Him and their stars.

Chapter 2214 The Calm in the Old District of Lumina

“This is the longest we’ve been out of contact.” Fei Fei’s voice was slightly distorted, but Yu Lian could still hear a hint of excitement in her tone: “If it had gone any longer, everyone might have had to use the Silent Ship to rush back to the Heavenly Realm to rescue you. I wouldn’t have been able to help you then.”

"Then I will be disappointed. We are all soldiers of the community, and the Silent Ship is also the property of the community. How can we put public interests aside for private reasons?"

“Oh ho, you know no one will admit it, not even the soldiers on the Silent Ship.” Fei Fei smiled. “However, I told them that the Commander is invincible now. Since he was able to escape from the capital, he can naturally return safely to his loyal soldiers.”

"Indeed. The Milky Way is merely my smooth path."

Yu Lian looked proudly out the porthole, where the eternal chaotic halo of the Abyss Nebula slowly swirled in the void.

"Then come back soon. Your loyal comrades miss you very much, and I, who love you deeply, miss you even more." Fei Fei's voice, separated by the communication delay of stars and light-years, carried a peculiar pause, yet also an even more enchanting atmosphere.

Yu Lian was deeply moved, wishing he could teleport to the other side in an instant. He thought of the long holiday he had spent in the capital, and theoretically, logically, and emotionally, he couldn't really say he had treated Fei Fei particularly well.

Perhaps it is precisely because of this that I feel even more guilty towards her.

Yu Lian's words were interrupted by a slight noise from the other end. Fei Fei clearly noticed this as well; she subtly adjusted her posture, her expression quickly becoming composed.

"Alright, to make a long story short, we've made a round trip and are now on the open shore. Another light cruiser and a destroyer in the fleet were destroyed while crossing the abyss, but thanks to timely preparations, there were no casualties." Her voice was clear and steady.

"The distant shore? It went very smoothly." Yu Lian was a little jealous. Fei Fei and her large fleet broke through the encirclement and even ambushed the enemy twice along the way, but it really was a smooth journey.

In comparison, I seem to be facing many hardships all by myself, perhaps it is a great responsibility that Heaven is bestowing upon me?
"We crossed the abyss and entered the Cloud Tower Star Sector as planned, but we did not encounter the expected main force of the Imperial Army to intercept us."

"Is it even more lively over there in Fei Mo?" Yu Lian roughly guessed what was going on.

Feifei smiled and said, "We intercepted communications from the Femor side on the border of the Empire in the Cloud Tower Sector. It wasn't just the Empire's military channels; the Alliance also made an appearance."

Well, before the Enlightened One's terminal computing power, all beings are indeed equal!

Yu Lian glanced at Little Gray, and then saw the robot girl proudly puff out her chest again. Although this was actually all thanks to the Silent Ship, considering that Little Gray had completely merged with the warship, she did have the right to be proud.

"More than ten small-scale military clashes have broken out on the Femor side. The intensity is not high, but the friction is constant. And the latest news is that the Regent's Spear has indeed left Wanwang Pass and arrived at Eliburg."

After gaining control of Femor, the Empire not only designated administrative regions and fiefdoms for new frontier lords, but also began actively building its control core in that star system. This space fortress, named "Elisell Fortress" throughout, is one such example. Its construction scale is, of course, on par with Skyhold Fortresses. Currently, only one-third is completed, but it is already capable of performing most military missions.

However, before the completion of Sky Tower, named after the emperor, the emperor himself had already passed away. One wonders if the builders and the garrison felt any hardship.

Of course, that's not the main point. The main point is that the Skyhold Fortress, which is only one-third complete, can now actually serve as an forward support base for the Colossi.

The Colossus... if they had shown this resolve a year ago, the situation would be different. Yu Lian tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his seat: "What about the Alliance?"

"You mean Miss Yulian?" Feifei chuckled. "The Alliance's colossus weapons have already arrived in Canchuan. However, their representatives at the Galactic Civilization Council are still urging the Empire to exercise restraint and demanding that the Empire retreat to Wanwang Pass. The fate of the so-called Femo Starfield is to be decided by the people of Femo."

"Sounds like a well-planned tactic." Yu Lian curled his lip.

"And what about the community?" Yu Lian asked again.

"On June 3rd, Jessica delivered a speech at the Galactic Civilization Council, demanding that the Empire withdraw from the original territory of the Community. However, most participating countries only expressed moral support and sympathy. Some even advised her to accept reality," Feifei said.

When this conference was held, I was probably still isolated in the Abyss Nebula, so I didn't receive any news about it.

