Luo Yin's deep affinity for tea had earned him the moniker of "Tea Sipping Young Master" among the younger generation of other clans, a title he wore with pride despite the occasional jests.
As someone who appreciated the nuances of tea, he took pride in his discerning taste and his knowledge of tea-making techniques.
Thus, finding a cup of tea that was almost as good as the one from his clan was unexpected, and it left him astonished.
Nevertheless, he didn't let his surprise affect his outward demeanor, though inwardly he was intrigued and eager to learn a little bit more about this tea and its origins if possible.
As the discussion continued and the tea was savored, Admiral Mu Kongdong voiced his concerns with a tone of perplexity.
"It is rather puzzling," he began. "Why would Senior require our assistance in resolving the issues of this Globe World? As a resident, senior should have a greater degree of control over the situation and be well-informed about what needs to be done. Moreover, senior possesses unparalleled strength, which could be wielded to address any challenges that arise."
Admiral Mu Kongdong further elaborated, "Regardless of how we view it, Senior seems to possess a distinct advantage in addressing these issues compared to us. The need for our involvement seems rather superfluous in light of senior's capabilities and resources."
His points were echoed by some of the other Admirals of the Alliance who nodded in agreement, expressing their own uncertainty about the situation.
Senior Li Mingze listened attentively, his expression calm and composed, as he prepared to address their concerns.
He maintained his amiable smile as he regarded Admiral Mu Kongdong for a moment.
Then, he spoke with a calm and composed demeanor, "Well, that is absolutely correct. Indeed, I could perhaps do as you say but please try to understand that there are several other significant issues that I'm currently busy dealing with and as such cannot afford to get involved in these issues."
His smile remained warm and genuine as he continued, "Not to mention that as much as I would like to handle everything on my own and work on solving everyone's issues, it is simply not feasible currently to do so. That's where individuals like yourselves come in."
His words carried a sense of practicality and strategic thinking.
Upon hearing Senior Li Mingze's explanation, Admiral Mu Kongdong's thoughts ran wildly.
"This is not good," Mu Kongdong thought. "But what could it be that holds him so busy? Is it regarding his Cultivation or something? Hmm... In any case, If I continue, I would only end up in a pointless argument. But still... This doesn't explain everything."
He turned to the other Alliance Admirals seated beside him, and asked, "What do you people say?"
A serious expression crossed Rear Admiral Zi Han's face as he spoke, "This opportunity... I believe that It is not favorable for the Alliance... even if we were to achieve peace for humanity, at what cost would that be? The existence of the Alliance might be threatened."
"There is no need for Rear Admiral Zi to be so hasty," added Rear Admiral Chang Jianhong, "I don't think that it harms the integrity of the original ideals on which the Human Dao Alliance was established to begin with."
"Even if what Rear Admiral Chang Jianhong says is true, I do not think that doing this is any different than rebelling against the Human Dao Alliance!" Rear Admiral Zi Han said with his expression resolute.
"Let me ask you Rear Admiral Zi Han, What is the Alliance without its Ideals? With a bunch of sloppy politicians leading, exactly where do you is the fates of every Citizen within the Alliance is headed towards?" Read Admiral Chang Jianhong retorted with a calm demeanor.
"Even if what Rear Admiral Chang Jianhong says holds some meaning isn't it simply some reasoning filled with hypocrisy!? Are you not ashamed to backstab your own nation!?" Rear Admiral Zi Han said with conviction, his loyalty outshining all others present while also motivating some to stand by his words.
There was a moment of silence between them as their faces were covered with a grim expression, they didn't wish to rebel.
Soon, Admiral Jun Haoran spoke up with conviction, "I'm with Rear Admiral Zi Han in this matter. I refuse to go against the Alliance. Even if it no longer stands up to it's original ideals, it doesn't mean that it cannot be changed from within. Slowly but steadily, it is better than creating a chaos for everyone."
"Waiting for others to do something for you, eh?" Vice Admiral Jia Lin added, "That seems to be the conviction of a fool to say the least, my Lord."
"Even if it is, it's probably better than being a hypocrite," Vice Admiral Qian Xiaosheng added, "I refuse to collaborate with the perpetrators who killed tens of thousands of our allies in battle."
Seeing the argument, Mu Kongdong intervened, "Please calm down, there is no need to create a fuss over it."
"So, what does Admiral Mu have to suggest?" Rear Admiral Chang Jianhong asked.
"Well, I suggest that we should let individuals dicide what they wish to do, whether they wish to leave or stay," Mu Kongdong said as he savoured the Tea.
The Admirals nodded in agreement. There was a small argument, many wished to leave while some wished to stay.
"Truly... I suppose this was to be expected... Although this decision might be fruitful for Humanity as a whole but who would want to betray his own Nation?" Mu Kongdong thought.
—
As the consensus was reached among the Alliance Admirals, it was decided that five of them would leave while three of them decided to stay.
