Him and their stars.

Chapter 2119: No Tactics, Just Performance Art
At the same time, near the entrance to the distant coastal star sector of the mountain and sea route, in this narrow star system known as "Jiayuguan," the atmosphere of battle had not yet completely dissipated.

Broken ship fragments and the wreckage of abandoned space stations floated slowly in the cold void, like silent tombstones in a cemetery.

However, compared to the two sides in the battle, the Imperial fleet that had already withdrawn and the newly victorious Yang fleet of the Commonwealth, these remnants were indeed pitifully few.

Beneath the bridge of the dreadnought Fuxi, Akinayama Hachiman, expressionless, adjusted his glasses and meticulously reported to the commander standing before the massive star map: "Commander Yang, the vanguard reconnaissance fleet has been located in the Luna T70 system outside the Mountain-Sea Passage, and both Imperial border outposts are deserted. Furthermore, the gravitational signal from the Sky-Patrol Eye confirms that both Titans are already moving towards Tennessee. Currently, only 150 Imperial ships remain in T72, with the battlecruiser Gombrich as the flagship."

Yang Xiyi nodded expressionlessly, his gaze sweeping over the areas marked in red on the star map before finally settling on Akinayama Hachiman's face: "So?"

"Commander Tovi asked if we could continue the pursuit. Now we actually have a local advantage, so we can take advantage of the situation and launch a counterattack," said Akinayama Hachiman.

"Didn't Brigadier General Tovey also say that if Commander Yu were here, he would definitely do that?"

"Indeed, but since it's just muttering to himself, I don't think it's worth taking seriously."

"I command the strongest fleet in the community, yet I have never dared to launch a proactive attack, and I have even stopped harassing the New World. It is understandable that everyone has some resentment."

"It's far from being resentment, just muttering to yourself." Akinayama Hachiman pushed up his glasses and repeated, "Everyone is already mentally prepared for the final battle."

In short, in the eyes of Yang Xiyi and Hachiman, a master and disciple with very open minds, it was acceptable for a brave and passionate general to occasionally grumble. Moreover, a person who is nostalgic yet bursting with energy is bound to be diligent and loyal, and as long as it doesn't affect their command authority, these are all virtues.

“That’s a trap.” Yang Xiyi said coldly with a stern face, “The trade hub in the T72 system has long been equipped with orbital cannons and large warp jammers. Once we are trapped, the main force of the Imperial fleet in the Tennessee direction will immediately launch a counterattack.”

Akinayama Hachiman nodded in understanding, but still asked with a hint of curiosity, "Is this the latest find from the intelligence department?"

Yang Xiyi shook his head, then said without hesitation, "If it were me, I would definitely do the same."

Well, that's a very convincing argument. Of course, considering that Yang's fleet currently has such a small force and must defend New China, the only independent territory for Earthlings, it's understandable that they would be cautious.

"Lieutenant Colonel Akina, once it's confirmed that the two Titans have reached the Tennessee system, have our torpedo strike group and Lightwing fighter squadron immediately deliver the goods as planned. Engineering ships, begin work immediately on the damaged fortresses and turrets. Also, please have the New Shenzhou region send the supplies up as soon as possible."

For the past six months, the Empire and Yang's fleet have been locked in a tug-of-war at the narrow pass of this mountain-sea route. Although no full-scale war has broken out, various small skirmishes have continued unabated. This has been agonizing for both warships and personnel, but the greatest losses have been in supplies.

To supply the front lines, the entire new Shenzhou was transformed into a massive arsenal, with even the daily necessities of ordinary citizens being rationed. Yang Xiyi was well aware of the sacrifices made by the people in the rear, but duty dictated that he continue to play the role of a heartless military representative.

Fortunately, because development began several years in advance, the immigrant population and industries in New China are already quite substantial, so it can probably hold on for a while longer.

perhaps……

"We can also have reconnaissance ships tow back the abandoned Imperial outposts, which can be used to reinforce the Jiayuguan defense line. These are all small outposts that can pass through the weight well." Akinayama Hachiman seemed to be making the most of waste resources and knew how to live frugally.

