Chapter 1047: Vassal

He held a very low posture, his tone filled with respect.

Diplomat Li Fengmin nodded slightly, acknowledging the gesture, and spoke with the scrutiny of a superior.

"Aisi Wense. I, Li Fengmin, acting on the orders of Primarch Horus and Primarch Lion of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, have come to hear your statement.

The Star Alliance is all-encompassing; for civilizations that truly submit and abide by the law, we have never been stingy with our protection.

However, the majesty of the Star Alliance brooks no insult; the sincerity of submission must be tested.

Speak, why do you seek the protection of the Star Alliance? And what value does your world possess?"

Li Fengmin's words were straightforward, without a hint of pleasantries.

Behind him, Sergeant Safo and his squad members scanned every Saike Shuangyu Zhe Alien, assessing any potential threats.

Aisi Wense was not surprised by Li Fengmin's cold attitude, bowed again, and his tone became even more humble.

"Noble envoy, please observe. My people were born here and raised here, dwelling for generations in this realm of ice.

My people love peace, devote ourselves to the study of the Dao of ice crystals and the secrets of psychic power, and live in harmony with the world..."

Aisi Wense paused, then continued.

"I have long heard of the illustrious name of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, where the radiance of the Emperor shines upon the star sea; it is a beacon of order and civilization.

Therefore, my people dare to request the Star Alliance's mercy to accept us as vassals. My people are willing to offer our Loyalty and present our unique treasure—the 'Condensed Essence Crystal Core'."

Aisi signaled a Saike Shuangyu Zhe behind him to hold up a box carved from ice crystals; upon opening it, inside were several blue crystals the size of pigeon eggs, inside which it seemed as if an ice crystal storm was swirling.

They radiated intense psychic fluctuations and an aura of extreme cold.

"This Crystal Core is condensed from our people's psychic power and the icy essence of our planet; it has miraculous effects in stabilizing psychic power and strengthening certain energy systems. If the Star Alliance does not find it beneath them, my people are willing to offer a fixed amount every year."

Diplomat Li Fengmin's gaze swept over the Crystal Cores and he continued to press.

"Submitting to the Star Alliance is not as simple as offering tribute. You must abide by the laws of the Star Alliance, accept the jurisdiction of the Star Alliance, and your civilization's form and technical knowledge must also undergo review. Are you prepared?"

Aisi Wense hurriedly replied.

"As for the laws and jurisdiction of the Star Alliance, since my people have resolved to submit, we will naturally comply with all our might, with no second thoughts!"

"Elder Aisi Wense, as far as I know, this star sector, along with the world you inhabit, is still marked on the Star Alliance's star map as the territory of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance."

Li Fengmin leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on Aisi Wense.

"According to our knowledge, this star sector, including the world you are on, currently belongs nominally to the jurisdiction of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance.

Your so-called 'submission' implies betraying your current suzerain. I need an explanation, an explanation that can convince us.

Why choose to betray Fengqi and defect to our Xiuluo Holy?"

Aisi Wense bowed slightly, his long white fur fluttering in the cold wind, and said helplessly.

"Noble envoy, you are right, we... were indeed nominally vassals of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance.

But please believe that this was not our own wish, nor did it ever receive our sincere approval."

Aisi Wense raised his head, looked at Li Fengmin, and said bitterly.

"Many generations ago, the exploration ships of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance discovered this star sector.

They took a fancy to some rare minerals hidden deep within our planet.

We also broke out in war with the Feng Qi Xing Alliance, and in the end, the Feng Qi Xing Alliance and our ancestors signed a so-called 'vassal agreement'."

Aisi Wense paused, then continued.

"Since then, we have nominally accepted the 'protection' of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance, but in reality, they only care about plunder!

They sent overseers to force our young and strong to enter extremely deep and dangerous mines to extract those cold stones for them.

They never truly regarded us as equal allies, let alone gave us the respect we deserve."

Aisi Wense's voice carried a hint of agitation.

"Our culture, our heritage, under the crude interference and indifference of the Fengqi, has gradually withered. They only care about how many resources they can take away from here, and never care about the future of this icy home!"

Aisi Wense pointed to the shimmering ice crystals all around.

"Lord Envoy, look here! Besides cold and minerals, what else have the Fengqi brought us? No development, no hope, only endless demands!

Such a 'suzerain', such 'protection', we of the Saike Shuangyu Zhe race have long had enough!"

However, as Li Fengmin listened to this tale of blood and tears, the expression on his face did not change at all.

Heaven knows if what these Aliens said was true or false? He might as well treat it as them passing gas.

After Aisi Wense finished speaking, Li Fengmin spoke slowly.

"Elder Aisi Wense, I am not interested in the historical grievances between you and the Feng Qi Xing Alliance, nor the so-called 'injustice' you have suffered."

Once these words were out, Aisi Wense and the Saike Shuangyu Zhe people behind him were stunned, appearing somewhat taken aback.

"The annexation of the weak by the strong in the universe, vassalage and rule, are the norm. How the Feng Qi Xing Alliance treats you is their business.

How the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance treats those who submit has its own laws and standards. Your past experiences cannot directly prove your sincerity at this moment, nor can they become a reason why we must accept you."

Li Fengmin took a small step forward.

"We value the present and the future. We value the sincerity of your submission at this moment and the actual value you can bring to the Star Alliance.

Also, whether you possess the qualifications to become a part of the Star Alliance and the awareness to abide by the order of the Star Alliance."

Li Fengmin changed the subject and said.

"Take us to see. See your world, your lives, and how your so-called 'Condensed Essence Crystal Core' is produced."

He did not need to hear more stories of grievances; he needed to verify it with his own eyes, using his own vision and the professional judgment of the delegation to evaluate the true situation of this race and this world.

"Of course, of course! Noble envoy!"

Aisi Wense hurriedly agreed, his attitude even more humble.

"Please follow me; I will personally lead you all to visit our settlement and our crystal core cultivation grounds."

Thus, under the guidance of this Saike Shuangyu Zhe elder, Diplomat Li Fengmin and his entourage, as well as the Safo Dark Angels squad, began an on-site inspection of this Saike Shuangyu Zhe stronghold.

The group first visited the interior of those translucent ice crystal buildings.

Inside, one could see some Saike-Shan tribespeople busy at work; their lives looked somewhat primitive, yet orderly.

Li Fengmin observed everything carefully, asking questions from time to time.

"What are these building materials?"

"Does your energy source mainly rely on this Crystal Core?"

"How is your daily food supply resolved?"

"What is your population size? How are your main settlements distributed?"

Aisi Wense answered them one by one, not daring to hold back the slightest bit.