Chapter 1251: Meeting Regarding the Arrival of the Diplomatic Mission

Western border of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, garrison of the Raven Guard Legion.

Corax stood before the observation window of the Command Center, looking at the endless starry sky outside.

The Communication Device rang.

"Father, an encrypted communication from Lord Luojia."

Corax turned around and walked to the communication console.

"Put it through."

A holographic projection appeared, and Luojia's face emerged on the screen.

"Corax, Father has a Task for you."

Corax's eyebrows raised slightly.

"Oh? What Task?"

Luojia concisely conveyed Yingzhou's instructions: to head to the Ash Star Alliance as a representative of the diplomatic mission, express the attitude of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, use both soft and hard tactics, and make them understand the rules of peace.

After listening, the corners of Corax's mouth curled up slightly.

"Father truly... understands me."

Luojia also smiled.

"That is why you were sent. Corax, you know what to do. The Ash People like toughness, so give them toughness.

But they also need a way out, so give them a way out. You must let them feel our strength, but also let them see the hope of peace."

Corax nodded.

"Understood. When do I depart?"

"As soon as possible. I will have the Intelligence Department send you all the data regarding the Ash Star Alliance. You need to depart within three Standard Days."

"Three days is enough."

Luojia looked at him, a flash of complex emotion in his eyes.

"Corax, be careful. If they really want to make a move..."

Corax waved his hand with a smile and said.

"If they want to make a move, my Raven Guard will let them know what true war is."

Luojia nodded.

"I believe in you. Father also believes in you."

The communication ended.

Corax turned and walked toward the command console.

"Summon all senior officers for a meeting. We have a Task."

Capital Star of the Ash Star Alliance, Fenmie Star.

In the Meeting Room on the top floor of the Supreme Council Chamber, Xanos was reviewing the latest border report.

Outside the window, the iconic orange-red sky of Fenmie Star was burning as always.

His deputy, an Ash Person named Woerkanusi, walked in hurriedly.

"Archon, an emergency communication has been received."

Xanos looked up, a flash of alertness in his three eyes.

"From where?"

Woerkanusi's expression was somewhat complex.

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. Their Capital Star, Xiuluo."

Xanos's pupils contracted slightly.

Xiuluo.

That legendary Human Core World, the place where the Emperor resides. They initiated contact?

"What is the content?"

Woerkanusi activated the Data Pad in his hand, and a holographic projection appeared in the center of the room.

In the image was a Human wearing magnificent robes, with some text drawn on his skin.

Behind him was a golden hall, where a huge holy statue of the Emperor could be vaguely seen.

"Archon Xanos of the Ash Star Alliance, I am Luojia, Primarch of the Word Bearers Legion. On behalf of the Emperor, I convey a message to you."

The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is willing to send a diplomatic mission to the Ash Star Alliance to conduct formal talks with your side regarding the issue of bilateral relations.

The mission will be led by my brother, Corax, Primarch of the Raven Guard Legion, and is expected to arrive at your border in three to five Standard Days."

"We hope that through these talks, we can enhance mutual understanding, clarify the bottom lines of both sides, and explore the possibility of peaceful coexistence.

We also hope that your side can receive our mission with an open attitude."

"Looking forward to your reply."

The image ended.

The Meeting Room fell into a brief Silence.

Woerkanusi looked at Xanos.

"Archon, how shall we reply?"

Xanos did not answer immediately.

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the eternal flames outside.

"They are sending a mission. It is not a declaration of war, not a threat, but a negotiation."

Woerkanusi reminded him cautiously.

"Archon, that Luojia, it is said that his negotiation stance is very tough, but also very... rational."

Xanos turned around.

"I have heard that that Luojia is always smiling, and that kind of smile is more terrifying than any rage."

He walked back to his seat and sat down.

"Summon all high-level officials. We meet in two hours."

Two hours later, in the main conference hall of the Supreme Council Chamber.

Xanos sat in the head seat, with Luojia's communication records spread out before him.

"Everyone is here. You have all seen the communication from the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. Now, share your thoughts."

In the first seat on the right, a burly Ash Person with six horns on his head spoke first.

He was called Moluokesi, the military Commander of the Ash Star Alliance.

"Thoughts? It's very simple. They are afraid."

He looked around at the group, his three eyes filled with confidence.

"Think about it, they just wiped out the Feng Qi Xing Alliance and are at the peak of their arrogance. Logically, they should continue to attack and expand their gains.

But they didn't. They sent a delegation. What does this mean? It means they know we are not to be trifled with. They are afraid that if they keep fighting, it will result in mutual destruction."

In the first seat on the left, a relatively thin Ash Person with only four horns shook his head.

He was called Salmox, the diplomatic advisor of the Ash Star Alliance.

"Moluokesi, you are thinking too simply. They are afraid? If they were truly afraid, they wouldn't have dealt with those independent planets after wiping out the Feng Qi Xing Alliance. And you and I both know the fate of those independent planets. You call this fear?"

Moluokesi glared at him.

"Then tell me why they sent a delegation?"

Salmox leaned back in his chair.

"Because they have a choice. That fool Valken of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance spread the technology of the mirror rift everywhere, wanting to drag everyone down with him.

And the result? The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance only attacked him, not the other powers that received the technology. What does this mean? It means they are not indiscriminate, murderous madmen. They are selective."

He looked at Xanos.

"Archon, I believe this visit by the delegation is an opportunity. An opportunity to understand their true intentions, an opportunity to test their bottom line, and perhaps even... an opportunity for peace."

Low murmurs of discussion rose in the conference hall.

A female Ash Person spoke up.

She was called Weilakesi, the intelligence director of the Ash Star Alliance, with five horns.

"I have some intelligence that might be helpful to everyone."

Xanos nodded.

"Speak."

Weilakesi pulled up a holographic projection.

"The delegation sent by the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is led by Corax. Corax, the Primarch of the Raven Guard legion, nicknamed 'The Raven'. According to our intelligence, this person is very... special."

"Special in what way?" Moluokesi asked.

Weilakesi zoomed in on the image, showing a Human wearing black Power Armor.

His face was cold and stern, his black eyes as deep as the Shenyuan.

"His personality. According to our observations, Corax is very adept at hiding his true intentions. His legion is also famous for infiltration, reconnaissance, and guerrilla warfare.

Sending him as an envoy shows that the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance wants to demonstrate not only strength, but also... wisdom."

Moluokesi frowned.

"Wisdom? That's just being cunning."

"You could say that. Therefore, we must be very careful when negotiating with this person. He might say one thing while thinking another; he might take one step back and then three steps forward; he might shake hands with a smile while already planning how to carve the meat off our bones."