I built an armada.

Zhou Qinglei stopped at the bottom of the gangway and turned around.

He gave a solemn military salute to Blackett and General Morton Forbes, who had also arrived at the dock at some point.

Then, without hesitation, he turned around and climbed the gangway.

With all the officers and soldiers of the Longxia Navy in place, the civilian ships also sounded their horns, signaling their readiness to set sail.

The massive mixed fleet is about to embark on a voyage across the ocean, filled with the joy and hope of returning home.

The ports of Britain, however, will leave behind endless contemplation, complex gazes, and a profound imprint of shifting power and格局 (geju, a concept encompassing power dynamics and overall situation).

Senior Colonel Zhou Qinglei steadily stepped onto the gangway, blending into the majestic lines of the 10,000-ton destroyer, like a drop of water joining a torrent of steel. The deep sound of the ship's horn, like the breath of a giant beast, echoed over the harbor.

Led by the sharp destroyers and frigates of the Longxia Navy, a large fleet of more than 30 large cruise ships and ferries, flying the flags of many countries including Las Vegas, Fuzhou, and Teza, followed behind.

This unprecedented mixed formation began to move slowly, like a giant dragon awakening, cleaving through the deep gray waves of the North Atlantic, and resolutely sailing towards its next destination—the waters of the Hans tribe.

This is not just a fleet, but a mobile declaration, proclaiming that power, cooperation, and a new order are emerging on the high seas.

Captain Blackett on the dock didn't truly feel the invisible pressure dissipate until the outline of the last civilian ship blurred into the horizon. His tense shoulders relaxed, and he exhaled a long, turbid breath with complex emotions.

This "great god" has finally been sent away.

Almost simultaneously, the official websites of the British Foreign Offices quickly updated with a well-chosen and calmly worded announcement, declaring that the "friendly visit" of the Longxia Naval Fleet had been "completely successful," that the two sides had conducted "in-depth and fruitful exchanges," and vaguely outlining "broad prospects" for future cooperation.

Immediately following suit, the Hans tribe's foreign affairs department quickly released a statement indicating that it had "fully completed preparations" and would receive the Longxia naval fleet "with appropriate courtesy."

The attitude of European maritime nations towards the Longxia Navy has undergone a dramatic shift, from initial wariness, probing, and obstruction to current politeness and even overtures.

This left high-ranking officials from various countries around the world who had been closely monitoring the situation astonished, and their private diplomatic salons and encrypted communication lines were filled with various speculations and analyses.

"It's unbelievable... Britain, Gaul, Hans, these old maritime powers, have actually just... 'submitted' like that? Has the reputation of the Longxia Navy reached such a level?" A foreign affairs official from a major South American country sighed in a low voice at a private dinner.

"It's probably not just the deterrent power of the warships themselves."

An observer from the Middle East next to me took a sip of his drink and said meaningfully, "Did you see that 'international fleet' that was following them? That's the key! It shows that Longxia has been able to mobilize a considerable amount of international support at critical moments."

"This is a manifestation of soft power, which makes Europa even more wary than a few advanced warships. Their previous petty tricks have completely failed in the face of absolute strength and this unexpected alliance."

“Continuing the confrontation will only make us more isolated and embarrassed on the international stage.”

"Those who understand the times are wise... It seems that the European countries have decided to temporarily avoid their sharp edge. This Eastern fleet is now truly showing its power."

While marveling at the hard and soft power demonstrated by the Longxia Navy, the concerns of high-ranking officials from various countries, especially those with maritime ambitions or facing regional security pressures, regarding the bidding for the "Fukuni" aircraft carrier were once again deeply stirred.

The aircraft carrier used by a navy capable of forcing European powers to change their attitudes undoubtedly possesses a fatal attraction in terms of its symbolic significance and potential combat power.

Defense budgets in many countries have been reopened, with evaluation teams working overtime and bidding strategies being fiercely debated behind the scenes.

In stark contrast to the atmosphere of shock and scheming outside, which resembled hell and heaven, was the cabinet building of the Eastern Wilderness tribe, which symbolized supreme power but was now like an ice cellar.

