Chapter 958: Bringing Liberation, Not Conquest

The Word Bearers Legion Lunar-class Cruiser "Truth".

On the surface of Wangxiang Planet below the Truth, the purple flags of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance rule had been taken down, replaced by a sea of crimson Double-Headed Eagle flags.

Under the rule of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance, this planet was designated as XG-77, primarily used for the extraction of rare mineral deposits.

Luojia arrived on the surface via Thunderhawk Gunship and saw a group of ragged Humans kneeling around the landing zone; the elder at the head even pressed his forehead against the ground.

"Great liberator, thank you for saving us from the rule of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance."

Luojia did not accept this kowtow; he walked straight to the elder, bent down, and gently helped the frail old man up.

"Within the borders of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, no one needs to kneel; stand up, fellow countryman.

From today on, you are free Humans, subjects of the Emperor, and will be protected by the laws of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, while also being required to abide by the laws of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

The elder looked up in astonishment, and the other Humans behind him also stood up hesitantly, looking at each other.

"I... I don't understand, my lord. You have conquered this planet; shouldn't we show you our respect?"

Luojia removed his helmet, revealing his gentle face.

"Conquered? No, old man. We are liberating. The Emperor's will is for all Humans to regain freedom and dignity, not to replace old shackles with new ones.

But liberation does not mean disorder. The Emperor's will is for all Humans to regain freedom and dignity under unified laws."

Luojia looked around at the crowd; these Humans, who had been treated as tools under the rule of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance, were all at a loss now that they heard Luojia say this.

"Tell me your name, old man."

Luojia said to the elder.

"I... I am called Leimo, my lord."

Luojia placed his hand on the old man's shoulder and spoke.

"Elder Leimo, in the eyes of the Emperor, all Humans are equal before the law. But at the same time, everyone must abide by the laws of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance; this is the foundation that guarantees everyone's freedom."

A whisper rose from the crowd.

For centuries, they had been told by the Fengqi that Humans were an inferior race, fit only to be slave laborers and servants.

Now, to be suddenly told that they were equal to those "liberators"—they wouldn't even dream of something so outrageous.

Luojia understood this confusion and raised his voice to shout.

"My name is Luojia, and I come from the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. We crossed the sea of stars to come here, not to conquer, but to liberate you from the enslavement of the Alien and bring you under the protection of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

Luojia walked toward the crowd, the Word Bearers Space Marines following behind him, carrying various construction tools and supplies.

"The Fengqi told you that Humans are a weak race that needs to be ruled. They were lying. Look at this starry sky! Humans were meant to be the masters of the stars, not slaves cowering under Alien rule!"

Leimo said hesitantly.

"But... we have always been taught..."

Luojia interrupted Leimo.

"They taught you obedience because they fear your power! They know that once Humans realize their own potential, their rule will come to an end!"

The Space Marines of the Word Bearers Legion began to distribute food and medicine, and ship medics provided treatment to the wounded and sick.

"From today on, Wangxiang Planet will be officially incorporated into the territory of the Human Empire. This means three things.

First, you will enjoy the protection of the Empire's laws;

Second, you must abide by the laws of the Empire;

Third, the Imperial military will be stationed here to ensure the laws are enforced and to protect you from any threats.

You will learn how to exercise your rights and fulfill your obligations within the framework of the law."

The accompanying Xiuluo Civil Officials set up temporary legal consultation points, and Judges began to explain the basic legal articles of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance.

In the next few hours, Luojia personally participated in the renovation work of the Zongdufu.

But unlike in the past, one of the focuses of this renovation was to establish the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Court and an administrative center.

"You... you really don't need to do these things, Mr. Luojia."

Leimo couldn't help but say.

Luojia lifted a broken concrete wall aside and said with a smile.

"Why not? Establishing order is everyone's responsibility. In the Emperor's realm, the law is the cornerstone that guarantees everyone's freedom."

By evening, in the temporarily constructed square, the Word Bearers Legion organized a rally.

Tens of thousands of local residents gathered together, looking at Luojia on the stage.

"Brothers, sisters, today marks the beginning of your new lives. But this is not as simple as just changing from one ruler to another.

True liberation is freedom guaranteed by law. It is realizing from the depths of your heart that you are not anyone's property, but citizens of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, enjoying rights and bearing obligations."

A young man in the crowd gathered his courage and asked.

"But, how will the laws of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance treat us? What kind of rights and obligations will we have?"

Luojia nodded in approval.

"A very good question. According to the Xiuluo Basic Law, every citizen enjoys the right to life, the right to freedom, and the right to property.

At the same time, every citizen has the obligation to abide by the law, participate in labor, and defend the Star Alliance."

The Word Bearers Space Marines began to distribute simplified versions of the "Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Citizen Rights and Obligations Handbook".

"You will establish local councils to manage local affairs within the framework of Xiuluo law. However, no local law may conflict with the Xiuluo Basic Law. The Xiuluo garrison will ensure this principle is upheld."

These concepts were very foreign to the residents of Wangxiang Planet.

In the days that followed, Wangxiang Planet began the process of institutional construction.

Under the guidance of the Word Bearers Legion, the residents elected the first local council, and Leimo was elected as Speaker.

At the same time, Xiuluo Legal Officers began training the first batch of Judges and law enforcement officers locally.

The legal system of Xiuluo was gradually introduced, replacing the arbitrary rule of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance era.

Luojia personally attended the inauguration ceremony of the first Xiuluo court on Wangxiang Planet.

During the ceremony, Luojia emphasized.

"The law is not a shackle, but a guarantee of freedom. It is precisely because there are clear laws that everyone knows the boundaries of their rights, and can only enjoy maximum freedom on the premise of not infringing upon the rights of others."

The next day, Luojia saw the children discussing the rights and obligations of citizens, so he walked up to listen.

A girl raised her hand and asked.

"Lord Luojia, what happens if someone breaks the law?"

Luojia answered gently.

"In the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, everyone must be responsible for their own actions. Violating the law will result in corresponding punishment, but the punishment must be carried out in accordance with the law and conform to the principle of proportionality. This is the meaning of the rule of law; it constrains not only the common people, but also the law enforcers."