My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1453 Guardianship
Ling Xue's consciousness gradually awoke from the chaos, her ears filled with piercing alarms and the deafening roar of explosions. She struggled to open her eyes and found herself in a charred escape pod, surrounded by the acrid smell of gunpowder and burning metal. Looking out through the shattered porthole, she saw the vast, boundless expanse of space, the stars staring at her, this uninvited guest, like cold, icy eyes.

As she tried to get up, she stepped on something soft—two children huddled in the corner. The older boy had his eyes tightly shut, glistening tears clinging to his eyelashes; the little girl trembled, her tiny hands clutching a tattered rag doll. They were ragged and covered in dust, but their clear, bright eyes revealed a yearning for survival.

Just then, a violent tremor struck, and the entire escape pod began to shake violently. It turned out that nearby wreckage was being pulled towards them by gravity and was about to collide with them. Ling Xue had no time to think; she quickly picked up her two children and leaped towards the nearby lifeboat. At the last second, she successfully activated the thrusters, escaping the disintegrating mothership wreckage.

As the distance increased, the light behind them gradually dimmed, leaving only a deathly darkness. Ling Xue looked down at the children in her arms, a strange sense of responsibility welling up inside her. She gently stroked their heads and said softly, "Don't be afraid, from now on I am your guardian." However, as soon as she finished speaking, a violent coughing fit struck her, and she realized that she was also injured, with a trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth.

After a long drift, the lifeboat finally landed on a desolate and barren planet. It was an abandoned mining area under federal jurisdiction, its surface riddled with jagged rocks and deep fissures, occasionally dotted with strange, tenacious plants. A faint smell of radiation permeated the air, a stark reminder that this was no benevolent place.

Ling Xue led the children out of the spaceship, and the scene before her filled her with despair. Apart from the endless yellow sand, there was almost no sign of life. But she didn't give up hope and began searching for water and food. Fortunately, she found a small oasis in a low-lying area, with a few fruit trees and a clear spring. Although small, it was enough to sustain their basic survival needs.

As night fell, the temperature plummeted, and a cold wind howled. The three figures huddled together for warmth, snuggling close as they drifted off to sleep. The next morning, when the first rays of sunlight touched their faces, the boy had already woken up and returned with some wild fruit. The little girl also busied herself, helping to build a makeshift shelter. Watching the children's efforts, Ling Xue felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

However, their good fortune was short-lived. One night, a group of raiders suddenly attacked the camp. These desperate criminals, armed and with fierce, greedy eyes, were clearly after the limited resources. Faced with this unexpected danger, Ling Xue didn't hesitate to stand in front to protect the children. Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, the roar of engines came from afar—the Alliance patrol had arrived just in time to rescue them.

The leading officer was none other than Deputy Commander Zhou Xing. He was tall and imposing, with a stern and serious face, exuding an aura of unquestionable authority. When he saw Ling Xue's injured state and the two children's terrified expressions, his brow furrowed slightly: "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Back at base, Zhou Xing arranged for medical personnel to treat Ling Xue's wounds and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident. Analysis of the escape pod wreckage revealed some suspicious details: the spaceship originally belonged to a secret research team that mysteriously disappeared while conducting research on ancient civilization ruins. The identities of the two children further fueled public interest—they were the orphans of a deceased scientist, carrying a unique genetic sequence.

Meanwhile, Ling Xue's memories gradually returned. It turned out she wasn't from this world, but had transmigrated into a novel and become a supporting character. The book foreshadowed a future war that would engulf the entire galaxy, and these two children were key figures in it. To change the course of their fate, she decided to conceal her origins and secretly nurture the children's abilities.

Zhou Xing noticed that Ling Xue often studied various materials on her own, so he offered to help her obtain more information. Their collaboration grew increasingly close, and they gradually developed a sense of trust in each other. By chance, they found an encrypted document in the archives, which detailed the entire process of the vanished research project. It turned out that the project involved a technology capable of manipulating spacetime, and it was this power that led to the experimental accident.

Just as they were preparing to investigate further, they were obstructed by an unknown force. After several attempts, Zhou Xing realized that things were far more complicated than he had imagined. He began to suspect that someone within his ranks had leaked information, so he decided to take a more cautious approach. Ling Xue, on the other hand, used her knowledge of the plot to anticipate the enemy's next move, repeatedly escaping danger.