The meeting room was filled with smoke, and the atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

The cabinet head and key ministers have been holding meetings for several days in a manner resembling a wake, with only one core issue at the heart of the matter.

How to arrange this inevitably inglorious "aftermath"—that is, to maintain superficial stability amidst the unavoidable resignation of the cabinet and the transfer of power—and to prepare trump cards for the upcoming humiliating negotiations with Longxia, if they still have the right to negotiate.

The list of candidates for the next "Cabinet Chief" has been emerging amidst the behind-the-scenes power struggles, but the political figures who have been named show no joy on their faces, only deep fear and evasion.

The reason is simple yet cruel: the suffocating main fleet of the Longxia Navy is still like an iron shackle, firmly chained to the doorstep of the Eastern Wilderness!

To take over power at this point is tantamount to sitting in the electric chair and facing an unsolvable dead end.

What frightens them even more is that the Longxia tribe is currently focused on the strategic display in Europe and the international event of the aircraft carrier auction, and has not yet really put dealing with the Eastern Wilderness on the urgent agenda.

This feeling of being "temporarily forgotten" not only fails to bring comfort, but is like a Damocles' sword hanging over one's head, not knowing when it will fall, thus intensifying the torment of waiting.

"The latest economic data... foreign trade has plummeted, especially vital energy and raw material import channels, which are severely threatened... inventories... inventories won't last much longer." The minister in charge of the economy spoke in a hoarse voice, as if reading an obituary.

"Shipping insurance costs have skyrocketed, and almost no company is willing to take on business to the Eastern Wilderness... We are being isolated by the world..." the Minister in charge of transport added, his face ashen.

"Besides continuing the 'turtle' strategy, preserving our last bit of strength, and waiting... waiting for Long Xia to offer their terms, what else can we do?"

A senior cabinet minister closed his eyes in despair, "Seek peace proactively? I'm afraid even the right to seek peace will require a favor from the other side..."

The news that the Longxia tribe was about to publicly auction the "Fukuno" aircraft carrier left the high-ranking officials of Donghuang feeling a deep sense of humiliation and powerlessness.

They once had the glorious dream of an "Eight-Eight Fleet," and even fantasized about owning their own aircraft carrier. Now, they can only watch helplessly as their adversaries, who plunged them into the abyss, seize the symbols of their naval power—even if not direct spoils of war—as prized possessions, selling them on the international market for their own glory. They, on the other hand, are reduced to mere spectators, their position so awkward and pathetic that they can only hide in the shadows, watching all this with resentment.

The outgoing cabinet chief, with his last ounce of strength, addressed his ashen-faced colleagues, especially his successors who were avoiding eye contact.

With a hoarse voice, he warned, "Everyone... wake up. Abandon all unrealistic fantasies. Once Longxia's glorious show in Europe is over, their attention will surely turn back to the East."

"Then it will be time for us to settle accounts completely. Given Longxia's style of doing things and our current desperate situation, they will not show any mercy... Be prepared to be exorbitantly demanded, or even... dismembered."

What chilled them to the bone was the attitude of the Eagle Tribe.

This superpower, which they have long relied on and regarded as their ultimate guarantee, did not engage in any substantive high-level communication with them, let alone provide any form of support, not even symbolic support, when the Eastern Wilderness was plunged into such an irrecoverable state, except for a few perfunctory words of "serious concern" and "calls for calm from all parties".

A sense of despair, of being ruthlessly abandoned by their masters, washed over the hearts of every high-ranking official in the Eastern Wilderness like a cold tide.

They finally realized with painful relief that this time, they had to swallow the bitter pill they had sown alone, gambling with the entire national economy to bear the wrath of the Eastern dragon.

Just as the Eastern Wilderness was immersed in the lamentations of the apocalypse, in the capital of Longxia, the state guesthouse in the western part of the capital was a different scene altogether, bustling with activity and filled with dignitaries.

Royal family members, powerful government ministers, or special envoys from major oil-producing countries around the world, including oil-rich nations, the Kayu tribe, the Tesa tribe, and the Shatin tribe, have gathered here.

These powerful figures, who control the world's energy lifeline and are incredibly wealthy, are now united in their goal: the "Fukuni" aircraft carrier, which is about to be put up for public auction!
The air was filled not only with the scent of expensive cologne and cigars, but also with the invisible smoke of money, power, and strategic ambition.

