I built an armada.

Chapter 967 The Situation on Blue Star Changes Dramatically; the Dragon Summer Tribe is Destined to Rise
Almost simultaneously with the release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' announcement, Zhou Qinglei, far across the ocean, received the final instructions.

He stood on the flagship's bridge, his gaze sweeping over the steel mighty army before him. He picked up the communicator, his voice steady and powerful, echoing throughout the entire fleet:

"Attention, all ships! This is Commander Zhou Qinglei!"

"Following orders from above!"

"Target: the Europa Sea Area!"

"All troops—move out!"

Woo——!
The long, drawn-out whistle echoed across the vast sea as sixteen massive steel ships adjusted their course, cleaving through the deep blue waters. Carrying the nation's will, the expectations of their compatriots, and the world's attention, they sailed majestically toward the distant west, breaking through the waves!
A journey home across the ocean has officially begun.

The latest announcement from the Longxia Tribe's Foreign Affairs Department is significantly longer than before, naturally increasing the word count, but also making it more attractive.

Of course, this also implies that the more words there are, the less important the matter is!

This can be considered a groundbreaking move, allowing the world to once again recognize the flexibility of this ancient country.

The lengthy announcement contained only three main points.

First, the Longxia tribe has reached a final talent exchange and cooperation agreement with European countries.

Second, Longxia students and highly skilled professionals who are currently staying in various countries will no longer be subject to any restrictions; they are free to return home or stay.

Fourth, our navy will conduct a friendly visit to countries in the European maritime region for fourteen days!
In the halls of power of the nations of Earth, diplomatic notes and internal assessment reports flew by like snowflakes.

High-ranking officials from various countries circulated the latest intelligence from the European seas, their faces filled with complex emotions.

There was shock, realization, an indescribable envy, and even a touch of bitterness.

"Gentlemen, take a look."

In the council chamber of an ancient kingdom in the Middle Continent, an elderly man with gray hair gently placed a document on the table, his voice carrying the vicissitudes of time, "The Longxia tribe has once again proven that ancient and cruel truth with its actions: between nations, there has never been eternal friendship or enmity, only eternal interests."

"And the scales of interests always tip in favor of the nation with the strongest power."

Another, younger diplomat chimed in, his tone tinged with admiration: "When Longxia was weaker, did those old-established European powers ever even give it a second glance?"

"Technological blockades, talent retention, maritime disputes... all sorts of difficulties kept emerging. But what about now?"

"The Longxia naval fleet is about to make a friendly visit, their top scholars who want to return home will no longer face any obstacles, and various cooperation agreements are proceeding more smoothly than expected. This contrast is simply a vivid lesson in international relations."

A low murmur of agreement rippled through the conference room.

"Yes, the Longxia Navy has become powerful, forcing those European countries to re-align themselves."

"In the end, Earth is still the same Earth. It's a dog-eat-dog world where interests come first. There are no absolute enemies, nor are there permanent friends."

"Interests are the eternal theme in international relations."

They clearly recognized that when their national strength was insufficient, they seemed to be surrounded by countless potential enemies, and every step they took was like walking on thin ice.

Once a nation's power grows as strong as the rising sun, its former rivals will put on a friendly face and eagerly extend olive branches.

The principle of "the strong are respected and the weak are bullied" that the Longxia tribe demonstrated during its rise to power, though seemingly cold, was incredibly real. While they sighed, they couldn't help but secretly admire the Longxia tribe's ability to seize opportunities and rapidly enhance its national strength.

Another representative from a resource-rich country in the Southern Hemisphere sighed deeply, his gaze drifting out the window as if he could see across the ocean the smiling faces of European countries toward Longxia.

“I’m so envious…”

He glanced at the crowd and said with a sigh, "Look at how quickly and thoroughly the attitudes of those countries in the European maritime region have changed."

"They weren't like this before. But what can we do?"

"Even with our best efforts, the pace of development in our country is far behind the iteration of Europe itself, let alone the miracle of Longxia."

"Without equal strength, it's difficult to gain their heartfelt respect. We can only envy this 'changing face' treatment right now."

While the leaders of the various nations of Blue Star were experiencing mixed feelings, the vast Dragon Xia tribe was in a state of jubilation.