"What about the alliance? They haven't helped at all?" Yu Lian asked.

"They helped us. Getting Jessica to speak at the Galactic Civilization Council is the result of the Alliance's efforts. They also said that the leadership position in the Community should be held by the exiled government she represents."

"..." It's still a very routine operation, but its destructive power is actually quite high.

"But does the government-in-exile truly represent a community? Does the community even exist anymore? These most sensitive questions have been avoided."

Feifei nodded and continued as Yu Lian pondered, "Since we didn't encounter a large-scale Imperial fleet, we followed the route we came from, crossed the Cloud Tower Star Sector, and entered the territory of the Bakvi Republic. Since our supplies were running out, we simply attacked the Bakvi's winged armor system. Now we won't lack ammunition or food and water."

"...Poor Bakwi, how many times has this happened?"

Fifi continued her detailed report: "In addition, we also raided an Imperial escort fleet. To be precise, it was a combined fleet consisting of a small number of Imperial cruisers and most of the Embryo warships, but unfortunately it was thrown into disarray after taking a few long-range artillery shots. We destroyed all of their troop transports and cargo ships."

"Another Enbu? How many times has this happened now?"

Feifei shrugged: "At the conference on June 3rd, the Empire used these two battles to criticize Sister Jessica. They pointed out that Earthlings have chosen to continue the war. Earthlings have chosen to turn their backs on peace."

"Ignore it." Yu Lian sneered, "Since the Empire has gone so far as to engage in a war of words with the Civilization Council, it means they are even less willing to continue fighting."

"And what about you, sir? Do you want to continue fighting?" Fei Fei asked.

The image, visible from light-years away, makes Fei Fei's expression and eyes appear less clear, but they remain bright and sharp.

Yu Lian pretended not to see it and did not answer the question.

Where are you now?

"We have already crossed the territory of the Republic of Bakvi. Currently, we are only 24 hours away from the Far Shore Nebula. The nearest enemy ship is more than two days' journey away. So far, we have managed to avoid any major incidents."

Indeed. Although it is only a small fleet of more than thirty ships, as long as the Silent One is there, unless it encounters a large mobile strike fleet with a total strength of three or four times that of the fleet and a capital ship as the core of its operations, there is really no danger.

"In addition, we have also made contact with Lumina."

"Lumina." Yu Lian's spirits lifted.

This small planet on the edge of the Far Coast sector might be important to Yu Lian, but not so much to the Galactic Empire, which had conquered almost all communities.

Even in the capital, I didn't get much information on this. I only knew that the empire treated my "old territory" relatively well and didn't do anything like the traditional anthropomorphic operations.

Actions such as preparing to bombard residential areas with positron cannons and thermonuclear warheads on the other side of the cantilever became virtually impossible after the establishment of the Terra Military Governorate, which took over the military and political affairs of the entire occupied territory of the Community.

That said, Pudding has already arrived in the capital and resigned. Will she continue to serve as the new Grand Commander? Shouldn't there be a representative?
Feifei confirmed Yu Lian's guess: "The Empire has given Lumina a considerable degree of appeasement. Not only has it not violated any laws, but it has also helped the Red Maple Factory resume production. All the managers and workers have been retained, and even the factory director and several key technical personnel who remained were awarded medals."

The Empire's medals are highly prestigious; they genuinely grant tax exemptions and subsidies. "Furthermore, all products are purchased at face value, without even taxes. To be precise, the Empire has granted the entire planet Lumina a ten-year water-free policy. They also plan to invest 1 billion gold dragons within five years for infrastructure development, establishing new academies and hospitals."

I knew it.

“She learns very quickly. Besides, this trick isn’t hard to learn if you have money.” Fifi continued, “The empire’s administration even tacitly allowed the Lumina people to elect a planetary council and establish a planetary security force.”

"The condition is that the Luminars explicitly acknowledge the Empire's rule over the planet?"

"There is also the oath of allegiance to Brunhilde personally. It's the same principle as the ancient Mea's oath of allegiance to Emperor Elisel."

What are they planning to do?

“Planet Lumina has indeed restored basic security, and the Red Maple Factory has indeed resumed production.” Fei Fei’s tone carried a hint of inquiry.

Yu Lian smiled with relief: "This is a good thing! I was more worried that they would go and fight the Imperials head-on."

"However, the resistance forces had already been formed long ago. And during the time we were penetrating deep into the Empire's territory, they actually fought several battles with the Imperial garrison."

Yu Lian's heart tightened immediately.