Yang Xiyi naturally wouldn't object. The outposts that the Empire was forced to abandon were all small, fully-equipped space stations. Although small in scale, they were complete with turrets, detectors, and terminals. As long as they were confirmed to be safe and free of traps, they could at least be deployed along the mountain and sea routes to serve as fixed artillery positions.

"In addition, please inform Bai Yujing that the Jiayuguan star system needs to replenish 1200 MK7-type artillery emplacements, and they must arrive within seven days," Yang Xiyi instructed.

"Oh well, I'm going to be the bad guy again. But isn't that what a staff officer does?" Hachiman nodded sternly, "The production capacity of the rear arsenal is absolutely not a problem, but seven days..."

You should know that the arsenal in the rear is working overtime day and night, and there is already a large group of teenagers, women and the elderly on the assembly line.

“We don’t have much time to rest. The defenses here must be rebuilt as soon as possible.” Yang Xiyi explained seriously, “Although we won some minor victories in this battle, they are not victories to boast about. Those two electors were not really driven back by us. To be precise, they deliberately pulled their feet back.”

Akinayama Hachiman's gaze behind his glasses faltered slightly: "The Empire is preserving its fighting strength."

Yang Xiyi casually drew a few trajectories on the star map, making a circle between the Luna Channel and the Mountain and Sea Channel that run through the Far Coast Star Region, and then made a strong dot on the Tennessee system.

If those two retreating emperors were here, they would be terrified. The Earthling casually moved a finger, instantly encompassing their entire defensive perimeter.

Yang Xiyi said, "The Empire's retreat was orderly and they had plenty of backup plans. Our surprise attack did catch them off guard, but it was far from crippling. They just saw the deeper changes in the situation and were unwilling to expend their precious core troops for us. Compared to the future of the entire Galactic Empire, the small New Divine Continent is really nothing."

“Direct line of troops…” Akinayama Hachiman pondered the term for a moment and suddenly felt it was strange.

This makes it sound as if the empire was a coalition of warlords composed of military leaders. In reality, this most powerful military empire in the history of civilization did indeed have local guards, feudal armies, mobilization forces, and imperial guards, but its military and political system was quite strict and highly centralized.

The Privy Council and the Grand Marshal could strip a candidate emperor of all his private troops with a single letter, demonstrating their immense control.

However, under the current circumstances, the concept of "core military force" has actually emerged.

Akinayama Hachiman pushed up his unremarkable non-prescription glasses, a mocking smile playing on his lips: "Indeed, the chosen emperors are all eyeing the Heavenly Realm, waiting for the situation to become clear. This gives them the opportunity to preserve their strength and observe the situation. Rather than suffering a crushing defeat against a tough nut like us, they certainly need to safeguard their forces."

If these vital forces could fully express their demands amidst the potential turmoil that might follow in the empire's wake, that would be for the best. A malevolent shadow swirled in Akinayama Hachiman's mind as he continued, "So, what should be the next step for this fleet? Please give your instructions. Should the entire fleet temporarily withdraw to the Shan Hai T8 star system for rest and reorganization?"

Mr. Qi, who was still working at Baiyujing, and Admiral Sylvester, who had already passed away, managed the Shanhaiguan defense line in a very organized manner back then. They did not set up the ship front-line maintenance platform and supply warehouse at the Jiayuguan Fortress at the front, but in the star system behind it.

This will at least increase the thickness and layering of this defensive line.

Since the entire waterway is in their hands, there is still a lot of space they can utilize.

Yang Xiyi pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head. His expression remained calm, but his eyes suddenly sharpened.

"No, inform the entire fleet to immediately begin resupply operations, and the soldiers should take turns resting. Once the forward reconnaissance fleet and our torpedo strike group return, we will immediately merge... and then retreat!"

Oh, so we still have to return it, right? What's with this impassioned attitude? Akinayama Hachiman couldn't help but adjust his glasses again.

"We must concentrate all available fleets and, while the Empire's defenses are not yet in place, directly cross the Luna route and maneuver towards Nantianmen."

If it were anyone else, Akinayama Hachiman would have to question their mental state, but since it was Yang Xiyi who said these words, he couldn't help but wonder if he was being superficial.