Especially on the well-known "Iron-Blooded Military Forum", the popularity soared to unprecedented levels, and the server was on the verge of reaching its capacity limit several times.

Every post about the Europa League, the return of talent, and naval movements quickly garners tens of thousands of replies.

"Great news! Incredible good news!"

A post highlighted in red and pinned to the top had an exceptionally eye-catching title: "Professor Li's team of top scientists, who were stranded in Europe, have been confirmed to be on a special plane back to China! All obstacles have been cleared!"

"A cause for universal celebration!"

"I knew the country would not abandon any compatriot who wants to go home!"

"Those petty scoundrels wanted to obstruct us before? After our naval fleet flexed its muscles and conducted a series of 'friendly' displays and consultations, you see, the problem was easily solved?"

"That felt so good! So satisfying!"

"This fully demonstrates that dignity lies only on the edge of a sword, and truth lies only within the range of cannons! Without a strong national defense and an army that dares to unsheathe its sword, how can there be equal dialogue at the negotiating table?"

"We must recognize and applaud the efforts and determination our country has shown in bringing our compatriots back!"

The forum was filled with pride and excitement. More and more people joined the discussion, sharing news from different sources and their own insights.

"The sense of national pride and patriotism has truly reached its peak at this moment!"

"Seeing our motherland so strong and so resilient, we, the people of Longxia, stand even taller! 'Longxia Prosperity' is no longer just a slogan; it is becoming the focus of world attention and the common source of confidence for all of us in Longxia!"

"That's right, 'Dragon Xia Prosperity' will be one of the most central narratives of Earth for the next few decades!"

"We have come from humble beginnings, weathered storms, and finally seen the rainbow."

"All of this transformation stems from our own strength. We are proud of our country and proud of our nation!"

The envy of the nations of Earth did not remain at the emotional level; it quickly transformed into a more rational analysis.

Their think tank and military advisors began to delve into the trajectory of the Longxia tribe's rise, especially its leapfrog development in the military field, particularly in the navy.

Detailed battle reports and maps showing the control of the sea area were laid out on the table.

In the dramatic standoff in the eastern waters, the Longxia Navy, through precise tactical maneuvering and powerful area denial capabilities, successfully repelled an aircraft carrier battle group from a certain extra-regional power. In the southern waters, through large-scale live-fire exercises and forward deployments, they effectively deterred neighboring adversaries and consolidated the islands and rights that have belonged to Longxia since ancient times.

These remarkable military achievements are no longer vague legends, but the most direct and hard-hitting evidence of the rise of the Longxia tribe's national strength.

"Gentlemen, we must face reality."

During an internal meeting, a senior naval commander from the Western Continent pointed to a map and said in a somber tone, "The strength of the Dragon Xia Navy was not achieved overnight."

"They have a clear strategic plan, continuous and huge investments, and... a determination and execution that is hard to replicate."

“Look at their actions in the East and South China Seas. Every step they take is at a crucial juncture, and every victory greatly enhances their strategic deterrence and international prestige.”

He paused, looked around at everyone present, and continued, "If the countries of the European Sea cannot fundamentally rethink their actions and deeply reflect on their own security dependence and development model, it is almost a pipe dream to try to replicate the miracle of the Dragon Summer Tribe."

"Their internal coordination mechanisms, the speed of their military modernization, and their strategic composure in the face of great power rivalry are all far inferior to those of Longxia."

There was silence in the conference room.

Everyone understood that although the old general's words were harsh, they were the truth.

The rise of Longxia was a result of a combination of factors, including its unique historical and cultural heritage, strong centralized power, massive industrial system, and seizing the opportunities presented by the technological revolution. Its model is highly unique and difficult to imitate.

"Since it cannot be copied."

After a long silence, an economic affairs official broke the silence and proposed a pragmatic approach: "Could we consider a 'roundabout' strategy? Directly importing mature military equipment from Longxia to rapidly enhance our defense capabilities?"

This proposal immediately aroused widespread interest.

Soon, the focus shifted to the Type 052C guided-missile destroyer, which the Longxia tribe was so proud of, and its advanced frigates.

"Based on the intelligence and analysis we have."