As time went on, the boy displayed an astonishing talent for mechanics, easily disassembling and modifying complex devices; the girl, on the other hand, possessed a keen sense of perception, able to sense changes in her surroundings and even foresee impending danger. Throughout their growth, Ling Xue played the role of both a strict teacher and a helpful friend, imparting knowledge and providing care.

One day, the base was attacked by hackers, and all systems were paralyzed. In this critical moment, the boy stepped forward and quickly restored some functions using his technical skills; the girl used telepathy to pinpoint the approximate location of the intruders. Thanks to their efforts, the crisis was averted. After this incident, Zhou Xing was impressed by them and began to take this special duo seriously.

To better train the children's abilities, Zhou Xing designed a series of simulated combat drills. During these intensive training sessions, the two children progressed rapidly, quickly mastering basic combat skills. They also learned how to work as a team to meet challenges. After each task, Zhou Xing provided feedback and guidance, helping them identify shortcomings and make improvements.

However, peaceful days are always short-lived. One night, a mysterious visitor infiltrated the base attempting to kidnap the child. Fortunately, he was discovered and stopped in time. During interrogation, it was learned that the visitor was employed by an underground organization that intended to use the child's special abilities to achieve some nefarious purpose. This incident made everyone realize that the situation was far more serious than anticipated.

Shortly afterward, the federal high command issued an order to send the children to the central laboratory for further research. Ostensibly for their safety, the real intention was to control their abilities for their own use. Upon learning this, Ling Xue vehemently opposed it: "We absolutely cannot let them become experimental subjects!" She sought out Zhou Xing to discuss countermeasures.

Zhou Xing was caught in a dilemma: on the one hand, as a soldier, he had to obey orders; on the other hand, he couldn't bear to see innocent children suffer. After a fierce internal struggle, he made a bold decision—to defect! He would lead everyone away to find a new way out. On a stormy night, the group quietly boarded an old cargo ship and left the base. Their destination was a distant, remote planet—rich in natural resources and equipped with excellent concealment facilities, perfect for hiding and developing their power. The journey was fraught with hardship and danger, but they overcame difficulties time and again with their wisdom and courage.

Upon arriving at their destination, they established a new home. Here, the children continued their education and training, gradually growing into capable individuals. Meanwhile, the relationship between Ling Xue and Zhou Xing underwent subtle changes during their shared life-or-death experiences…

Years have passed, and the once frail children have grown into spirited young men and women. They have led a group of like-minded friends to build their own power system, dedicated to maintaining universal peace and justice. Throughout this process, Ling Xue has always been by their side, offering support and encouragement; Zhou Xing serves as their military advisor, guiding their strategic planning.

Just as everything was going smoothly, the prophesied great war finally broke out. The enemy launched a full-scale attack, intending to conquer the entire galaxy. Facing a powerful adversary, our protagonist group fearlessly rose to the challenge. The battlefield was filled with smoke and the roar of cannons; every second, people fell, but others rose again to continue the fight.

The crucial moment has arrived! The boy pilots his modified fighter jet into the heart of the enemy lines, detonating bombs and causing massive destruction; the girl uses mind control skills to disrupt the enemy's command system, throwing it into chaos; Ling Xue and Zhou Xing join forces to launch a fatal blow, completely turning the tide of the battle... Ultimately, victory belongs to the side of justice!
In the post-war reconstruction efforts, Ling Xue chose to return to an ordinary life and become a teacher; Zhou Xing was promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the Alliance, responsible for overall defense; the two children embarked on different paths—one became a renowned scientist dedicated to exploring the unknown; the other joined a diplomatic mission to promote inter-ethnic exchange and cooperation… Although busy with their own lives, they never forgot the bond between them. Whenever night fell and they gazed at the starry sky, they would always recall that unforgettable experience and that deep affection…

He acted swiftly, defeating the thugs in a few swift moves. Afterwards, he and Ling Xue took the unconscious girl back to the palace.