Inside the largest conference hall of the guesthouse, Prince Aziz of the Tesa tribe, known for his wisdom and composure, was navigating between various parties with an impeccable smile, acting as a temporary "mediator."

Just minutes earlier, Prince Birdadin, representing the oil-rich nation, and Chief Al-Nahayan, representing the Shatin tribe, nearly came to blows due to historical grievances and their determined stance on acquiring the aircraft carrier, creating a tense atmosphere.

"Your Highness Prince Baderedin, Your Excellency Chief Al-Nahayan."

Aziz elegantly raised the exquisite porcelain cup in his hand, which contained fragrant Longxia top-grade green tea. "Please allow me to remind you all that we are able to sit here today because of our recognition of the strength of our Longxia friends and our pursuit of security and stability in our shared waters."

"The sages of Longxia advocated 'harmony is the most precious thing.' I believe that we all hope to acquire that giant ship that can bring peace and dignity, rather than getting bogged down in pointless disputes at this moment and making ourselves a laughingstock to our master, right?"

Bird Edin snorted coldly, straightened his snow-white turban and robes embroidered with gold thread, and temporarily suppressed his anger.

Al-Nahyan also took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

They both knew perfectly well that the real contest would take place at the auction; any emotional sparring at this moment was pointless and might even prematurely reveal their true intentions and mindset. Yet, in the glances they exchanged, the sparks of competition burned even more fiercely.

Just then, the heavy solid wood door of the conference room was silently pushed open, revealing Wang De, who looked energetic and exceptionally capable in a well-tailored dark Zhongshan suit.

Accompanied by several senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense, he walked in with a composed gait. His face beamed with a warm and confident smile, and his gaze precisely met the greetings of each distinguished representative present.

"Welcome! A warm welcome to all our distinguished friends who have traveled from afar to grace the capital of Longxia!"

Wang De's voice was loud and clear, with an undeniable confidence: "I know that your schedule is precious and time is tight, and I fully understand your eager anticipation for what is about to be revealed."

"Then, let's skip the formalities for now."

"Please allow me the honor of inviting you all to move to one of our North Sea Fleet's dedicated military piers to personally experience and examine the steel city that is destined to reshape the regional maritime power balance—the aircraft carrier 'Fukuno'!"

Before the words were even finished, all the representatives, regardless of any previous disagreements, suddenly had a gleam in their eyes, as if they had discovered a treasure.

They all stood up and, under the professional guidance of Wang De and his team, boarded the convoy that had been waiting for them, which was adorned with special passes.

Under tight security, the convoy sped toward the military restricted area that was extremely difficult for ordinary people to approach, a symbol of the core of the Longxia Navy's power.

As the convoy passed through layers of checkpoints and entered the core area of ​​the port, even the representatives of these oil-producing nations, who were accustomed to luxury and grandeur, were awestruck by the sight before them.

After being thoroughly cleaned, maintained, and even repainted in naval gray, the aircraft carrier "Fukuro" rests quietly, yet exudes an imposing aura, like an ancient behemoth that has finished its rest and is ready to set sail.

Its incredibly wide flight deck reflected a cool luster in the afternoon sun, and the simple yet powerful island design revealed a sense of technology after its modernization.

Although it is not the world's most advanced model, its massive size and the imposing presence it exudes after weathering many storms still deliver an unparalleled visual impact and spiritual shock to viewers.

Wang De stood at the very front of the crowd, turning slightly to present this magnificent scene to all the representatives.

He clearly captured the undisguised desire, amazement, and determination in these people's eyes.

He knew that what he was witnessing was far more than just an auction of advanced weaponry.

This is the Longxia Navy, which, with its formidable military might and superb technology, has forcefully knocked on the door of the global high-end arms market that was previously dominated by traditional powers!
A new era, in which Longxia sets the rules of the game, attracts high-end clients from around the world, and showcases its comprehensive national strength, is being ushered in with the auction of this aircraft carrier.

The landscape of military strategy and trade on Earth will inevitably undergo a profound and lasting transformation. (End of Chapter)