Following the recent bombardment, Skull Star was in utter chaos.
The ship flew over the city, where plumes of smoke could be seen rising below.
The destructive power of the Black Water Pirate Fleet was formidable, especially when nearly a hundred ships fired simultaneously.
Except for those blocked by the Earth Orbital Flower and the skeletons of wild beasts outside Skull Star, any attack landing inside the city caused large-scale damage to the facilities here.
Zhang Xiaoman could tell from the hit buildings that these beam attacks were not just about penetration strength.
The areas they struck bore extensive corrosive destruction marks, a unique feature of Dark Spirit attacks.
As if small black holes had been dropped everywhere, entire sections of city blocks disappeared completely.
Although the battle was now over, the chaos within the cities on Skull Star had not ceased.
There were those taking advantage of the chaos to loot, commit arson, murder, and pillaging, including the remaining forces of the pirates.
These people perhaps still didnāt know their cohorts had been annihilated, continuing to swagger around committing atrocities.
The Guard Team under Bati was doing everything to quell the disturbances on the planet.
However, things had devolved to such a state that recovery wasnāt going to be easy.
Fortunately, after an emergency global broadcast, Bati showed everyone the footage of the Black Water Fleet being destroyed, which slightly improved the situation.
In the administration hall of Skull Star, Bati personally received the three of them, expressing the sincerest gratitude for their assistance just now.
"Hereās thirty million Star Coins and two Third-level Loyalty Medals... I know this money might not mean much to you both, but the administrationās expenses are very high lately... We truly have no extra funds left... Iām very sorry..."
Batiās posture was very humble, and his attitude was particularly respectful.
To the two big shots in front of him, surely his money wasnāt worth anything.
But no matter what, he had to latch onto the big legs, as whether Skull Star could weather the crisis in the upcoming war might depend on them.
Zhang Xiaoman thought that Ziwei would certainly happily accept these thirty million Star Coins. Unexpectedly, after hesitating for a moment, she gritted her teeth and refused.
"Itās okay, you should keep the money for yourself. The upcoming situation is likely to get tougher, and as the Highest Administrative Officer of this planet, youāre under significant pressure too. I wonāt take your money..."
"Ah, Lady Ziwei, you..."
Bati opened his mouth, about to say something, but Ziwei interrupted him.
"All right, all right. I used to be part of the Guardian Spirit Organization, so itās only right to help you beat back a wave of pirates. Donāt fuss over it with me!"
She turned her head, deliberately avoiding looking at Batiās face.
As if taking another glance would make a giant thirty million float in front of her, tempting her to change her mind.
Zhang Xiaoman noticed her extraordinarily conflicted expression and found it a bit amusing.
Though clearly fond of money, she sometimes could say no to the benefits right before her, quite an interesting person.
"Um... Ji Xing... Iām sorry. I took it upon myself to decline the bounty... Perhaps you can deduct your share from my future salary..."
Ziwei whispered as she leaned over.
Zhang Xiaoman smiled and shook his head, indicating it was okay.
Compared to those thirty million Star Coins, he cared more about the Loyalty Medal Bati mentioned.
Previously, he had suffered losses when purchasing skills since many advanced Magic Techniques in the Dark Spirit Association required certain criteria, and the Loyalty Medal was one.
Such items typically have to be earned by completing tasks officially assigned by the Dark Star Alliance.
Especially the Loyalty Medal, which is harder to acquire than Loyalty Points, usually granted to those with special contributions.
Though the Dark Star Alliance has disbanded, the marketplace in the Dark Spirit Association can still function for a while, allowing for purchases.
Itās a free medal on offer, thereās no reason not to take it.
Zhang Xiaoman didnāt bother with evasive words, directly accepting the Loyalty Medal.
Bati was quite pleased with this.
As long as the big shots have needs, it means there is potential for future collaboration.
"However... my authority for issuing Loyalty Medals is limited; two Third-level Medals are the maximum I can grant under my current authority. As for Loyalty Points, I can give you both 500 points each. Any more would require approval from a higher level, which would take some time..."
Zhang Xiaoman replied nonchalantly:
"No worries, this is plenty. The situation is tense now, no need to waste too much time on us."
"So... do you have any plans for whatās next?"
"Purchasing materials. We need to procure a batch of materials for this trip, then head to a fringe planet, which is... my private planet. I need to ensure itās not harmed in this war."
Hearing that they planned to leave, Batiās expression turned somewhat gloomy.