Watching the two emissaries leave in a hurry, Ai Er couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, laced with disdain. Meanwhile, Feng Mo returned to the control room to continue discussing strategies with his team on how to conquer the Xuanling Empire.
"Currently, the Pan-human Alliance has stationed thirteen T5 fleets in the Xuanling System. Pushing them back shouldn't be too difficult; the real challenge lies in reclaiming the Azure Dragon Interstellar Fortress," he began. "When the Sea of Stars Federation was still intact, they modified three large-scale T5-class fortresses for defense against external threats. Of these, the Black Tortoise Fortress was the strongest in defense, the Azure Dragon Fortress was the most powerful in attack, and the Vermillion Bird was a balanced design."
Feng Mo continued, "The Vermillion Bird Fortress has sustained significant damage, but the Azure Dragon Fortress is still fully operational with formidable offensive capabilities. Here's some basic data on it—take a look."
Gu Jun briefed the team, and Feng Mo studied the simulation of the massive fortress. Its arsenal posed a serious threat, including three thousand T5 laser cannons, a thousand missile launchers, large launch rails, five thousand T5 interstellar drones, and a thousand T5 starfighters. Most notably, it boasted a black hole-class doomsday cannon, ten cluster-type doomsday cannons, and a hundred standard doomsday cannons, providing firepower even greater than the T5 Battle Planet. Facing this array of weaponry would certainly deal significant damage to the Storm Alliance Fleet.
"This fortress is the most challenging target, but it's not insurmountable. Though we might incur some losses," Feng Mo added. Suddenly, an idea struck him—perhaps there was a way to make the Pan-human Alliance withdraw from the Azure Dragon Fortress on their own accord.
"Let's stick to Gu Jun's plan and start by attacking the Xuanling Empire. If the Pan-human Alliance sends envoys again, we'll negotiate. Our sole demand is that they withdraw from the Azure Dragon Interstellar Fortress. While we're negotiating, we'll continue the offensive, showcasing the full strength of the Storm Alliance. The faster we can strike, the better!"
Finishing his orders, Feng Mo nodded at Ai Er before heading to an adjacent office, followed by Ai Er and Xing Shuwen.
"Ai Er," he began, "you'll lead the fleet to take down the Xuanling Empire, and the sooner, the better. Don't hold back to avoid casualties; Han Peipei will coordinate all necessary support."
He continued, "Deploy the Storm Fleet's interstellar jump ships when needed. While you face them head-on, the Storm Fleet can use the jump ships to strike other empires. The goal isn't necessarily to occupy territory, but to push the Pan-human Alliance into negotiations."
Feng Mo's strategy was straightforward: if they couldn't reach an agreement through negotiation, they'd seize it on the battlefield. By striking at each empire and destabilizing their territories, he was confident that the Pan-human Alliance would eventually withdraw from the Azure Dragon Fortress. They couldn't afford the losses, especially with the Interstellar Beastmen already dealing with other threats.
Returning to his office, Feng Mo began contemplating the post-victory arrangements. Once the Eastern War Zone was reclaimed, he needed to determine the future of the various empires—whether to dissolve them into star regions, establish a council, or maintain them as empires. Ensuring unity within a power as large as his was crucial for its long-term success.
Feng Mo now rarely fought on the front lines, instead delegating most responsibilities to his commanders. His role was to outline strategic objectives, communicate them to his commanders, and allow them to take action. This shift from hands-on management to delegating authority was an essential part of becoming a true leader. However, certain areas, such as starship design and the military, remained firmly under his control.
Meanwhile, Ai Er, fully equipped, gathered her second-in-command and lieutenant and proceeded to the fortress's spaceport, where she boarded the Zhu Yan's control room. Timing was crucial, as the Pan-human Alliance couldn't have anticipated that the Storm Fleet would strike as soon as their own forces had returned.
"Destination: Xuanling Empire. All coordinates checked and secure. Initiate fifth-level synchronized warp mode. All crew below second-tier gene warriors, engage deep-sea mode," announced Ai Er's lieutenant, echoing in each control room. With that, the fleet officially set off toward the Xuanling Empire.
Halfway through their journey, the Storm Fleet—with the Fleet Steed as the flagship and Han Peipei as acting commander—split off from the Zhu Yan and other ships, vanishing through an interstellar jump gate.
Meanwhile, within the Xuanling Empire, fleet commanders had gathered under the leadership of Xuanling's parliamentary speaker, Lu Yu. As one of the few experienced fleet commanders left, Lu Yu had reluctantly assumed this position due to the loss of many Pan-human Alliance commanders to Feng Mo's forces.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Lu Yu began, "Chief Tiger Banner has ordered us to hold the Xuanling System at all costs. Our goal is to delay the Storm Alliance Fleet for at least ten days to give our negotiation team time to secure better terms for the Pan-human Alliance. We must work together to defend this last sanctuary."
Lu Yu's words were inspiring, but he noticed the lack of confidence among the commanders. He sighed internally, knowing that the current situation was bleak for the Pan-human Alliance. The Storm Alliance's strength rivaled that of the Federation at its peak—and perhaps even surpassed it, thanks to the formidable Storm Fleet.
Lu Yu felt the weight of his responsibility, knowing that a single misstep could lead to complete defeat. If they lost the Xuanling Empire, the entire Eastern War Zone might fall. And then, where would they go?
The option to retreat to the Interstellar Beastmen territories remained, but Lu Yu doubted the Beastmen would let them retain any autonomy. Perhaps he should consider other options, such as rejoining the Storm Alliance. After all, the Eastern War Zone was entirely human-populated, and reintegrating with the Storm Alliance wouldn't be too difficult. Under Feng Mo's leadership, they might even prosper.
Of course, these were last-resort plans. With the situation not yet desperate, he focused on the present. Perhaps, with his careful preparations, he could withstand the Storm Alliance Fleet and buy enough time for a successful negotiation.
However, Lu Yu's hopes were unrealistic.