Chapter 31: News That Shook the Federation

Those media outlets with any real influence had already received inside information, knowing that a bombshell announcement was set for today’s press conference. Consequently, many had paid a high price to squeeze their way into the event. This news was significant enough to shock the entire Federation and shift its political landscape.

The fawning over the Federation’s "great heroes" continued unabated. To move past the shadow of the disaster at Base No. 3 and to dispel public skepticism regarding the military’s credibility, such adulation was the most effective weapon. Every television station and news website across the Federation was saturated with stories of Lei Bin and his comrades.

In the scramble for clicks, some media outlets dug into every conceivable angle: the food they ate on the road, the "monstrous" way Lei Bin slaughtered insects, the spectacle of them hanging a Vella from their mecha, and the details of how the Gold Eagle Unit destroyed two warships. Naturally, these reports were deliberately embellished. Lei Bin, who had killed only seventeen insects, was credited with twenty-seven; they were reported to have killed over a hundred thousand Imperial troops rather than the actual few tens of thousands.

The public did not question these exaggerations; they relished them, even psychologically inflating the achievements further. Such is the nature and charm of news and rumor. Through this hyperbole, Lei Bin had been elevated to a god-like status within the Federation. His followers, including Lou Lan, were scrutinized in detail, with their backgrounds, family situations, and even the birthdays of their relatives laid bare for the public to offer well-wishes.

This press conference, the first since their arrival at the Capital Planet, was likely their only official one, and its importance was self-evident. The well-informed media knew that today’s announcement would be far more explosive than the tale of their great escape.

Amidst anxious anticipation, Lou Lan and the others finally appeared. When they stood in unison and performed a military salute before the press, the thunderous applause in the hall lasted for a full five minutes. However, Lei Bin was nowhere to be seen.

Lou Lan and her comrades had inquired about his whereabouts, but the higher-ups simply told them they would find out soon and offered no further details. As the conference began, Lei Bin remained absent, leaving the team feeling strange and uneasy. He had always been their commander, the one who took the lead in answering questions. They had grown accustomed to mirroring his tone, as his responses were always impeccably righteous, appropriate, and articulate—far more composed than those of professional orators.

They had no idea that Lei Bin was merely reciting scripts provided by Xing Meng; otherwise, it would have been a miracle if he could have uttered a single eloquent word. With Xing Meng, Lei Bin felt no pressure when facing the press.

Now, without him, the pressure fell squarely on Lou Lan. She grew nervous, unsure of how to respond appropriately. Although the military had provided them with prepared scripts to memorize, she worried about how to handle difficult, prying journalists. "Where on earth has that guy gone?" she wondered anxiously.

To everyone’s surprise, shortly after the conference began, military officials announced that Lei Bin could not attend due to other commitments, but a spokesperson for his family would speak on his behalf and reveal his true identity.

The announcement sparked a variety of reactions: some expected it, others were confused as to how Lei Bin—a kid from the Old District—could have a "family" at all, and some simply wondered what identity he could possibly have that was worth showing off.

But when the man walked out, everyone immediately understood. It was Lei Huan—a man familiar to all media personnel as the Chief Steward of the Lei family, a figure second only to the heads of the house, who always served as the family’s spokesperson.

His appearance implied that Lei Bin had a profound connection to the Lei family. Could Lei Bin actually be a member of the Lei family? Many dismissed the thought instantly as absurd; how could a boy raised in the slums have any link to the illustrious Lei family of the Federation? Perhaps, they speculated, the Lei family, having lost all their own descendants, was simply pinning a distant relative’s title on Lei Bin to bring him into the fold. This seemed plausible, as the Lei family needed an heir. Lei Bin, rising to fame, sharing their surname, and lacking a complex background, was the perfect candidate.

After signaling for silence, Lei Huan began to speak. His tone was measured and graceful, and though merely a steward, he commanded the room with the presence of a president. Everyone knew he represented the Lei family, an entity with status even higher than the presidency.

After a standard opening regarding the family’s recent tragedies, Lei Huan declared, "As you all know, the Lei family descendants were ambushed by the treacherous Empire while inspecting Base No. 3, dying heroically for their country. The Lei family has served the Federation for generations, standing as a thorn in the side of the Imperial military. Our descendants never feared death; dying in battle is a soldier's honorable end. Yet, they did not fall in fair combat, but to a cowardly ambush. We cannot forgive such baseness, and we shall exact revenge a hundredfold. That is why another member of the Lei family, after this incident, launched a resolute counterattack: leading thousands of warriors through the blockade, killing over a hundred thousand enemies, and liberating as many Federation prisoners. He proved our resolve and honor. That person is Lei Bin. But perhaps you did not know: Lei Bin is a third-generation descendant of the Lei family, sent into the military two years ago for secret training, hoping he would one day become a great soldier serving our nation."

Many in the audience thought, *Just as I suspected, they are pulling him into the family.*

However, Lei Huan’s next words stunned everyone, silencing all doubt. "You may wonder why Lei Bin has suddenly become a member of the family. I am here to clarify: Lei Bin is the third-generation grandson, the Third Young Master of the Lei family, and the son of the legendary 'First Sword of the Military,' Lei Xingfeng. My Third Young Master, Lei Xingfeng, went into seclusion due to injuries years ago. Now, he and the Young Master Lei Bin have returned to restore the Lei family."

"What? Lei Xingfeng is back? Lei Bin is his son?"

"Could it be... with Ye Yuting?"

"The descendants of the Lei and Ye families? That’s incredible. They actually had a son?"

"This is interesting. I wonder how the Ye family will react to this news?"

"Lei Xingfeng isn't dead? He wasn't recovering; he was exiled! But the Lei family, having no one left, brought him back. And to think, Lei Bin is his son. The Lei family is never to be underestimated. Just as they were nearly wiped out, they produced a hero like Lei Bin to shock the Federation."

The room erupted in whispers. This was a bombshell. The history between Lei Xingfeng and Ye Yuting had once thrown the major Federation powers into chaos; with the return of Lei Xingfeng and the revelation of his son, the Federation was bound to become a turbulent place once more.

"The Young Master is holding a family ancestor memorial ceremony these next few days and cannot attend," Lei Huan concluded, bowing before departing.

Once he left, the hall descended into chaos. No one cared to interview Lou Lan anymore; they were all obsessed with the breaking news. Many reporters even left the premises to file their stories immediately.

Lou Lan and the others were dumbfounded. They never imagined Lei Bin was a scion of the Lei family, let alone the son of the legendary Lei Xingfeng. Meanwhile, Major Lucas, who was presiding over the meeting, wore a smug smile. "I knew it," he muttered. "Only the Lei family could produce such a monster. But to think he’s the son of Lei Xingfeng and Ye Yuting... Ah, Ye Yuting, the beauty of the Federation I once secretly adored."

At home, Lei Bin watched the television. Seeing Lei Huan’s speech, he couldn't help but sneer. "I knew they only brought my old man and me back because they were desperate for someone to hold the fort. Hmph. Do they really think we’re just at their beck and call? The Lei family might be a big deal, but I couldn't care less."