Chapter 1252: Intelligence Networks Cannot Be Deployed Within the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance

The conference hall was quiet for a few seconds.

Salmox spoke up.

"Then how should we respond?"

Weilakesi pulled up another set of data.

"I suggest we adopt a strategy of 'cautious reception, wait and see'."

"First, reception is mandatory. If we refuse to receive them, it is equivalent to an active provocation."

"Given the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance's style of conduct, they will not tolerate such provocation. We must consider the cautionary tale of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance."

"Second, during the reception, we must observe carefully and not be in a rush to state our position. Let them speak their conditions, their bottom lines, and their expectations first. Then, we will decide how to respond based on the situation."

"Finally, if their conditions are too harsh, we can bargain, or even... create some 'accidents'. But before we completely burn bridges, we must prepare for the worst."

Moluokesi sneered.

"Delaying? Bargaining? Creating accidents? Salmox, is this your strategy? It's too weak."

Salmox looked at him.

"Then what is your brilliant idea?"

Moluokesi stood up.

"My brilliant idea? Tell them directly that the Ash Star Alliance is not the Feng Qi Xing Alliance. If they want to talk, fine. But we must talk as equals, and we must talk with dignity. If they want to treat us the way they treated the Fengqi, then we shall meet on the battlefield."

A buzz of discussion erupted in the conference hall. Some nodded, some shook their heads.

Xanos raised a hand to signal for silence.

"Moluokesi, I admire your courage. But courage is not the same as wisdom."

He looked at Salmox.

"Salmox's strategy is more in line with reality."

Moluokesi frowned.

"Archon, you..."

"Let me finish."

Xanos interrupted him.

"I am not saying we should be weak; I am saying we should be smart. Why was the Feng Qi Xing Alliance destroyed? Because they were stupid. Every one of them was hopelessly stupid."

He stood up and walked to the Holographic Star Map.

"We Ash People are not stupid. We know when to be tough and when to be flexible. This time, it is time to be flexible."

He turned to face everyone.

"Receive them. Listen carefully to what they say. Analyze their true intentions. Then, we will decide our next move."

Salmox nodded.

"The Archon is wise."

Although Moluokesi was unwilling, he could only nod.

Xanos looked at Weilakesi.

"The Intelligence Department must cooperate fully. I want to know everything about that Corax—his personality, his habits, his weaknesses. Also, monitor the border to ensure their delegation is truly just a delegation and that there is no hidden fleet."

Weilakesi nodded.

"Understood."

Xanos finally looked around at everyone.

"Then it is settled. Reply to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance that we welcome their delegation's visit."

"At the same time, make all preparations. We welcome peace, but we do not fear war."

After the meeting ended, most of the councilors left one after another.

Xanos sat alone in the conference hall, watching the eternal flames outside the window.

Salmox did not leave.

He walked to Xanos's side and asked softly.

"Archon, what are you still worried about?"

Xanos was silent for a few seconds.

"Salmox, what do you think they really want?"

Salmox thought for a moment.

"According to my analysis, they want three things."

"Which three?"

"First, border stability. They just finished fighting the Feng Qi Xing Alliance and need time to digest the fruits of their victory. If they go to war with us at this time, it will not be to their advantage."

"Second, resources. The Feng Qi Xing Alliance's resource planets have begun producing for them, but those planets need time to reach maximum capacity. Before that, they likely do not want a new war to disrupt their rhythm."

"Third, intelligence. Their understanding of us is certainly not as deep as our understanding of them. This delegation's visit is also an opportunity for them to gather intelligence."

Xanos nodded.

"Makes sense. Then will they propose some excessive demands?"

Salmox thought for a moment.

"They certainly will. Negotiation is bargaining. They will first propose some excessive things, then slowly make concessions, and finally reach the goal they truly want. What we must do is distinguish which are their true bottom lines and which are just bluffs."

Xanos looked at him.

"Can you do it?"

Salmox bowed slightly.

"I will do my best, Archon."

Xanos stood up and walked to the window.

"Salmox, do you know, I sometimes wonder what would happen if we went head-to-head with the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, just like the Feng Qi Xing Alliance did?"

Salmox was silent for a few seconds.

"Archon, I suggest you never think about that question."

"Why?"

"Because if you think about it too much, you will become afraid. What we must do now is not be afraid, but prepare. Prepare to welcome the best outcome, and also prepare to deal with the worst ending."

Xanos looked at him.

"Salmox, you are always so calm."

Salmox gave a wry smile.

"It is not that I am calm, it is that I must be calm. If even I panic, who will provide ideas for everyone?"

Xanos patted him on the shoulder.

"You have worked hard."

Salmox bowed slightly.

"Serving the Ashes."

The two of them watched the eternal flames outside the window together.

"Salmox, tell me, what kind of person do you think that Corax is?"

Salmox thought for a moment.

"According to intelligence, he should be a very difficult person to deal with. Cunning, skilled at hiding. When negotiating with him, one must remain vigilant at all times."

Xanos nodded.

"Then we shall remain vigilant. Have Weilakesi prepare the most detailed data, and have the diplomatic team get ready. We cannot lose this negotiation."

Salmox nodded.

"Yes, Archon."

The next morning, Intelligence Department headquarters.

Weilakesi sat in the office, with dozens of intelligence reports regarding the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance piled up in front of her.

She had already been sitting in front of these documents for an entire night, her four eyes bloodshot.

The Adjutant walked in and handed over a hot drink.

"Officer, you should rest."

Weilakesi shook her head.

"There is no time to rest. That Corax's delegation will arrive in three days, and we must have all the data ready before then."

She opened a document, which contained a portrait and profile of Corax.

"Corax, Primarch of the Raven Guard Legion. Personality: Cunning, black-bellied, skilled at hiding."

"Major combat achievements: In multiple wars, used a small force to pin down enemies several times their size. Nicknames: 'The Raven', 'Hunter in the Shadows'."

She put down the document and rubbed her temples.

"This intelligence is too superficial. We need something deeper."

The Adjutant said cautiously.

"Officer, our intelligence network simply cannot develop inside the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. Those people... are too difficult to infiltrate."

Weilakesi nodded.

"I know. But we cannot fail to prepare just because we lack perfect intelligence. Organize all existing intelligence, the more detailed the better. Especially Corax's personality traits and negotiation style."

The Adjutant nodded.

"Yes, Officer."