Chapter 1260: It Was You Who Provoked Us First

The Word Bearers Legion's temple, Luojia's private study.

The room is not large, but it is arranged in a solemn and grave manner.

The Emperor's holy icon hangs on the wall, and various classics and documents are laid out on the desk.

Several eternal lamps are lit in the corners, emitting a faint fragrance.

Luojia sits before the desk, with the diplomatic note from the Keluo Ke Empire spread out in front of him.

He reads it over and over again, carefully pondering every sentence, every word, and every punctuation mark.

The Adjutant stands to one side, waiting for his instructions.

"My Lord, how do you intend to reply?"

Luojia does not look up.

"No rush. Let me think first. The Keluo Ke Empire is testing us. They want to know if we truly dare to go head-to-head with them."

The Adjutant asks cautiously.

"My Lord, then how should we respond?"

Luojia thinks for a moment.

"First, we must make one point clear: Kesi was detained because of his own actions. He provoked others in public, attempted to flee, and even used force. These facts must be written clearly."

The Adjutant records quickly.

"Second, we must emphasize our stance. We do not look for trouble, but we do not fear it either.

If the Keluo Ke Empire wants to talk, they can. If they want to threaten, then let them try."

The Adjutant nods.

"Third, we must leave room for maneuver. We cannot block the path entirely. The Keluo Ke Empire is a major power after all; if things truly fall apart, it will benefit no one.

Therefore, the reply must be firm, but it must also give the other side a way to step down."

The Adjutant finishes recording and looks up.

"My Lord, how should we phrase it specifically?"

Luojia thinks for a moment and begins to dictate.

"To Emperor Keluonuosi Ershisi Shi of the Keluo Ke Empire: The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance has received your diplomatic note regarding Kesi. We hereby provide the following explanation regarding this matter..."

He dictates for a full twenty minutes, and the Adjutant records it quickly, without missing a single word.

When the last word falls, Luojia lets out a long breath.

"That is all. Translate it into the Keluo Ke language first, then send it to them."

The Adjutant nods and turns to leave.

The Keluo Ke Empire's Capital Star, Kronos Imperial City.

This is a massive planet, its surface covered in magnificent buildings and advanced facilities.

The Imperial Palace sits atop the highest peak, built entirely of black megaliths; it is imposing and awe-inspiring.

Deep within the Imperial Palace, the Emperor's Conference Hall.

Keluonuosi Ershisi Shi sits on a massive throne, with a holographic projection in front of him displaying the reply just received.

His physique is more massive than that of an ordinary Keluo Ke, his skin is deep purple, and a majestic light flickers in his four eyes.

He wears a golden crown symbolizing imperial power on his head and a magnificent cloak over his body.

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance's reply?"

He asks.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to the side bows and answers.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Just received."

Kronos I browses through it quickly.

After finishing, he falls into silence.

The Conference Hall is deathly silent, and everyone holds their breath, waiting for the Emperor's decision.

Finally, Kronos I speaks.

"This Luojia... is quite interesting."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs asks cautiously.

"Your Majesty, what do you mean?"

Kronos I stands up and walks to the window.

"He did not apologize, did not soften his stance, and did not concede. He laid out the facts clearly and stated his position very plainly. But at the same time, he also gave us a way to step down."

He turns around and looks at the crowd.

"This person is not easy to deal with."

The Minister of Military Affairs steps forward.

"Your Majesty, what shall we do then? His Highness the Prince is still in their hands."

"Reply to Luojia and say that we are willing to conduct further communication regarding this matter."

Xiuluo Holy Star, Word Bearers Temple.

The holographic projection equipment has finished calibrating.

Luojia sits in the main seat, wearing the ceremonial robes of the Word Bearers Legion, holding that string of Psionic Crystal rosary beads in his hand. His expression is calm, and no emotional fluctuation can be seen in his eyes.

The Adjutant stands to one side, checking the communication parameters one last time.

"My Lord, the Keluo Ke Empire side has confirmed that the communication link is stable and we can begin at any time."

Luojia nods.

"Begin."

The holographic projection lit up, and a figure gradually coalesced.

It was a typical Keluoke, over three meters tall, with deep purple skin covered in thick biological armor.

He wore magnificent formal attire, his chest covered in various medals and insignias, clearly indicating a high status.

"Luojia of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance? I am Zenuosi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Keluoke Empire. By the order of His Majesty the Emperor the Twenty-Fourth, I am here to conduct formal talks with you."

Luojia nodded slightly.

"Your Excellency Zenuosi, a pleasure to meet you."

Zenuosi's four eyes swept across the environment behind Luojia, a trace of faint contempt appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"I heard that you people of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance are all very devout, worshipping that so-called Emperor. It seems the rumors are true."

Luojia's expression did not change at all.

"Faith is everyone's freedom. Your Excellency Zenuosi, let us discuss official business."

Zenuosi snorted.

"Official business? Fine. Then let us discuss official business.

My Emperor is extremely dissatisfied with your side's groundless detention of Prince Kesi. Prince Kesi is the third heir to the Keluoke Empire's throne; while conducting legal activities on Eris, he was subjected to illegal Intercept and detention by your Blood Angels Fleet. This is a grave violation of the Keluoke Empire's sovereignty and a blatant provocation against the majesty of my Emperor."

Luojia listened, his expression remaining calm.

"Your Excellency Zenuosi, you said 'legal activities'?"

Zenuosi raised an eyebrow.

"What? Is there a problem?"

Luojia called up a holographic record.

"According to our records, Kesi provoked others in public on Eris, insulted the Primarch Sanguinius of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, and attempted to incite other factions to oppose us.

After being warned by Sanguinius, not only did he not restrain himself, but he also attempted to flee after leaving and used force to resist the legal Intercept by our fleet. In this conflict, two of our ships were damaged, and several warriors were injured."

He looked at Zenuosi.

"Your Excellency Zenuosi, is this what you call 'legal activities'?"

Zenuosi's expression stiffened slightly, but he quickly recovered.

"That is your one-sided story. Prince Kesi is a member of the Keluoke Empire's royal family; his words are the words of the Keluoke Empire. If he says it is legal, then it is legal."

The corners of Luojia's mouth tilted up slightly.

"So, Your Excellency Zenuosi, you mean that whatever you say goes, and there is no need for evidence or facts?"

Zenuosi raised his head.

"The Keluoke Empire has witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilizations in the eastern Bode Star System. Our reputation is the best evidence."

Luojia nodded.

"Understood. Then, Your Excellency Zenuosi, what do you want by coming here this time?"

A glimmer of light flashed in Zenuosi's four eyes.

"It is very simple. Immediately release Prince Kesi unconditionally and issue a formal apology to the Keluoke Empire. At the same time, compensate our side for all losses in this incident, including the four destroyed ships, the fallen warriors, and the loss of royal dignity."