Chapter 207

Could it be that in this Milky Way Galaxy, there exists a civilization similar to a 'black society' that specializes in collecting protection fees?

And the Human Federal, this newcomer that just seized a piece of territory, has already been eyed by these local tyrants?

"Immediately convene the highest-level military meeting!"

After returning to the God Dragon, Qin Hao immediately issued the order.

Half an hour later.

Blue Star, Federation Command Center.

An emergency remote video conference that would determine the future direction of human civilization was convened.

On the holographic projection, the Rote Commissioner, Zhang Xianzhong, Qin Hao, and all the core leaders from both the Federal military and political sides were present.

Every face bore an unprecedented solemnity.

Qin Hao fully disclosed the entire process of his contact with the elf merchant Elwin and all the information the other party revealed, holding nothing back, to everyone.

When he finished speaking, the entire conference room fell into a deathly silence.

The classification of civilization levels, the positioning of second-level mid-tier, although surprising, were still within an acceptable range.

But that last speculation, concerning the "Rent Collector" and "Protection Fee," was like an invisible mountain weighing on everyone's heart.

That is to say…

After a long while, Cao Fanrong, in charge of Federal economic planning, spoke with a dry voice:

"We have paid enormous sacrifices through hard work to seize this foundation of the Yanhuang Star System."

"As a result, a so-called stronger entity has suddenly appeared, demanding that we offer tribute to it?"

"This… this isn't just the interstellar version of collecting protection fees, is it?"

His words voiced what everyone was thinking.

Frustrated!

Angry!

And there was also a deep sense of helplessness.

"How outrageous!"

The hot-tempered Minister Zhou slammed his fist on the table, making the virtual tea cup shake.

"Our Human Federal has risen from nothing to where we are today relying solely on our own blood and sweat!"

"We don't seek trouble, but we're not afraid of it either!"

"No matter what monster or god, or what third-level civilization, if they dare to set their sights on us, we'll fight them!"

"We even destroyed the Mo Yun Empire's forty million warships; are we still afraid of them?"

Zhou Shaoqing's words were filled with the iron-blooded heroism unique to soldiers.

It also made many present feel a surge of passionate fervor.

"Yeah, what are we afraid of?"

"Meet force with force, water with earth!"

"At worst, we'll just fight another battle!"

However, Luo Te and Qin Hao were not as optimistic as he was.

"Old Zhou, calm down."

Luo Te spoke slowly, yet it caused the agitated Zhou Shaoqing to gradually sit down.

"We cannot use our experience dealing with the Mo Yun Empire to judge an unknown third-level civilization."

"According to the description of that elf merchant, third-level civilizations have already mastered space technology that we have not yet broken through."

"They can control stars, perform space jumps, which is roughly consistent with the previous system's definition."

"Such power can no longer be made up for by the number of warships."

"Our Water Droplet Material Shell and Energy Shield might be able to block a saturation attack from a second-level civilization, but can they block a third-level civilization capable of directly detonating our sun?"

Luo Te's words were like a bucket of ice water poured over everyone's heads.

"Yes!"

The gap may be even larger than imagined.

If the other side truly possesses a weapon that can easily destroy a star system,

Then what difference does the Human Federal's proud fleet have before them compared to a pile of scrap iron?

"Then what should we do?"

Zhou Shaoqing also realized the seriousness of the problem, and his tone softened.

"Could it be that we really have to, like that elf said, obediently pay protection fees to others?"

"If this gets out, where will the face of the Human Federal be put?"

"Our sacrificed soldiers—wouldn't their blood have been shed in vain?"

This problem is even heavier.

Dignity and survival.

This is an eternal dilemma.

The conference room fell into silence once again.

Everyone's gaze unconsciously gathered on Qin Hao.

Unbeknownst to them, Qin Hao, the Federal's strongest, had already become everyone's mainstay.

It seemed that as long as he was present, any problem could find a solution.

Qin Hao felt everyone's gaze, took a deep breath, and spoke:

"I believe that discussing whether to fight or make peace is premature at this time."

"Because, all the information we currently possess comes solely from the words of that elf merchant."

"Does the Rent Collector even exist? How strong are they? What is their modus operandi? And what is their tax rate?"

"We know nothing about any of these."

"Before we clarify these issues, any decision would be blind."

Qin Hao's words caused everyone's chaotic thoughts to become clear again.

Exactly, the most crucial thing now is intelligence.

"Xiao Qin is right."

Luo Lao nodded to show his agreement.

"Our top priority now is to find a way to extract more information about the Rent Collector from that elf merchant's mouth."

"Since he has thrown out this bait, it shows that this information can be sold."

"What we need to consider now is how to obtain this information at the smallest cost."

Luo Lao's gaze turned toward the diplomat Cao Fanrong.

"I'll leave this to you; you are our Federal's finest negotiator."

"Use every possible means, pry open his mouth with the resources we have."

"Yes!"

Cao Fanrong immediately stood up, his expression solemn, "I guarantee I will complete the mission!"

"Moreover," Luo Lao's gaze turned toward Qian Bowen of the Academy of Sciences.

"Academician Qian, the Cold Fusion Catalyst Technology that the elf merchant traded to us, you must analyze it as quickly as possible, master it, and then apply it to our warships!"

"For every bit we grow stronger, we will have one more ounce of leverage at the future negotiating table!"

"Understood! Our Academy of Sciences guarantees to work twelve hours a day and produce results within a month!"

Academician Qian Bowen also issued a military order.

"Finally, it's Xiao Qin and Zhang Xianzhong."

Luo Lao looked at Qin Hao and Zhang Xianzhong.

"Before the meeting, the superiors have already given orders; you, the expeditionary legion, must prepare for the worst."

"Starting today, all fleets will enter Level-1 Combat Readiness."

"All defense matrices stand ready at all times!"

"We can avoid provoking trouble, but if someone really bullies us to our doorstep..."

A cold light flashed in Luo Lao's eyes.

"We will never surrender!"

"Yes!"

Qin Hao and Zhang Xianzhong replied in unison.

After the meeting, Qin Hao privately contacted Academician Qian Bowen and handed him a technical document.

"Academician Qian, this is all the data from the Elf Civilization Warship; take it and study it! Believe that before long we will reach their technological level."

"Xiao Qin, your copy cheat is still handy—just one glance and you can obtain others' technology."

After receiving the information, Qian Bowen's face broke into a smile, and he then cut off the communication.

A preparation concerning the fate of the entire civilization quietly got underway at this moment.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Cao Fanrong also made contact again with the elf merchant Elwen.