Chapter 1253: Diplomatic Mission to the Ash Star Alliance

Three days later, Ash Star Alliance border, reception station.

Salmox personally led the team, waiting here for the arrival of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance delegation.

Behind him were twenty Ash diplomats and fifty "Burning Flame Guard".

"How much longer until they arrive?"

Salmox asked.

The Adjutant looked at the Communication Device.

"Ten minutes ago, their fleet entered the border. Expected to arrive here in one hour."

Salmox nodded.

"Have everyone prepare. When greeting them, be polite and enthusiastic, but not excessive. We represent the Ash Star Alliance, not their vassals."

The Adjutant nodded.

"Understood."

Salmox took a deep breath and looked at the distant starry sky.

Over there, a fleet was approaching.

The fleet drew closer and closer, finally landing slowly on the reception station's berth.

The hatch opened, and a Human wearing black Power Armor walked out.

Salmox stepped forward to meet him, bowed slightly, and looked up to welcome him.

"Lord Corax, welcome to the Ash Star Alliance."

Corax looked down at him.

"Your Excellency Salmox, I have long admired you."

The two men's gazes met in the air.

Salmox turned to the side and made a gesture of invitation.

"Please."

Corax nodded and stepped forward.

Behind him, the Astartes of the Raven Guard followed closely.

Salmox's Adjutant asked in a low voice:

"Sir, what do you think of him?"

Salmox watched Corax's back and said in a low voice.

"Not simple. Very not simple."

Ash Star Alliance border planet, Valdos Star.

This planet is located on the eastern border of the Ash Star Alliance.

The surface here is covered with volcanoes and Lava plains, and the sulfur content in the atmosphere is high; only a few genetically modified Ash People can live here for long periods.

The diplomatic reception station is built on the top of an extinct volcano, constructed entirely of high-temperature-resistant volcanic rock, with a rugged and sturdy appearance.

At this moment, in the main conference hall, negotiations are underway.

On both sides of the oval long table sat the delegations of the Ash Star Alliance and the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance.

Salmox cleared his throat and spoke to break the Silence.

"Lord Corax, thank you and your delegation for traveling thousands of miles to come to the Ash Star Alliance. We sincerely hope that through this meeting, we can enhance mutual understanding and explore the possibility of peaceful coexistence."

Corax nodded slightly.

"Your Excellency Salmox is too kind. We also come with sincerity. My father hopes that the surrounding powers can understand the position of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, and also hopes that all parties can find a way to coexist peacefully."

Salmox's four eyes narrowed slightly.

Sincerity? Hearing this word from the mouth of this Human opposite him, it sounded somewhat wrong.

"That is excellent."

Salmox said.

"Since both sides have sincerity, we might as well talk openly and honestly. First, I would like to know, what specific expectations does your side have for the Ash Star Alliance?"

Corax smiled slightly, but it made Salmox's back feel a chill.

"Expectations? I wouldn't call it that. We just hope that your side can understand and respect our bottom line."

"Bottom line? Please speak."

Corax held up a finger.

"First, border stability. We have noted your military movements in the border region. We hope these movements are restrained and defensive. If your side has any offensive intentions, that would be unacceptable."

"Second, Mirror Rift. That fool Valken of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance is spreading Forbidden Technology everywhere. As far as we know, your side has also received it. It is suggested that you hand it over, after all, the case of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance was not long ago."

The atmosphere in the conference hall instantly became a bit heavier.

Several officials from the Ash side exchanged glances.

The Mirror Rift was precisely one of their most sensitive topics.

Salmox took a deep breath.

"Lord Corax, regarding the Mirror Rift, I would like to clarify one point. The Ash Star Alliance did indeed receive those materials, but we have never conducted any research or experiments. We have a clear understanding of the dangers of that technology."

Corax looked at him.

"Your Excellency Salmox, I believe your words for now. But believing does not mean being at ease."

Salmox's eyes contracted slightly.

"Lord Corax, is this a threat?"

Corax smiled, and the smile remained gentle.

"No, this is a reminder. Between friends, reminders are necessary."

Friends? Salmox sneered inwardly.

Who is friends with you?

But he still maintained a polite smile on his face.

"Lord Corax, we have received your reminder. Now, could you elaborate on your side's specific vision for peaceful coexistence?"

Corax leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed.

"Specific vision? It's very simple. Non-aggression, non-interference, and normal trade. You mind your business, we mind ours. As long as no one crosses the line, there will be no conflict."

Salmox's brows furrowed slightly.

"It's that simple?"

"It's that simple."

Corax nodded.

"Of course, simple does not mean easy. How to implement it specifically requires mutual agreement from both sides. For example, how to demarcate the borders, how to conduct trade, how to resolve disputes... these are all details that need to be discussed."

Salmox pondered for a few seconds.

"Lord Corax, your proposal sounds very reasonable. But I would like to ask one question."

"Please."

"If one day, the interests of our two sides come into conflict—for example, if resources are discovered on a neutral planet and both sides want to mine them—what should be done then?"

Corax looked at him.

"Good question. Your Excellency Salmox is indeed as renowned as they say, thinking so far ahead."

He paused, then continued.

"My suggestion is: when such a situation is encountered, both sides should negotiate first; if negotiation fails, it can be submitted to a third-party arbitration, or resolved through peaceful means. In short, no use of force. Of course, if one side uses force without authorization, that is a different matter entirely."

Salmox nodded.

"We can consider this suggestion."

Corax smiled.

"No rush. Take your time considering it. We have plenty of time."

The negotiation lasted for a full two hours.

Corax maintained that calm and unhurried posture throughout, handling every question with ease.

Finally, Salmox checked the time and stood up.

"Lord Corax, it has already been two hours. According to diplomatic protocol, we need to take a break. Please allow me to escort you and your entourage to the rest area for a short respite. Then we shall continue."

Corax nodded and also stood up.

"Very well. I will follow your lead as the host."

The group left the conference hall and walked along the corridor toward the rest area.

On both sides of the corridor were huge floor-to-ceiling windows, through which one could see the scenery outside: endless Lava plains, erupting volcanoes in the distance, and an orange-red sky.

Corax stopped in his tracks and looked out the window.

"Your Excellency Salmox, the scenery here is quite unique."

Salmox walked to his side.

"What does Lord Corax think of it?"

Corax smiled slightly.

"It is very... vibrant. These volcanoes, these Lava, make one feel as if the entire planet is breathing."

Salmox nodded.

"Yes. The Ash People grew up in such an environment. We believe that only in the raging fire can a true will be forged."

Corax glanced at him.

"So that is why you are called 'Ashes'?"

"Yes. After the ashes, comes rebirth."

Corax nodded thoughtfully.

"Interesting."