"However, after you killed the emperor, they went into hiding and are now hiding in the mountains, but they have maintained contact with Fengcheng. They are the ones who have been in contact with us."

Yu Lian immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

“I hope they can lie low for now and wait for the future. They didn’t object.”

Very good. Yu Lian now believes that although the Lumina people are few in number, they may be the most intelligent and combative race in the universe.

In short, after a brief communication with Lumina, the members of the Silent Fleet discussed the matter and decided that it was not advisable to head directly to Lumina at this time. Since the fleet's supplies were sufficient and morale was high, they decided to enter Earl I's Corridor from the Far Coast Nebula and then take a detour directly towards the Mountain and Sea Route.

"We will try to break through the Imperial Army's blockade and then head to New Shenzhou to rendezvous with Yang's fleet."

Yu Lian nodded slightly. This was the only base still under the control of the Earthlings, and of course, it was also their only target for breaking through.

However, considering that King Shazam and King Soreen's fleets are maintaining a blockade of the mountain and sea routes, it's not that simple... no, it might be simpler than it seems.

Sure enough, Feifei changed the subject: "However, the size of the Imperial fleet that recently blocked the mountain and sea routes has been reduced to about half of what it used to be. Only the Xiaolong Titan remains at Jiayuguan. That was King Sorein's flagship."

"King Sorein is indeed a young man!" Yu Lian couldn't help but exclaim.

“Because he is young, he has a passionate and innocent heart, and he puts his sense of responsibility above his personal power. However, he is still an electoral emperor after all.” Fei Fei smiled and said, “Fortunately, the even younger King Slein is still with me now.”

Yu Lian patted his forehead.

If Feifei hadn't reminded him, he would have completely forgotten about this captive lady.

"She has already said that she will definitely persuade her brother to make the right decision at the crucial moment. And we will cooperate with Yang's fleet to prepare a thorough breakout plan," Fei Fei said with a smile.

It's obvious. They've already made contact with Yang Xiyi, and this joint operation—if it really does turn into a fierce battle—will definitely be led by Yang Xiyi.

Yu Lian immediately felt much more at ease.

"Then, may you have a safe journey, and see you in the new China."

"Yes, goodbye to the new Shenzhou, but don't be reckless."

Having not seen each other for a while, they really wanted to spend more time together, but communication was still limited, so there was no need to dawdle.

The blurry communication screen went dark, and the bridge was once again filled with the nebula's dim light and the deep roar of the engines.

Yu Lian took a moment to process the information he had just received, and then heard the voice of the vice-captain, Xiao Hui: "So, it's still the original plan?"

“...Yes, that was the original plan. At least we should get out of the abyss first.” Yu Lian pondered for a moment, “Then, I really want to go to Femo’s place to observe and learn a thing or two.”

This is a standoff between colossus weapons, which may have a series of consequences for the future empire.

As for Xin Shenzhou, Feifei and Teacher Yang should be able to handle it, so it doesn't matter much whether I'm there or not for now.

Chief Engineer Xiao Hui blinked once, and said in his usual flat tone, "I don't recommend this approach."

The Grey Panda has reached its limit in its complex navigation through the Abyss Nebula; continuing its voyage would place irreversible strain on the hull, rendering it beyond repair.

I never even considered sending it back for repairs. It's just a utility boat, after all.

"The possibility of a temporary dissolution cannot be ruled out," she added.

Weapon Chief Xiao Hui said, "The ship's maneuverability, protection, and firepower are all very weak, and its survival rate in high-conflict star systems is below the red line."

Yu Lian admitted that what they said made sense. However, on the other hand, it seemed like there were more and more functional little gray creatures on this ship.

As he was weighing his options, the lookout, Xiao Hui, suddenly announced in a monotone voice: "Warning! An abnormal mass reaction has been detected at the edge of the gravity well ahead! The scale... is enormous!"

Yu Lian raised an eyebrow, and Xiao Hui, the lookout, helped him bring up the main sensor interface.

What met his eyes was a long string of confusing characters. Yu Lian could tell that this was actually a large-scale gravitational fluctuation in the galaxy.

A large number of "uninvited guests" are preparing to jump over, right over the gravity well passage that the Grey Panda is scheduled to use.

Yu Lian's spiritual senses probed the distant starry sky, and he could clearly see that the edge of the originally relatively empty nebula in front of him seemed to be stirred by an invisible hand, creating a heart-palpitating fluctuation.

Countless crystalline objects of varying sizes, shimmering with a faint light, emerged from the ripples in the void.

(End of this chapter)