The Five Admirals of the Alliance were — Admiral Jun Haoran, Vice Admiral Qian Xiaosheng, Rear Admiral Zi Han, Rear Yi Ming and Rear Admiral Chen Dong.
The ones who decided to stay were – Admiral Mu Kongdong, Vice Admiral Jia Lin and Rear Admiral Chang Jianhong.
Meanwhile, the Admirals of the Empire who decided to leave were — Vice Admiral Wu Jinhai and Rear Admiral Suo Yuze.
Leaving behind Admiral Luo Yin, Admiral Zhang Yu, Vice Admiral Zhao Fengge and Rear Admiral Yang Shen.
"So, it is three from the Alliance and four from the Empire," Li Mingze thought as he gazed at the Admirals.
Admiral Zhang Yu was still hesitant, he wasn't sure if the choice he made is right or wrong. His face was covered in sweat as his legs shook. It was hypocritical to say the least.
"I won't ask to be forgiven, Zhang Yu," Luo Yin thought as he observed Admiral Zhang Yu, "It must be hard to make a decision like sacrificing your family for mankind."
That is right. Although Zhang Yu decided to stay for the sake of Humanity's future, Wu Jinhai and Suo Yuze decided to return to the Empire. This meant that if they were to explain everything that happened here to the Emperor, his family would surely be tortured unto death.
"This still doesn't explain everything," Luo Yin thought to himself as he savored his tea. "Everything still feels a bit too suspicious but I suppose for now, to go with the flow is the way."
Senior Li Mingze, upon receiving positive and negative replies from both the Alliance Admirals and the Imperial Admirals, exuded a sense of relief.
"Very well," He spoke up, "Those who wish to return to their respective places may leave now without further delay."
With his approval, the Admirals who wished to leave rose from their seats and made their way towards the entrance before gazing at those who still stood seated.
"Rebel Mu Kongdong, I do not comprehend why you, who boasts the greatest of achievements among the younger generation, decide to abandon the Alliance now..." Admiral Jun Haoran asked as he gazed at Mu Kongdong who stood seated with a calm smile adorning his complexion.
"Forgive me, Admiral Jun Haoran. But, I have my own reasons for this as well." My Kongdong replied, maintaining his calm demeanor.
"I see..." Admiral Jun Haoran gazed at the other two Admirals for a moment as he sighed and continued, "Suit yourselves. Starting today, you three are exiled from the Alliance military, I hope that you do not show your faces to the Alliance ever again."
He said as he marched out of the Grand Pavilion along with the other Admirals of the Alliance, without looking back even once.
"Vice Admiral Zhao, I don't understand," Vice Admiral Wu said in a serious tone, "You are supposed to be an expert, a veteran of warfare and tactics, one of the best among all the other Admirals in the Empire... Just what is it that compels you so much to become a hypocritical rebel?" He asked.
"Haha, Vice Admiral Wu surely knows the way with the words. I simply do not wish to let this chance go for my personal reasons," Vice Admiral Zhao Fengge said with a smile covering his face, "That is right, it's hypocritical, the morality of it is questionable above all. But... I believe that the intent of it, above all, is clearly visible, right?"
"I see..." Vice Admiral Wu sighed as he shifted his gaze towards Admiral Zhang, who still had his face covered in sweat.
He didn't say anything any further and turned around to leave. But before leaving he spoke up, "Admiral Zhang Yu, Admiral Luo Yin, Vice Admiral Zhao Fengge and Rear Admiral Yang Shen met their end in the Battle against the rebel military!"
"The Ink Dragon Fleet's more than four thousand vessels fell along with them in the battle!"
Saying that, he left the Grand Pavilion along with Rear Admiral Suo Yuze without turning back even once to look at his comrades.
His words had caused a slight confusion to appear on the Admiral's faces.
"Met their end...?" Vice Admiral Zhao Fengge muttered as he slowly came to realize what he meant.
"Hahahaha!" Li Mingze chuckled as he spoke up, "Surely you people have some great comrades."
"So, he'll not only be covering up for us but also leave behind the Ink Dragon Fleet," Luo Yin thought as a smile appeared on his face. "Every Admiral's families will be kept away from all the troubles for now as well. So, these Old Coots are not just talk and no action, huh?"
Admiral Zhang Yu felt a great sense of relief as he too came to the realization of Vice Admiral Wu's words.
"Well, it seems like we won't have to worry about our families for now," Rear Admiral Yang Shen said as a smile appeared on his face.
"I suppose," Vice Admiral Zhao said as he gave out a sigh of relief.
Everyone here came from the lower aristocratic families, there was no doubt that all of them had a certain level of worry in their mind.
—
The majestic Starships of both the Empire and the Alliance remained suspended high in the skies for a prolonged period of time before finally being sent to their respective territories by Li Mingze.
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