I built an armada.

The statement from the Lassi tribe, a nation with one of the world's largest merchant fleets and a strategic location controlling a vital passage in the Mediterranean, carries significant meaning.

This was not a direct verbal show of support, but rather a commercial act that provided Longxia with the transportation capacity it desperately needed. It offered Longxia substantial assistance while leaving room for maneuver for itself, demonstrating a sophisticated and skillful approach.

"And oil-rich countries!"

Zhang Zhaoxin continued his report, "Their statement was more direct. Their sovereign wealth fund-controlled shipping company said it could 'immediately mobilize' two luxury cruise ships that were cruising in the Red Sea region to the designated area."

"The 'free assistance in transporting our distinguished friends from Longxia' is a 'natural manifestation' of the deep friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries."

"in addition."

Zhang Zhaoxin flipped through the telegrams. "There are also some countries with relations with us that are either good or bad, which have also sent messages through various means."

"For example, a South American country that has close trade ties with us in agricultural products said that its state-owned shipping company has ships that can 'join the fleet along the way'."

“A Southeast Asian country with which we have frequent economic ties has also hinted that its domestic private shipping companies are willing to provide assistance, as long as the ‘procedures are compliant’…”

Some of the countries on this list are traditional friendly nations of Longxia, some are partners whose military trade and energy cooperation have warmed up in recent years, and some are even countries that had some friction with Longxia in the past but have now chosen to lend a helping hand.

Their motivations may vary – some aim to deepen strategic cooperation, some are attracted by Longxia's huge market and development potential, and some may be betting on future regional developments in advance.

But in any case, their statement at this critical moment is undoubtedly a timely and much-needed relief.

As Liu Huaming, Xu Dongguo, Qian Wenbing, and others looked at the names of various countries on the telegram, the gloom on their faces vanished, replaced by an expression that mixed feelings of relief, excitement, and deep thought.

"That's wonderful! This is a real lifesaver!" Xiao Chongjun couldn't help but say.

"It seems that our navy's display of power this time was quite effective! These countries see that we are on the rise and have a promising future!" Qian Wenbing analyzed with a hint of pride.

Liu Huaming nodded slowly, his gaze profound: "It's not just about being in the limelight. It shows that we are not without friends on Earth, and not all countries are willing to live under that old order forever."

"The fact that these countries dared to express their views in this way at this time shows that their desire to establish friendship is sincere and well-considered."

"If we can seize this opportunity, we can not only solve the current problems, but also deepen mutual trust and cooperation with these countries..."

Xu Dongguo continued, his tone tinged with emotion: "Yes, those who act justly gain much support, while those who act unjustly find little. By upholding national unity and bringing back our compatriots, we stand on the moral high ground."

"In addition, the improvement of our own military strength has created sufficient deterrence and attraction, which will make these countries weigh the pros and cons and be willing to take certain risks for our future."

"Old Xu is right."

Liu Huaming agreed, saying, "The fundamental reason is that we have become stronger. If we were still the poor and weak country we were decades ago, who would risk helping us at this time?"

"Personal strength is the cornerstone of earning respect and friendship."

An even grander picture emerged in his mind.

If handled properly, this incident could serve as an opportunity to strengthen all-round cooperation with these countries that dare to stand up at critical moments.

In the future, it may indeed be possible for an "Eastern Alliance" or "emerging power cooperation network" to gradually form on Earth, with Longxia at its core and spanning different regions, thereby truly changing the international landscape that has been dominated by the West for hundreds of years.

"Recruit new members!"

Without further hesitation, Liu Huaming immediately issued an order: "Contact Ambassador Chen immediately, in the joint name of the Navy Headquarters and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ask him to take full responsibility for communication and coordination with these countries that have expressed their views!"

"We must determine the number, type, and location of available vessels as quickly as possible, finalize the leasing or cooperation details, and plan the rendezvous route and timetable!"

"We must be efficient, but we must also pay attention to the methods and approaches, fully respect the other party, and safeguard this hard-won international goodwill!"

"Yes!" Zhang Zhaoxin stood at attention and accepted the order.

"at the same time."