Military advisors retrieved relevant data, stating that "Longxia's Type 052C destroyer, with its powerful area air defense capabilities, multi-functional phased array radar, and excellent versatility, is widely recognized as one of the world's top destroyers."

"With it at its core, and a conventional fleet composed of several advanced frigates, its comprehensive combat capability, especially its air defense and anti-ship capabilities, is by no means inferior to the ordinary aircraft carrier fleets possessed by some small and medium-sized countries."

"more importantly."

He took a deep breath and added, "These ships are the mainstay models currently in service with Longxia, and their technical condition is at its peak. They are far more advanced than the second-hand warships that we have purchased from other countries that are about to be decommissioned or have reduced performance."

"If we can successfully introduce it, it will greatly shorten the generation gap between us and advanced naval nations."

This assessment result greatly impressed the senior executives present.

After intense discussions and weighing the pros and cons, an important decision was made.

Immediately assemble a high-level military procurement delegation to secretly travel to the Longxia tribe to make initial contact and negotiate the purchase of several Type 052C destroyers and related frigates.

This is seen as a "shortcut" to rapidly enhance a country's naval strength and seek self-preservation or even a breakthrough in a complex international landscape.

Just as the aftermath of the agreement between Longxia and Europa was still lingering, and the nations of Blue Star were secretly plotting a "roundabout way to save their countries," another silent contest was unfolding to the east of the Longxia tribe.

The massive fleet, consisting of three combat groups including missile destroyers, frigates, and replenishment ships, was commanded by the distinguished Captain Chen and others.

After completing the planned long-range training mission, they arrived at the relevant sea area near the Eastern Wilderness Tribe, as scheduled.

The fleet came to a steady stop about 30 kilometers from the boundary of the "territory" claimed by the Eastern Wilderness tribes, and deployed in a guard formation.

The weather was fine and visibility was extremely high.

On a high ground near the sea in the southwest of the Donghuang tribe, some daring fishermen or local residents can even vaguely see with the naked eye the rows of majestic gray ships on the distant horizon.

They stood there silently, without crossing any boundaries, yet they exuded an invisible, suffocating sense of oppression.

"Look...do you see them? Those...are Longxia's warships?" A young man put down his binoculars, his voice trembling slightly.

The older companion beside him nodded solemnly without saying a word.

That silence itself conveyed a sense of unease.

In contrast to the slightly panicked wait-and-see attitude among the common people, the atmosphere inside the southwestern military command center of the Eastern Wilderness tribe was as heavy as if frozen.

On the huge radar screen, every dot of light of the Longxia naval fleet was clearly displayed.

They stopped moving, remaining fixed in that sensitive location thirty kilometers away, like a sharp sword hanging over the throat, ready to strike but utterly intimidating.

General Murashita Hayaki, the director of the command center, gripped the control panel tightly with both hands, his knuckles turning white from the force.

He stared intently at the screen, his lips pressed into a hard line, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He has been holding this position for almost ten minutes.

Finally, as if he had exhausted all his strength, his shoulders slumped down, and he let out a heavy sigh that seemed to come from the depths of his chest.

"Ugh……"

That sigh contained so much helplessness, frustration, and a hint of barely perceptible fear.

As a professional soldier, he was all too aware of the strength of the Dragon Summer Fleet before him.

Those are not just a few advanced warships; they represent a thriving and powerful nation, a modern navy that has been tested in actual combat and is in high spirits.

Their choice to stop at this distance is not only a manifestation of compliance with international rules, but also a precise and confident strategic deterrence.

I'm right outside your door, and I'm exercising restraint, but you should also be aware of the consequences of crossing the line.

Murashita Hayaki recalled the notification he had received earlier regarding the agreement reached between Longxia and Europa and the successful return of talent to their home countries.

All of these things are connected, outlining a clear picture.

With unprecedented confidence and strength, the Longxia Tribe is expanding its global reach, reclaiming its rights and expanding its influence.

The victories in the eastern and southern seas were not accidental, but rather an inevitable result of this projection of power.

At the same time, this is also a benefit brought about by the rapid development of the Longxia Navy in recent years, which is now a powerful force that the Eastern Wilderness tribes cannot contend with.

(End of this chapter)