Chapter 560: Major General Li Hao

The internal order of the various civilizations within the Star River Alliance varies greatly; many still retain slavery. Of course, most of this is directed at aliens, and slaves are also a way to flaunt one's status. Naturally, no one dares to enslave true Celestials, so Humans have become the best substitutes. This situation has always existed; in the early days, several Seed Civilizations relied on exporting labor in exchange for resources to gain a foothold, and this still persists today.

When Humans appeared, they were immediately met with a cold reception in the market, and Humans suddenly became a hot commodity. This also added quite a bit of risk to Human interstellar exploration.

Higher civilizations are the same; where there is profit, there is trade. Therefore, Humans are quite cautious when conducting interstellar trade now. The main trading center is still on Kepler. There are many traps in the complex interstellar trade, and a lot of tuition has been paid over this past year.

What is certain is that the future of Kepler is limitless. Currently, both the Star River Alliance and the Solar System side are increasing their investment. Mentioning Kepler makes one sigh; as the saying goes, "The old man lost his horse, who knows if it's a blessing or a curse?" People, sometimes it just depends on fate. Romero, this former Human castaway, has now become a hot commodity.

He is now the bona fide first Governor of Kepler, appointed by the Star River Alliance. This position is crucial, especially since Kepler has now become the gateway for Human civilization to the outside world. The scale of Kepler's Star Gate is ten times that of the one at Muxing. It is not yet complete, but partially in use, and was fully funded and constructed by a group under the Galasta Commercial Alliance. Of course, whoever builds it reaps the benefits, but it must be admitted that it is of great significance to the current Human world.

In one year, a large number of Human living areas and alien special zones have been established on the Kepler Planet. The influx of a large number of aliens has also made trade prosperous. This is only after one year; given Kepler's resources and important geographical location, it is only a matter of time before Kepler becomes the center of Human civilization.

Its importance is self-evident, and there is no shortage of those coveting this position. Romero himself never expected things to turn out this way.

Once there are huge profits, things become complicated. Under normal circumstances, Romero would not be able to hold onto it, but when luck comes, it cannot be stopped. When facing various enticements and threats from both inside and outside, the Strong Colonization Empire intervened. Because the Giant Insect civilization belongs to a branch of the Strong-Colonization Civilization, Romero is essentially an Insectoid, and they expressed support for this distant branch of their kind.

Facing the Strong Colonization Empire, which possesses the strongest vitality and vast star territories within the Star Alliance, let alone within the Human race, even the Celestials have to show some restraint. This is an existence that dared to challenge the Galactic Empire even during its prime, and it still maintains its own unique "life technology tree."

Of course, for a civilization, so-called distant relatives are just an excuse. The Strong Colonization Empire certainly has its own interests in doing this, as long as it doesn't break the explicit rules. Similarly, just as the Helavis Empire established a consulate on Earth, the Strong Colonization Empire also established one on Kepler.

Humans, this most special Seed Civilization, were actually already being watched by various parties before they had even matured. Because they were a product of the Galactic Empire era, after the Galactic Empire split, they effectively became ownerless property. In the process of Human development, various civilizations have actually visited continuously, and some have even intervened, which is why Human civilization is exceptionally rich; there are many inconsistent respects and legends in the Spirit world.

The Nimeier Civilization was greatly influenced by Helavis, but ultimately fell short. If they had succeeded, the Celestials would certainly have been the biggest beneficiaries, and Helavis would have become the second largest. Later, in Human civilization, intelligent robots were prevalent for a time, which involved the methods of the Charks Technology Empire. Once intelligent robots evolved consciousness, they could intervene. Later, intelligent robot technology was banned, and it came to an abrupt end.

As for the Star-Casting Dragon Race and the Shadow Ghost Empire, they influenced Humans ideologically without intervening directly. These two civilizations have unique and innate advantages as individuals, but they also have unavoidable weaknesses. The Star-Casting Dragon Race is too small in number, and their nature advocates "balance," so they have no interest in "hegemony." The problem with the Shadow Ghost Empire lies in the Void creatures; this thing has always curbed their growth. Before solving the Void creatures, everything else is just floating clouds.

"How is everyone else doing?"

"Ziyuan is our Student Council President and has stayed on to teach. Ma Long and Sheng Man have registered their marriage and happen to be traveling these past two days. Should we call them back?"

Ma Long didn't go either; he fulfilled the promise he made before the expedition. As soon as he returned, he bought a big diamond ring and proposed to Sheng Man. Together with Zuo Xiaotang and Huo Ying, they led the Tianjing Martial Arts team. Annie is also an officer of the team, so Zuo Xiaotang made his move. Of course, Ma Laoshi's guidance was indispensable.

"Forget it, it's unkind to disturb a couple's world," Li Hao waved his hand. "How about Zhou Naiyi, Wuzang, and the 'Ant'?"

"According to news from a while ago, they have already passed the assessment for Anthem Warriors. You might have to ask the Principal for the specific situation," Zuo Xiaotang said. The brothers who fought together back then—some continue to challenge life, while others are quietly enjoying it. "Hao Ge, you seem to have matured a lot; you have a bit of a sunny vibe."