Inside the Imperial Medical Bureau, the physicians surrounded the young girl, carefully examining her. After a thorough examination, they discovered a birthmark on her back, shaped like a phoenix spreading its wings. Upon seeing the birthmark, the old eunuch's face changed drastically. He knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling as he exclaimed, "This is the unique mark of Princess Zhaoyang, who disappeared when the late Emperor was young!" This news was like a bombshell, sending shockwaves through the palace.

The young girl slowly awoke, finding herself in the palace. Facing the inquisitive gazes of everyone, she introduced herself as A-Yuan. When asked about her background, she only said that she had wandered with merchant caravans since childhood, and her memories of the past were very vague. However, while serving the writing implements, her unintentional elegance and grace, her every gesture exuding nobility, and her apparent familiarity with court etiquette, made those around her increasingly suspicious of her extraordinary identity.

Zhou Xing secretly ordered his guards to thoroughly investigate A Yuan's background. Not long after, a secret report arrived, revealing that an orphan girl adopted by a salt merchant from Jiangnan three years prior had suddenly died, and the missing little finger on the corpse perfectly matched A Yuan's. This discovery made the matter even more perplexing. Meanwhile, Ling Xue encountered A Yuan in the Imperial Garden, where she was copying "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains." She observed A Yuan's swift and skillful brushstrokes, and at the end of the painting, she prominently displayed the unique monogram created by a former imperial concubine.

Upon hearing of the arrival of this mysterious woman in the palace, the Empress Dowager summoned A-Yuan and bestowed upon her a necklace. During the meal, the Empress Dowager casually inquired about some old palace matters, to which A-Yuan answered fluently, even revealing details unknown to the Empress Dowager herself. Suspicion arose in the Empress Dowager's mind. Under the guise of adjusting her hair, she subtly gave her personal maid a meaningful glance. The maid understood and quietly brought A-Yuan a cup of poisoned wine. However, A-Yuan was prepared and, feigning surprise, knocked over the cup, thus escaping the poison.

A-Yuan volunteered to go to the library to organize the ancient books. Among the mountain of books, she found a copy of the "Daily Records of the Emperor's Activities" from twenty years ago. As she turned to the yellowed pages, she saw details of the late emperor's most beloved sixth princess's sudden death from the plague. Strangely, all the portraits had their faces deliberately gouged out. A-Yuan felt a strong premonition, sensing that she was inextricably linked to all of this.

On a stormy night, A-Yuan wandered alone through the ruins of the Cold Palace. Lightning flashed intermittently, illuminating the path beneath her feet. Suddenly, she discovered half a tattered piece of silk in a collapsed dog hole. By the light of the lightning, she could see the contents—a blood-written letter left by the midwife years ago, detailing the truth about the princess being switched at birth. A-Yuan's hands trembled, her eyes filled with shock and rage.

Upon receiving the secret report, Zhou Xing rushed to the scene. Looking at A Yuan, soaking wet as she reported her discovery, he felt a complex mix of emotions. The two gazed at each other for a long time in the flickering light of the glass lamp, a tense yet delicate atmosphere filling the air. Finally, Zhou Xing slowly spoke: "No matter how shocking the truth may be, I promise you peace." These words were like a warm spring breeze, blowing into A Yuan's cold heart.

At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, the originally joyous and peaceful atmosphere was suddenly shattered. The Hu (Central Asian) delegation deliberately made things difficult, proposing a wager using artifacts from the Central Plains. Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what to do. At this moment, A Yuan stepped forward. She took out a jade flute, and melodious music flowed from its holes, perfectly playing the long-lost "Guangling San." Her fingertips danced across the flute holes, seemingly possessing a magical power, captivating everyone present. When the music ended, everyone was astonished, praising her as a celestial being.

During a martial arts drill, another unexpected event occurred. A poisoned arrow shot towards Zhou Xing at incredible speed, leaving no time for anyone to react. In that critical moment, A Yuan instinctively lunged forward, shielding Zhou Xing with her own body. The arrow pierced her shoulder blade, staining her clothes crimson with blood. The hidden patterns on the arrowhead, which the imperial physician removed from the wound, were identical to those on the weapon used to murder the Sixth Princess. This discovery made everyone realize that a massive conspiracy was lurking behind the scenes.

During her recovery, Ling Xue often visited A Yuan.