Liu Huaming continued, "Immediately inform Zhou Qinglei and Ambassador Zhao of this news, tell them that a solution has been found at home, and reassure them!"

"The fleet is carrying out its visit activities steadily as planned, while making preparations for receiving compatriots and subsequent mixed formation voyages."

"If we're going to bring them back, we must bring back every compatriot who wants to go home, without exception, and safely! And we must bring them back in a dignified and honorable manner!"

The order was passed down quickly.

A powerful mobilization and organizational force began to operate within Longxia and among related countries.

The logistical gloom that had been hanging over the Longxia naval expeditionary fleet began to dissipate rapidly thanks to these timely assistance efforts from all directions.

A crisis triggered by Western provocations is evolving into a grand operation showcasing Longxia International's appeal and organizational capabilities.

Under the blue sky, the balance of power and the shifts in people's hearts are undergoing profound changes.

Just as the top brass of the Longxia Navy and the diplomatic system were working intensively to coordinate international assistance and resolve the crisis, thousands of miles away in Longxia, the astute civilian forces had already noticed the subtle shift in the wind.

The "Iron-Blooded Military Forum," especially known for its well-informed and in-depth analysis, has already been in an uproar due to the intelligence gathered from various external online channels, including live broadcasts by overseas students, sporadic reports from foreign media, and information obtained by some "wall-climbing" (using VPNs).

Initially, netizens were immersed in the joy and pride of the naval fleet arriving in Britain and their compatriots soon returning home. But soon, some discordant pieces of information began to emerge.

"Something's not right, guys! I've been reading local British news and social media, and it seems like there are way too many people heading to the port to try and catch a ship back home!" A post sparked widespread attention.

"It's not just Britain! My classmates in the Hans tribe also said that their officials are hinting at or even encouraging the Dragon Xia descendants to return, and many people are now tempted!"

"The Gallic tribes are the same way! This is definitely not a coincidence!"

"Wasn't it supposed to be mainly for high-level talents like Lu Xiangdong and Ma Jiancheng? Why does it look like a mass migration now?" Netizens quickly grasped the core of the problem—the number of people!
And behind this is clearly a coordinated "encouragement" policy among European countries.

"Holy crap! I did the math, and we're only going with one fleet, mainly destroyers and frigates. At most, how many extra people can we carry? A thousand at most, right? But Britain looks like they're going to send tens of thousands! How are we going to fit them all?"

"This is clearly a trap! A deliberate scheme! It's forcing us to either break our promise and refuse some of our compatriots, or to operate our warships beyond their capacity, severely impacting our combat readiness and the morale of our officers and soldiers!"

"That's not all! Among so many people, there's a mixed bag. What if a few foreign spies slip in and take advantage of boarding the ship to observe closely or even secretly install something? What will become of the secrecy of our warship?"

"The nations must have reached a consensus to join forces and make things difficult for us!"

"Damn imperialist powers, this is a huge problem!"

The forum was filled with anxiety and indignation. Some condemned the despicable methods used by European countries, some worried about the hardships faced by naval personnel, and others were pessimistic about the solutions.

"Calling on everyone to show magnanimity and let highly skilled personnel and those who urgently need to return home go first? That's unrealistic. Who doesn't want to go home as soon as possible? Besides, that plays right into their hands; they'll immediately stir up trouble about our internal conflicts!"

"Hoping for help from so-called 'international friends'? Don't be naive! Who would dare risk offending the entire European continent to help us at this time? That's just how realistic international politics is!"

"Is this open conspiracy really unbreakable? It's so frustrating to see our naval heroes being troubled by such underhanded tactics!"

For a time, the forum was shrouded in a sense of anxiety and helplessness.

Many believe that the Longxia Navy is likely to face an extremely difficult problem this time, one that could even damage its reputation.

However, just as this pessimistic view was gaining the upper hand, some new information from official and unofficial channels, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, once again stirred up a huge wave on the forum!

"Quickly check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website! There's also international shipping news! My goodness! Several large shipping companies from the Laxi tribe have announced that they will dispatch multiple large ferries and cruise ships to a designated sea area to 'meet' with our naval fleet and jointly head to the Dongzhou sea area!"

