Chapter 1447: The Internal Situation of the Luoke Empire

At this moment, the door was knocked on gently.

"Come in."

Luojia pushed the door open and walked in.

He was wearing the ceremonial robes of the Word Bearers Legion, with golden scriptures embroidered on the white lining, and he held that string of Psionic Crystal Rosary in his hand.

He walked to the desk and bowed slightly.

"Father, there is a matter that requires your decision."

Yingzhou turned around, walked back to the desk, and sat down.

"Speak."

Luojia brought up a Holographic Data Pad.

"Across the Luoke Empire, there is a force called the Protoss Federation. They have just publicly issued a statement refusing to recognize the status of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance in the Bode Star System, accusing us of being invaders, and saying that our actions are destroying the peace and stability of the Bode Star System.

Their exact words were, 'The expansion of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is naked aggression; we will never let such a force become the hegemon of the Bode Star System.'"

Guilliman's brows furrowed.

"Protoss Federation? Never heard of them."

Luojia said.

"They are located on the eastern edge of the Bode Star System, separated by the Luoke Empire, and do not share a direct border with us. The composition of the Protoss Federation is very unique; every Protoss is the ruler of a planet, worshipped as a god by the local inhabitants. There are ninety-one such Protoss in total, which is why they are called a 'Federation'."

Guilliman asked.

"How is their strength?"

Luojia brought up another set of data.

"Their planetary combat capability should not be strong, and their technological trajectory is different from the civilizations we already know. But measured by the standards of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, their military power is not worth mentioning.

But... the subjects under the rule of the Protoss produce an energy material known as 'Elemental', which is of extremely high purity and is an excellent raw material for energy. Among the Aliens we captured at the Xiuluo Holy Star before, there were similar cases, only they are now almost exhausted, and it just so happens that we have a new source of supply.

As for the strength of the Protoss themselves, it should not be weak; intelligence indicates that they rarely take action personally, preferring to hide behind the scenes."

Guilliman's brows furrowed even tighter.

"Not weak? How not weak? Can they compare to us?"

Luojia shook his head and said.

"Uncertain, but the wording of their statement is very tough, which shows they have confidence. Either they are ignorant, or they have something to rely on."

Yingzhou said with a smile.

"Eh, Luojia, don't say that about them. Although they are Aliens, we must still maintain our demeanor. If people outside heard, they would think we are a barbaric force."

Luojia was stunned and looked at Guilliman, discovering that Guilliman was also looking at him; the two met each other's eyes, then looked at Yingzhou simultaneously.

The corners of Yingzhou's mouth rose slightly, a smile full of hidden meaning.

Luojia reacted quickly and bowed slightly.

"Father is right to teach me. It was my improper choice of words. The Protoss Federation... is an Alien political entity on the eastern edge of the Bode Star System. They are composed of ninety-one rulers who call themselves 'Protoss', each ruling a planet. The inhabitants of these planets have been enslaved for long enough, and we should find an opportunity to liberate them."

Yingzhou nodded.

"That's right, we are the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, not bandits."

Luojia nodded and said.

"Yes, Father."

Guilliman looked at his father, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.

He knew that Yingzhou did not truly care about demeanor.

The Emperor's attitude toward Aliens had never been a matter of demeanor.

If the Canaan Star Alliance was willing to surrender, they were given the status of Secondary Citizen.

If the Broken Bone Empire did not surrender, they were turned into canned goods.

With the Protoss Federation openly provoking, his father would not remain indifferent.

That smile of his made Guilliman's back feel cold.

Yingzhou leaned back in his chair.

"Ninety-one Protoss, ninety-one planets, each Protoss is a god—what a grand display. They say we are invaders and that we destroy peace. What evidence do they have? I see that they are the true enslavers and oppressors!"

Luojia said.

"No evidence, just a verbal statement. They are shouting on their own turf and dare not contact us directly, presumably because they fear our retaliation."

Yingzhou said.

"Fearing our retaliation, yet they still dare to issue a statement? Commendable courage."

Luojia said.

"Father, they might be trying to unite other forces to resist us, or perhaps they just want to make their presence felt."

Guilliman spoke up at this moment.

"Father, does the statement from the Protoss Federation require a response?"

Yingzhou thought for a moment.

"A response? How to respond? Issue a statement as well, saying they are spouting nonsense? That would make us seem like we are on the same level as them."

Guilliman said.

"Then no response?"

Yingzhou said.

"Just let them shout there for now; perhaps they won't have the chance later."

Luojia said.

"Father, their resources are very valuable. If we can incorporate those planets into the territory of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, the energy problem could be more than half solved."

Yingzhou raised his hand, signaling Luojia to stop.

"Luojia, set this matter aside for now. The business with the Star Spirit Federation is not urgent. With the Keloke Imperium in between, we cannot reach them for the time being; we will discuss it again once we have freed up our hands."

Luojia nodded.

"Yes, Father."

Yingzhou leaned back against the chair and shifted the topic.

"How is Kesi doing lately? Is there any news from the Keloke Imperium?"

Luojia pulled up another set of data.

"Father, Prince Kesi has encountered some difficulties recently. Although his status in the Keloke Imperium is rising rapidly, the other three princes have begun to join forces against him, and Prince Kesi's pressure at court is growing."

Yingzhou's brows furrowed slightly.

"Is the Kalidusi assassin disguised as Kesi lacking in ability?"

Luojia shook his head.

"Kesi's rise has been too fast, and Emperor the Twenty-Fourth trusts him more and more. Kelake, Kesuosi, and Keweinuosi are all worried that the throne will be snatched away by Kesi, so they have begun to meet in private to discuss countermeasures."

Guilliman spoke up.

"Father, do we need to provide support to Kesi? Weapons? Intelligence? Or should we send people directly?"

Yingzhou thought for a moment.

"No rush. Let the Kalidusi assassin infiltrate further and scout for information. As for Kesi, tell him to hold steady and not be overly eager for success. The Keloke Imperium's Emperor the Twenty-Fourth is not dead yet; it is not certain who will win or lose."

Luojia nodded.

"Understood, I will make the arrangements."

Yingzhou said.

"Go. Put the Star Spirit Federation matter aside and focus on the Keloke Imperium first."

Luojia bowed slightly and turned to leave.

Guilliman also stood up.

"Father, I will go handle the handover of the Canaan Star Alliance first."

Yingzhou nodded, and Guilliman left.

Only Yingzhou remained in the study, his mind thinking rapidly.

Kesi, the Kalidusi assassin Y-7, had been lurking for a long time disguised as a prince of the Keloke Imperium.

Now that the other three princes had begun to join forces, this was both a crisis and an opportunity.

If they fought amongst themselves, the Keloke Imperium would fall into chaos, and Kesi might have the chance to seize power through a coup.

Yingzhou spoke aloud.

"Selina, notify the Kalidusi assassins in the Keloke Imperium to strengthen surveillance. I want to know the content of the three princes' secret meetings."

Selina's holographic projection appeared.

"Understood."