"You just said we shouldn't pursue them."

"My decision not to allow Brigadier General Tovey to lead the mobile fleet in pursuit does not mean we cannot mobilize the entire army."

"Alright, you're the commander, so whatever you say is right." Akinayama Hachiman pursed his lips, and after a moment of hesitation, he exclaimed in surprise, "So, you're planning a full-scale attack to break through King Sazamon's blockade, head straight for the outer ring to recapture Nantianmen, and then relieve Marshal Bonaparte's siege of Hanwang Fortress. If everything goes smoothly, you can also encircle the Imperial Farrell Group from both sides. If you can annihilate them in one fell swoop, then you'll have done right by your fellow countrymen."

Yang Xiyi stared in disbelief: "I thought I was already the type to have wild ideas."

“Indeed, this road would take us three months to travel day and night, by which time it would be too late.” Hachiman pondered, “Or, we could take the outer ring road, turn onto the cantilever, and go straight into Terra! Liberate Earth! This route would be much shorter. If the Imperial devils don’t intercept us, it would take less than two months.”

"...You wear glasses and try to look like a scholar, but you look even crazier than me!" Yang Xiyi asked curiously.

"Uh, sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood, which is a bit heavy right now." Akinayama Hachiman pushed up his glasses expressionlessly.

"Thank you very much, I appreciate it very much." Yang Xiyi said seriously, "As for my purpose, it is of course to maneuver on the outer lines, attract the attention of the nearby Imperial fleet, and create opportunities for our comrades."

Creating an opportunity? Akinayama Hachiman was taken aback, then realized that if there was any comrade-in-arms who could play a decisive role now, it would only be that person, right?
As he thought of this, his gaze involuntarily drifted to the star map, but not to the distant coastal war zone where he was located, but to the far-off imperial homeland shrouded in mist.

Their leader, from the 830th class of the Lunar Military Academy, is leading his comrades single-handedly into the heart of the most powerful military empire in history. Whether they succeed or not, whether they actually kill the emperor or force the empire to sign a humiliating treaty, it's already part of the legend.

However, he was not given a place for such a great feat.

Even though Akinayama Hachiman is a member of the Tiger Talisman Group of the 830th Division! He's a core member of the Lionheart Society! He hasn't even boarded the ship yet.

I regret that I cannot go with you all.

Thinking about this, the expressionless Akinayama Hachiman wanted to change his glasses into sunglasses.

Yang Xiyi, of course, noticed the look in his subordinates' eyes and said, "He has already broken through Chenxiao Fortress. It wouldn't be surprising if he invaded the Heavenly Domain at any time. Of course, the Empire will definitely block this news."

Akinayama Hachiman paused for a moment, then a look of surprise appeared on his face: "We haven't received any definite news from the Yu fleet for almost a month. We only know that they have entered Shengyuan."

This was to ensure communication security. However, the images of the large arsenals, heavy factories, and research institutes within the Shengyuan Star Sector being burned by artillery fire had already spread throughout the entire universe. The entire universe witnessed the Empire's disarray and the illustrious military exploits of that demonic dragon who traversed ten thousand light-years.

“Yes, and they were invincible, burning, killing, and looting. The Ero people's strike fleet that penetrated deep into the empire's heartland was nothing more than this.” Yang Xiyi maintained his listless, poker face, his words sounding sarcastic, yet a strange, unnatural slurred pronunciation revealed a hint of glee.
"Of course, I'm not talking about him. What Yu Lian did was more like performance art than proper tactics, and I can't help him."

Faced with his subordinates' doubts, he spread his hands and said, "If I were him, I would definitely have tried to bring that Enlightened One warship back to the New Divine Continent when I obtained it. With the performance that ancient ship could demonstrate, it could easily bypass the Empire's blockade and return to the New Divine Continent, and might even have been able to bring Eleanor and the others back. That warship itself is a super-large Enlightened One relic, and its contribution to the nation's strength is self-evident."

"Then, lie low in the new China for a while, waiting for the right time?"

"The right time will come. That's what happened with the Alliance's actions in Femor. I believe that since that guy is a born general, he'll also be a born politician. I'm quite curious about how he plans to realize his original blueprint."