"Not just Lassie! The royal fund of the rich oil tribe has chartered two top-of-the-line luxury cruise ships for a 'friendly visit,' with the destination also being Dongzhou!"

"And the Tesha tribe too! They've also dispatched ships!"

"I counted, and there are at least a dozen countries that have made public reports or leaked information privately! Some of them helped us evacuate our citizens before, some have bought our aircraft carriers, and even a few small island nations that don't usually have much of a presence have expressed their support!"

Initially, netizens could hardly believe their eyes, thinking it was all fake.

"Really? More than a dozen countries helping at the same time?"

"Am I dreaming? These countries...aren't they afraid of European retaliation?"

"This...this is absolutely divine assistance!"

After a brief moment of shock came an exhilarating surge of excitement and pride, like a volcanic eruption!

"Hahahaha! Open schemes? In the face of absolute strength and morality, all schemes and plots are just paper tigers!"

"Those who act justly will find many supporters, while those who act unjustly will find few! The ancients were right! We stand on the side of reason and it is only right and proper for us to welcome our compatriots home!"

"Let's see who dares to say we have no friends in the world from now on! This is a matter of public sentiment!"

"The impasse has been broken! Europa's little schemes have been crushed by us and our friends!"

"Brothers, I have a bold theory! Do you think that in the future, a new military alliance or security cooperation system will emerge on Earth, with our Longxia as its leader?"

The atmosphere at the forum instantly soared from its lowest point to its peak, filled with boundless anticipation and hope for the future.

The Longxia Navy not only proved itself with its military might, but also demonstrated its growing international appeal and soft power through this unexpected "international aid show".

In stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere within Longxia, the office of the Eastern Wilderness Tribe's cabinet chief grew increasingly gloomy.

He was secretly pleased to learn that the Longxia Navy was in trouble with "overstaffing," and even felt a morbid sense of satisfaction.

"Hmph, no matter how advanced your warships are, they'll still be bogged down by these trivial matters. Europa's move may be underhanded, but it's certainly lethal and enough to give Longxia a run for its money."

He seemed to see a glimmer of hope, hoping that Long Xia would be embarrassed as a result, which would slightly alleviate his sense of defeat.

However, when he saw the urgent message from the intelligence department about more than a dozen countries openly or semi-openly supporting Longxia and providing ships to assist in the evacuation, the slight pleasure on his face instantly froze, then twisted, and finally turned into extreme shock and uncontrollable anger!
"Baka! How is this possible?!"

He sprang up from his chair, grabbed the intelligence report, and stared wide-eyed as if trying to confirm that every single word was fake. "These countries... have they gone mad?! For the sake of Longxia, they dare to offend Britain, Gaul, and Hans at the same time?!"

Involuntarily, he recalled how, after the defeat of the Eastern Wilderness Navy, those "friendly nations" who had once called him brothers quickly changed their tune, distanced themselves, and secretly contacted Long Xia.

The humiliation of being abandoned and betrayed surged back into his heart, forming an extremely glaring contrast with the scene of Long Xia receiving so much help.

In his rage, he could no longer control his emotions. He gripped the intelligence report tightly with both hands and, with all his might, tore it in two with a "rip," the fragments scattering on the ground like fallen cherry blossoms.

He was panting heavily, his face ashen, and a deeper chill, called despair, shot up from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

The same shocked and caught off guard was the Great Chief of the Eagle Tribe's White House.

He was in a good mood and was enjoying the subtle pleasure of causing Long Xia some trouble. He thought it was enough to distract Long Xia and save face a little.

When his aides cautiously reported that "there is an update in the Europa Sea area that relates to Longxia," he even waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to go into details, believing it was nothing more than details of how Longxia was in a state of panic.

"Your Excellency, the situation... may be beyond our expectations."

The staff member had to add, albeit reluctantly, "There are reliable reports that more than a dozen countries, including the Lasi and Fuyou tribes, have publicly or through diplomatic channels expressed their willingness to provide ships and other assistance to help Longxia evacuate its stranded personnel." (End of Chapter)