Li Hao's physique was a bit sturdier, not very obvious, but he did give people a feeling of being more broad-minded and imposing. Anyone who had been exposed to that much sun over the past year would have developed a certain flavor.

Having understood the basic situation, Li Hao rested well in the orphanage for a few days, then carefully selected a few strings of dried fish to visit Principal Long Danni. He might be short of money, but not of gifts; he is a genuine Tianjing local.

Seeing the smiling Li Hao, Long Danni was still very emotional. She couldn't understand how a young man could miss such a grand stage of gathering winds and clouds; this was something that could be recorded in history books. But seeing Li Hao's state, she could understand it to some extent. This kid had matured a lot, was more stable, and more imposing. He still had that same lazy smile, but whereas he used to be like a child, now there was a sense of mature composure.

"So you know how to come back; we all thought you were dead," Long Danni laughed.

Li Hao rubbed his nose, "Principal, I am your prized student. After a war, my young heart has also been left with trauma; I had to recuperate."

"Alright, we're all our own people, don't put on an act for me," she said, glancing at the dried fish. "They all say you're stingy; I didn't believe it, but now I do."

"Slander, this is absolutely naked slander! This is high-end seafood made by hand. Adding a little to stir-fries or soups makes the taste invincible. It's very expensive." That's what he said, but Li Hao didn't even want to look at it; he was truly sick of it. Now, he couldn't even eat seafood rice.

Long Danni smiled, "Thanks for the gift. Alright, let's talk business. You've rested enough. Zuo Xiaotang should have told you about our current situation. What are your plans?"

"Reporting, I will obey the arrangements!" Li Hao knew it was time to do something.

"You want to go see Arths, don't you?" Long Danni smiled. If it were in peacetime, the romance between Li Hao and Arths would definitely be explosive news, but it's not that important now. It's to his credit that he could endure it; what kind of thing was worth him giving up such a precious year?

Li Hao nodded; there was nothing to hide about this. "Is she doing well?"

Long Danni shook her head with a bitter smile, "I don't know, I really don't know. Although I am currently on the Star Alliance Solar System Construction Committee, the information I have access to is one-sided. She is currently on the capital planet of the Galasta Commercial Alliance. It is said that it's not some Celestial awakening, but that she possesses a constitution that is very rare even among Celestials. It is a very noble concept over there. Arths is still making breakthroughs and is quite special. Human conditions are very adaptable to the Anthem and Celestial Armament. Our current difficulty lies in the constraints of the system."

Li Hao nodded, "That's good then. I want to go to Galasta to take a look."

"Don't even talk about you, I want to go too, but it's not my turn. This matter needs to be discussed in the long term. Oh, by the way, in recognition of your contributions in the Kepler campaign, you have been promoted to Major General. This position is reserved for you, but under the current circumstances, you won't be commanding troops."

"What is the situation with our military now?" Li Hao nodded; he didn't care much about this. The Human military was either retired or left idle.

"Reorganizing. The Four Great War Zones are being merged, and one space fleet is being retained to guard against interstellar pirates. Planetary Weapons are all to be destroyed, and other resettlement work is still quite chaotic. The Star Alliance inspection team feels like they want to settle down in the Solar System." Long Danni smiled bitterly. She no longer treated Li Hao as a student, but as someone she could communicate with on equal terms. The Parliament's entire energy was focused on the Star Alliance side, and everything else was being handled in a muddled way.

Both of them knew what this meant, but one has to bow their head when under the eaves. Li Hao was more open-minded; he never worried about things that weren't his concern. Humans have never lacked smart people, and given the Alliance's consistent style, they would always have an ace up their sleeve.

"How are Zhou Naiyi, Wuzang, and Cheng Konghai doing?"

"It was very difficult at the beginning. The places where the Anthem is located are very different from the Solar System's environment. Most are over 10 times Earth's gravity. The main planets of higher civilizations are chosen to be quite massive. First, one must adapt to gravity; second, in combat, our physical condition cannot do without Mecha. But Mecha have major drawbacks. They are fine against some other low-star civilizations, but there is a vast gap compared to mainstream civilizations."

Li Hao was stunned, "We still have to transport Mecha over there? Is it that troublesome?"

"That was at the very beginning; later on, it wasn't needed. The Tyrant Body is mature and can adapt extremely well to Celestial Armament. This kind of cutting-edge armament technology is a bit like our Mecha. It is said that the Celestials also used similar Mecha in the early days and gradually evolved to the level of Celestial Armament. There is no problem with adaptation. As long as one masters the Tyrant Body to offset physical differences, our top Warriors actually don't have weak combat power. Of course, there is still a gap compared to their top combatants," Long Danni said. "Over this past year, Humans have also had their eyes opened. There are many areas where we need to catch up. Of course, there is no need to be self-deprecating. Overall, the general level of Humans is in the middle of the third tier, and our development potential is greater."

(End of chapter)