The last time Jiang Cheng came to Neptune was just over a year ago.

Such a short period is negligible for a planet.

We must realize that a planet's life spans billions of years, and a year is nothing more than a second in its infinite lifespan.

Jiang Cheng gazed at the blue planet before him, feeling something inexplicably different. Although Neptune appeared unchanged, he sensed something unusual.

Perhaps it was a psychological issue causing this perception.

Now, this icy planet had become invaluable in Jiang Cheng's eyes.

On this planet lay the treasure trove of Alpha Crystals, which transformed Neptune from ordinary to extraordinary.

Even a thousand cold planets like Neptune wouldn't likely produce a trace of Alpha Crystals.

Yet, here on Neptune, such valuable material exists.

This might be destiny's mysterious way, perhaps the cosmic will birthed this special substance on Neptune.

Alternatively, the Alpha Crystals on Neptune might just be a fluke, a rare incident occurring right here.

However, Jiang Cheng embraced this accident, as it might propel human civilization forward.

Jiang Cheng watched Neptune growing larger bit by bit.

The Pioneer, upon reaching Neptune, initiated routine deceleration. As the Pioneer slowed, Xiao approached Jiang Cheng with concern, saying, "President Jiang, please reconsider.

Your personal journey to Neptune is far too risky.

The environment on Neptune is extremely dangerous. Isn't it too perilous for you to take such a risk?

Xiao worked hard to persuade Jiang Cheng not to participate in the mission personally.

Initially, Jiang Cheng didn't plan on going personally to Neptune. He only wanted to command remotely from the ship.

But later, Jiang Cheng considered the mission's importance and how critical the Alpha Crystals were to him.

If choosing remote command, he could only watch helplessly from the ship if something unexpected happened during the extraction.

Although his crew of astronauts was extremely skilled, they lacked experience in such extreme conditions.

When it came to related experiences, Jiang Cheng was the most seasoned here.

Because in his previous life, he visited many planets with extremely harsh environments.

Some planets were more dangerous and harsher than Neptune.

For Jiang Cheng, the environment on Neptune seemed trivial; he had visited places far more dangerous before, so Neptune didn't intimidate him.

Jiang Cheng had extensive experience operating in extreme environments, hence his desire to join this mission.

He knew how to operate on such a harsh planet to avoid danger.

He understood how to respond to emergencies in these conditions.

Jiang Cheng's experience in this regard was far richer than that of his astronauts.

Hence, Jiang Cheng decided to participate personally in this mission, as his experience could contribute the most.

But his decision to risk himself was met with opposition from everyone around.

Especially Peng, his trusted aide, refused to support Jiang Cheng's personal involvement in the extraction.

He feared that if something happened to Jiang Cheng on Neptune, he wouldn't know how to cope.

Xunlu couldn't imagine how humanity would forge ahead into the cosmos without Jiang Cheng's leadership.

For the future of human civilization, he adamantly opposed Jiang Cheng's adventurous decision.

Neptune is no safe place, even with thorough preparation; unforeseen events could happen.

In Neptune's extreme environment, any minor accident could be life-threatening.

Yet Jiang Cheng was undeterred; he insisted on participating in the entire mission personally.

Xiao finally relented, unwillingly.

Now, he was making one last effort, hoping Jiang Cheng would abandon his idea before the mission began.

"All right, Xiao, stop trying to dissuade me. I'm going along this time, no matter what.

Anyway, all necessary preparations and plans have been made. The mission's safety can be assured."

Seeing Xiao's attempt to dissuade him again, Jiang Cheng could only comfort him a bit.

After all, Xiao was showing concern for him, which is why he was trying to prevent him from venturing into danger.

Seeing Jiang Cheng's resolute expression, Xiao realized that his final attempt to convince him had failed.

He knew quite well that his persuasion would likely have no effect.

Once Jiang Cheng made up his mind, he wouldn't turn back. Xiao realized he wasn't capable of changing Jiang Cheng's mind.

Yet, he wasn't at ease letting Jiang Cheng risk his life on Neptune, so he could only do his best in the end.

"Since you insist on going, President Jiang, I have nothing more to say.

Just be careful during the mission. Remember, you're not alone; think of the people who care about you."

Seeing that his final effort had failed, Peng could only reluctantly ask Jiang Cheng to be careful.

Jiang Cheng wanted to go on an adventure. As a subordinate, he had no authority to stop him.

Jin expressed that, after all, he was just a subordinate and couldn't manage Jiang Cheng's affairs.

At this moment, Xiao truly understood his boss; he saw Jiang Cheng for who he truly was.

It turned out Jiang Cheng had a streak of adventure running through his veins and wasn't someone willing to remain ordinary.

Because of his inherent love for adventure, Jiang Cheng personally joined the extraction mission.

It was his innate adventurous temperament at play, something not easily changed.

With this new insight into Jiang Cheng, he felt like he was meeting his boss anew.

Jiang Cheng appeared to be a highly skilled researcher on the surface, with a fervent passion for scientific work.

Behind this facade of a scientific zealot lay an explorer with a penchant for adventure.

At his core, Jiang Cheng was a true adventurer, eager to explore the unknown.

This was why he had such an interest in scientific research; it was just a means to uncover the mysteries of the universe.

Now Jiang Cheng had revealed his hidden nature, eager to become personally involved in the adventure.