Chapter 1225: They Have the Right to Choose Death

Kun was silent for a long time, then asked: "Will the ocean remember that river?"

Luojia smiled.

"Do not misunderstand. The reason you are able to surrender is because my father is merciful to Humans. Currently, the Star Alliance has a large number of job positions that are full of danger, and my father cannot bear to see the people under his governance work in such environments. The surrender of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance will solve part of this problem; after all, for you, this is already the best outcome."

Luojia raised his hand, making a gesture of blessing.

"Kun, in the name of the Emperor, I accept the surrender of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance. From this moment on, you are no longer our enemies. But this depends on whether you yourselves want to seize this opportunity."

Feng Qi Xing Alliance Capital Star, Supreme Council Parliament Building.

The holographic cameras had already been set up.

The interim Speaker stood before the podium, his three eyes bloodshot.

This was the most humiliating moment of his life.

In the conference hall, the dozen or so remaining councilors and high-ranking officials stood in two rows, their expressions solemn.

General Geke wore his military dress uniform, his chest covered in medals.

The acting director stood beside him, clutching a signed document in his hand.

Kun sat at a data console in the corner, responsible for maintaining real-time communication with the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance.

"Are you ready?"

The interim Speaker asked, his voice hoarse.

General Geke nodded.

"Begin."

The interim Speaker took a deep breath and faced the camera.

"Citizens of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance."

He spoke, his voice transmitted through encrypted channels to every planet that could still receive signals.

"Today, as the interim Speaker of the Supreme Council, I announce a difficult decision to you all."

He paused for a second and continued.

"After a comprehensive assessment, the Supreme Council has passed a resolution by an absolute majority: the Feng Qi Xing Alliance formally surrenders to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, ending the state of war. From this moment on, we will accept all arrangements made by the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

There was dead silence in the conference hall.

"I know this decision will make many people feel angry, humiliated, and unwilling. I also know that some planets, some people, may refuse to accept this reality."

"But please understand, continuing to resist will only bring more death, more destruction. Our fleet has been decimated, our defenses are shattered, and our citizens are sacrificing themselves in vain."

His three eyes grew moist.

"As Speaker, my duty is to protect this civilization so it can continue. Not with the posture of a victor, not with the glory of a conqueror, but as... survivors. To live is to have hope. To exist is to have a future."

He bowed deeply.

"May the Three-Eyed forgive us. And may the Three-Eyed guide our descendants toward a brighter tomorrow."

The recording ended.

The conference hall fell into a deathly silence.

Then, Kun stood up.

"Signal sent. Lord Luojia has confirmed receipt."

The interim Speaker slowly put down the manuscript in his hand and muttered to himself.

"It's over."

He muttered.

General Geke walked to his side and patted his shoulder.

"No, Speaker. It is only the beginning."

In the first hour after the surrender declaration was released, the Capital Star was deathly silent.

In the second hour, sporadic supporters appeared on the streets, holding signs that read "Long Live Peace."

In the third hour, voices of opposition began to emerge—not from the Capital Star, but from other planets.

In the fourth hour, the first declaration of independence arrived.

Kun rushed into the interim Speaker's office, his face pale.

"Speaker! Kasadelan has declared independence!"

The interim Speaker jerked his head up.

"What?"

Kun pulled up a holographic projection, showing a broadcast signal that was playing on a loop.

In the image, a Three-Eyed Fengqi in military uniform stood on a podium, behind him the flag of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance, but the flag had a blood-red slash drawn across it.

"I am the commander of the Kasadelan Planetary Defense Force, Valerio Cast."

The soldier's voice was loud and full of anger.

"In the name of the people of Kasadelan, I declare: we do not recognize the surrender of the Capital Star! We do not accept the rule of the Alien Race! Kasadelan will fight to the end!"

Cheers from the crowd could be heard from off-screen.

The interim Speaker's three eyes widened.

"They're insane... do they know what they're doing?"

Kun pulled up more information.

"It's not just Kasadelan. Ten minutes ago, Aurelia followed suit. Fifteen minutes ago, Viridis announced the establishment of the 'Free Fengqi Provisional Government.' Twenty minutes ago, Corinsis announced it was joining the 'Resistance Alliance'... Seven planets have already declared independence, and it is expected to increase."

General Geke pushed the door open and entered, his face ashen.

"Most of those planets have independent military industries and complete defense systems. Kasadelan is the command center for the frontier garrison, Aurelia has three large-scale military factories, and Viridis controls key mineral resources... If they unite, they could organize at least one-third of our remaining military strength."

"One-third?"

The interim Speaker gave a bitter smile.

"Even if it is only one-tenth, they will completely disrupt our surrender."

He looked toward Kun.

"Does the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance know yet?"

Kun nodded.

"Lord Luojia has already received the news."

"What does he say?"

Kun was silent for a second.

"He has not replied yet. But..."

"But what?"

"But according to our monitoring, the movements of the Primarch Fleet have changed. Guilliman's 13th Legion was originally approaching the Capital Star, but now... it has turned toward the direction of Kasadelan."

The conference hall fell into dead silence.

Everyone understood what that meant.

Xiuluo Holy Star, Word Bearers Temple.

Luojia knelt before the massive icon of the Emperor, his eyes slightly closed, his lips moving softly.

The buzzing of the Communication Device interrupted his prayer.

He did not open his eyes, merely saying softly.

"Connect it."

A holographic projection unfolded before him, displaying Kun's nervous face.

"Lord Luojia, emergency situation."

Luojia opened his eyes.

"Speak."

Kun quickly reported on those planets that had declared independence.

Luojia listened, his expression showing no change whatsoever.

When Kun finished speaking, he was silent for a full ten seconds.

Then he smiled.

It was a gentle smile, but for some reason, it sent a chill down Kun's back.

"Kun."

Luojia said.

"Do you know which line of Father's teachings I like the most?"

Kun shook his head.

"When the enemy is afraid, give them hope. When the enemy is desperate, give them a choice. But when the enemy is foolish... give them death."

Kun's Third Eye contracted slightly.

"Lord Luojia, you mean..."

"I mean, Kun, you have surrendered. This is a wise choice. But among your kin, some have chosen another path."

Luojia stood up and walked to the edge of the holographic projection.

"That is their right. Just as they have the right to choose death."