Chapter 846: The First Step

"The super-individual unit you speak of... is the 'accident' that caused the live broadcast signal of Arena 40 to be interrupted, plunged the entire arena into chaos, caused countless distinguished guests to suffer losses, and made the resources I invested go down the drain?"

Daotaisi's voice betrayed no joy or anger, yet it made Fenisi's heart sink abruptly.

"My lord, that was not just a signal interruption! That was..."

Fenisi tried to emphasize.

"I have already received the preliminary report on the losses of Arena 40."

Daotaisi's voice remained steady, yet carried a cold texture.

"Because of your 'project,' Arena 40 has been unable to resume live broadcasts for a long time; the audience's patience has been exhausted, and complaints and refund requests have piled up like a mountain! Especially the VIP clients... their losses and dissatisfaction need to be quelled immediately."

Fenisi felt a chill.

What Lord Daotaisi cared about... was actually the arena's losses and the emotions of those VIP clients first? Instead of the annihilation of an entire fleet and the rise of a potentially powerful enemy?

"But, Lord Daotaisi! The threat of Xiuluosheng..."

"Fenisi!"

Daotaisi's voice grew a fraction heavier, and that invisible pressure caused the words Fenisi was about to say to get stuck hard in her throat.

"Your duty is to manage the arena of the Fengqi Star Alliance Entertainment Plaza well, create profits for the Star Alliance, and maintain client relationships, not to excessively speculate and exaggerate that some gladiator planet has become a threat to the Star Alliance."

"I will note the losses of the Weiguang Fleet. But for now, deal with the mess at the arena immediately! I don't care what method you use—immediately announce that the 'Xiuluosheng Battle' project at Arena 40 is permanently closed due to force majeure! Provide full compensation to all bettors, especially those big clients; use double, no, triple gift packages and coupons to soothe their emotions! You must not let this matter affect the reputation and business of the Fengqi Star Alliance Entertainment Plaza in the Bode Star System!"

Daotaisi's order was clear, carrying the weight of a final decision.

"But... my lord... that Xiuluosheng Star Alliance, if they take advantage of the situation to expand..."

Fenisi made a final effort, her voice carrying a hint of pleading.

"That is a problem to consider only in the next step."

Daotaisi's voice revealed a hint of impatience.

"Now, execute my order immediately. Fenisi, don't make me doubt your ability to handle 'business' matters."

The other end of the communication was silent for a moment, finally leaving one sentence.

"Handle the arena matter well. As for Xiuluosheng... I will keep an eye on it."

Hum—

The ghostly blue beam of light dissipated, and that suffocating pressure vanished along with it.

The communication was unilaterally hung up.

Fenisi stood frozen in place, all color drained from her flawless face.

She powerlessly loosened her clenched fingers.

A sense of powerlessness and chill enveloped her.

Lord Daotaisi... simply did not care!

In his eyes, the annihilation of a frontier fleet and a terrifyingly potential enemy were not even as important as the complaints of a group of gamblers and the short-term profits of an arena!

She knew she had to execute the order.

Close Arena 40, compensate for losses, soothe the clients... she could do all of these.

But...

Fenisi slowly raised her head, looking at the pitch-black starry sky outside the observation window, her gaze seemingly seeing the planet that had caused her such great humiliation and loss.

"Lord Daotaisi... you have underestimated them..."

She whispered to herself.

"What you see is only the loss on the books... and that Xiuluosheng Star Alliance... they are a malignant tumor growing wildly! If it is not eradicated now... by the time it spreads, what it threatens will be far more than just the arena profits of the Fengqi Star Alliance!"

Xiuluosheng Star · Ninth Defense Zone · Star Alliance Headquarters Landing Platform

On the massive landing platform, the atmosphere was slightly different from the usual seriousness and tension; several transport ships were on standby.

The Primarchs about to lead their fleets on an expedition—Jaghatai Khan, Sanguinius, Horus, Corax, as well as Lion and Mortarion—were conducting their final exchanges.

Luojia and Angron, who were responsible for subsequent stabilization, as well as Guilliman and others who were staying behind, also came to see them off.

"Hahaha! Finally, I can go out and run around!"

Jaghatai grinned at his brothers.

"Brothers, I'll be off first! My White Scars will clear out the alien outposts and patrol squads in the 'Kamilate Xingdai' at the fastest speed! Wait for my good news!"

Sanguinius nodded slightly, his white wings shimmering with radiance.

"May the Emperor's Light protect your voyage, brother Jaghatai. I will head straight for the 'Longyou Shuangzixing'; the enslavement facilities there are the most concentrated, and they need to be purified with absolute power and the fastest speed to break the shackles."

Horus looked at the attack point he was responsible for and spoke.

"I will personally lead the fleet to conquer the 'Fengrao Starport'. It is an important logistics hub and springboard for the Fengqi Star Alliance in the nearby area. Taking it will not only cut off the enemy's supply lines but also provide a solid forward base for our subsequent actions."

Corax looked at the claw-type weapon newly crafted by Vulkan in his hand and spoke.

"The 'Shadow Star' area is left to me. The environment there is complex, suitable for Raven operations. I will clear all hidden observation posts and communication nodes to ensure the surprise of your actions."

Lion and Mortarion stood side by side.

Lion's gaze swept across the star map and he spoke.

"Brother Mortarion and I will storm the 'Sanpimu Xing'. The fortifications there are the most solid, and it is also guarded by the Regular Army of Fengqi. We need to tear open their turtle shell and crush their resistance."

He looked at Mortarion beside him.

Mortarion nodded and responded.

"... A solid fortress will eventually disintegrate in the face of absolute power."

Luojia, responsible for the follow-up work, held the holy scripture.

"No matter which brother succeeds first, brother Angron and I will immediately follow up to bring the Emperor's teachings and the Star Alliance's order to the newly liberated worlds, soothe the wounds, and reshape Faith."

Angron added.

"We will ensure... the 'stability' of the new home."

Guilliman, who remained behind, smiled and said: "Leave the rear to us. Supplies, intelligence, and recruit training will never hold you back. We look forward to your triumphant return, bringing back new territories and people."

The Primarchs nodded to each other in greeting, all trust unspoken.

They possessed different personalities and abilities, yet they complemented each other perfectly, each performing their duties for a common goal.

Horus extended his fist.

"For the Emperor, for Humanity, for the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance! Strike separately, fight independently, yet support one another! Let the flames of liberation ignite simultaneously across this star sector!"

"For the Emperor! For Humanity!"

The Primarchs responded in unison, their fists colliding once more, emitting a heavy metallic clanging sound.

Yingzhou watched this scene, unable to help but feel a wave of gratification, and he clapped his hands and said.

"This is the first step taken by the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance; let the name of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance resound throughout the Bode Star System!"

"Yes! Father!"