Chapter 1234: The Movements of the Canaan Star Alliance

The relaxed atmosphere lasted for about half an hour.

Jaghatai was telling Yingzhou a funny story about the White Scars Legion's recent training.

The Communication Device suddenly rang.

Jaghatai's brows furrowed slightly.

He stood up, walked to the communication console, and activated the holographic projection.

A figure gradually condensed.

Dorn was wearing yellow Power Armor, his face as stern as rock.

Rogal Dorn.

"Dorn."

Jaghatai was somewhat surprised.

"Why are you contacting us? Did something happen on the southern border?"

Dorn nodded, his expression as stern as ever.

"Jaghatai, Father."

He bowed slightly toward Yingzhou.

"I have an urgent matter that needs reporting."

Yingzhou stood up and walked to the holographic projection.

"Speak."

Dorn pulled up a star map, on which the situation at the southern border of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance was marked.

The green areas were their controlled zones, the yellow areas were neutral zones, and the red areas were enemy forces.

"Three days ago, we discovered abnormal movements at our reconnaissance station on the border of the Canaan Star Alliance."

Dorn's finger tapped on the star map.

"The Canaan Star Alliance's Capital Ship fleet has begun assembling at the border, with a mobilization scale three times larger than usual. At the same time, their war industry has entered a state of emergency, and all factories are working overtime to produce."

Jaghatai frowned.

"Canaan Star Alliance? What do they want to do? Are they trying to pick up scraps while we are at war with the Feng Qi Xing Alliance?"

Dorn shook his head.

"It is currently unclear. But according to intelligence analysis, there are three possibilities: First, they want to take advantage of our main force being away to invade our border star sectors. Second, they want to collude with the remnants of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance to open a second front. Third..."

He paused.

"Third, they are researching the Mirror Rift. Valken of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance sent forbidden knowledge to all surrounding forces at the last moment. The Canaan Star Alliance likely received it."

Yingzhou's pupils contracted slightly.

The Mirror Rift. That thing again.

"What about the Daikong Star Alliance? What is their reaction?"

Dorn pulled up another set of data.

"Although the Daikong Star Alliance promised to remain neutral and not participate in any military actions against us, according to our intelligence, they are clearly also aware of the Canaan Star Alliance's movements."

A flash of coldness crossed Jaghatai's eyes.

"They know? They know but don't report it? They know but don't stop it? They know but continue to remain 'neutral'?"

Dorn nodded.

"This is exactly what I am worried about. The Daikong Star Alliance's so-called 'neutrality' is likely just waiting and watching. They want to see the Canaan Star Alliance's movements and see how we respond, then decide which side to stand on."

Yingzhou was silent for a few seconds, then asked.

"How is our troop deployment?"

Dorn pulled up another star map.

"The southern border currently has the main force of the Imperial Fists Legion, about 80,000 men. Including the attached Astra Militarum units, the total strength is about 50 million. The border fortifications are complete and can be committed to battle at any time."

He looked toward Yingzhou.

"Father, I need instructions."

Yingzhou did not answer immediately. He walked to the viewing window and looked at the endless starry sky outside.

Canaan Star Alliance.

If they really obtained the technology of the Mirror Rift, if they really decided to loot a burning house...

"Dorn."

He finally spoke.

"Strengthen border vigilance, continue to gather intelligence, and figure out the Canaan Star Alliance's true intentions. At the same time, notify Guilliman and Horus, tell them not to rush back to the Xiuluo Holy Star after finishing the suppression of the rebellion, and to stand by at the border of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance."

"Yes."

Dorn recorded this.

"Additionally, contact the Daikong Star Alliance and demand they explain why they knew and did not report it. Tell them that neutrality is not Silence, not waiting and watching, and not waiting to see who wins. If they truly want to remain neutral, they should prove it with actual actions."

"Understood."

"Finally, if the Canaan Star Alliance really dares to make a move, I want them to regret it. Not just regret it, but make them remember forever what the price is for provoking the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

A glimmer of light flashed in Dorn's eyes.

"Father, that is exactly what I wanted to hear."

The communication ended, and the holographic projection dissipated.

The cabin fell back into Silence.

Jaghatai looked at Yingzhou and spoke.

"Father, the Daikong Star Alliance's neutrality is indeed just waiting and watching. Once we beat back the Canaan Star Alliance, they will obediently become true allies. If we lose, they will become new enemies."

Yingzhou nodded.

"War is just like this. There are no eternal allies, and there are no eternal enemies. There are only eternal interests."

He sat back in his chair, picked up the cup of spicy herbal tea that had already gone cold, and took a sip.

"However, these matters can be handled later. At least for now, the Canaan Star Alliance has not yet made a move. We have time to prepare."

Jaghatai also sat back down opposite him.

The topic quickly returned to a relaxed atmosphere.

Jaghatai changed the subject and chatted about some recent interesting events in the White Scars Legion.

Yingzhou listened, occasionally interjecting with a comment or two.

As they chatted, Jaghatai suddenly remembered something.

"Father, speaking of which, how is the little one doing lately?"

Yingzhou's eyes brightened slightly.

"She is very well."

Yingzhou said, his tone uncharacteristically carrying a hint of tenderness.

"Luojia sent a message last time saying she has recently become obsessed with drawing, and has covered the walls of her entire bedroom with them. Luojia couldn't bear to scold her, so he had the Word Bearers copy all those drawings, then repainted the walls to let her keep drawing."

Jaghatai laughed out loud.

"That guy Luojia, usually so serious, yet he spoils Yingxin to no end."

Yingzhou also laughed.

"Indeed. Last time she wanted a pet, Guilliman specifically sent people to a frontier planet to catch the rarest fluffy beast, packed it in a temperature-controlled container, and delivered it back personally. After Horus found out, he said Guilliman was too rigid, and directly snatched a talking spirit bird from the Imperial Palace of some Alien civilization; it is said that the bird can sing melodious ballads."

Jaghatai laughed even louder.

"Ballads? Is Horus showing off that he can sing without going off-key?"

Yingzhou shook his head.

"He had his subordinates record the ballads and let the spirit bird imitate them. Yingxin quite likes it and listens to the songs with that bird all day long. After Guilliman found out, his face was dark for three days."

Jaghatai laughed until he was rocking back and forth.

"That guy Guilliman, he has to insist on rules, order, and rationality in everything he does. To be outdone by Horus using such crooked methods, he must be feeling incredibly stifled."

He laughed until he was satisfied, then asked again.

"What about Sanguinius?"

Yingzhou thought for a moment.

"Sanguinius often sends communications to tell her stories. He tells stories of ancient heroes, stories of the sea of stars, and stories that are beautiful, bright, and full of hope. Yingxin likes listening to him tell stories the most; every time, she listens with fascination and pesters him not to hang up the communication."

A hint of warmth flashed in Jaghatai's eyes.

"Sanguinius is indeed good at telling stories."