Hachiman changed his form of address: "Teacher Yang, you used to worry that he would become a military dictator. So you always opposed his meddling in political power."

“But he already is. This is an objective fact, independent of human will, and even independent of his own will. Who is to blame for this? Who are the people waiting to shout ‘Long live the Emperor!’” Yang Xiyi stared intently at Akina Hachiman, watching until the other man looked away somewhat guiltily, before letting out a very heavy sigh.

Of course, he only sighed, then forced a smile and said self-deprecatingly, "Taking the fleet to retreat is the safest thing to do, okay? I'm a conservative who prioritizes safety at heart."

However, your operation of the Unity Fortress in the New World back then was anything but conservative.

As Akinayama Hachiman thought this, he said, "It's probably because he's still a proud person at heart. The rest of the fallen star systems in the community are suffering under the iron heel of the empire, but he himself is hiding in the New Divine Land. This is something he can't accept no matter what."

"What martial virtue! Do all psionicists develop this kind of martial virtue, like the protagonists in chivalric novels, once they reach a high position?"

"I don't know. After all, I'm not a psychic." Akinayama Hachiman pushed up his glasses again, the reflection in the lenses concealing an indescribable sadness.

"But, is that Yu Lian? Is that really Yu Lian's code?" Yang Xiyi shook his head slightly, his face flashing with doubt and speculation. He suddenly looked somewhat gloomy, which seemed to complement his nickname "Hell Puppet Master" even more.

However, he didn't care at all, nor did he shy away from showing this in front of Hachiman Akina.

"Hachiman! I think if the Empire truly treated the fallen star systems as exploitable colonies and satellite states, it would have withdrawn to New Shenzhou. However, it was precisely because King Suryuka adopted those policies that he was forced to choose a more risky approach. For a military genius like King Suryuka, whose ideas run wild, how could his governance measures not also be part of his strategy? It's truly fascinating!"

If it were anyone else, Akina Hachiman would have thought the other person was just daydreaming, but the other person was Yang Xiyi, one of the top three military strategists of the time, so he couldn't help but ponder it in the same way.

He remembered what Mr. Qi had once told him: some of the policies Brunhilde implemented in the occupied territories were things that the old man wanted to do but dared not do for fear of causing harm.

"I am ultimately just a useless scholar, not a ruthless politician and reformer! It's really unfair to Yu Lian to think this way. Hahaha, if we put aside our positions, Prince Su might be his best partner."

Akinayama Hachiman shuddered, realizing that if he continued thinking like this, it would be terrifying.

"Sir, let's go back to where we started. If the comrade you mentioned isn't Commander Yu, then who is he?"

“They should be here. According to the prior agreement, they will appear if we can force the enemy fleet to retreat from Jiayuguan Pass.”

Well, military decision-making can be done in a secret room, huh? Just as Akinayama Hachiman was about to express his dissatisfaction, a report from the ship's communications department arrived.

"It's a communication request from the Nebula Public Network." The communications officer reported, his voice carrying a feigned calmness that came from a shattered worldview.

"Not a military-grade emergency encrypted frequency band?" Hachiman asked in surprise.

The communications officer shook his head: "It did originate from the shared network, but we can't pinpoint its location, and the communication codes are all garbled; it seems more like a hacking attempt. But..."

The other party sent a communication request, which is like a hacker entering your home terminal and then saying hello, and it's even quite polite.

"Let them in," Yang Xiyi interjected.

The connected signal projected the silhouette of a humanoid woman. As the image gradually cleared, her face revealed a non-human, near-perfect beauty, but its lack of expression and emotion made it seem entirely artificial. Her pupils, purely compound eye structures, refracted a cold, inorganic luster, more like the gaze of an insect, thus further enhancing her artificiality.

So, this woman, who is clearly a goddess-like beauty, somehow inexplicably seems a bit like the uncanny valley.

It stood on the screen, paused for a few seconds, blinked its shell-like eyelids, raised its hand in salute, and said in a flat, monotone voice: "Lord 1234 reporting to you. General Yang, I salute you and report to you on behalf of my lord's will."

(End of this chapter)