"In my opinion, we have no choice but to go all in against Feng Mo," said one of the estate managers from a branch of the Bai family, sitting to Bai Yanbing's left in the third seat. Despite looking relatively young, he was, in fact, a hundred-year-old youth with a robust and commanding presence. Unlike the others who sighed and looked defeated, he sat upright with a sharp gleam in his eyes, clearly a staunch advocate for aggressive action.
"Easy for you to say—conquer Storm Star System, you say. Currently, the entire Storm Star System is under the Federation's protection, and attacking a noble's territory is against Federation law. If it were outsiders, maybe it would work."
Bai Yanbing, seated at the head of the table, dismissed the idea outright, but as he continued speaking, he paused. Repeating the phrase "if it were outsiders," a lightbulb suddenly went off in his head.
Of course, the Storm Star System was protected by Federation law, but it wasn't technically part of the Federation's territory. If the Bai family attacked, the Federation would retaliate, but if it were aliens attacking, the Federation wouldn't intervene directly. The defense would fall entirely on Storm System's own fleet.
It was a viable plan, but where could they find an outside force to do the job? The Demon Star System came to mind—a territory ruled by a star lord who commanded two T4 fleets.
Having identified a potential ally, Bai Yanbing sank into deep contemplation. Persuading the Demon Star System to get involved would come at a high cost, one that the Bai family might not be able to bear. Yet they had no other choice; the alternative was a slow and inevitable death.
The Bai family was being suppressed on all fronts in Snowhawk Empire. But if they could break free from the Federation's sphere of influence, establish a foothold in Storm Star System, and claim the resource-rich U5 Sector, then a revival was still possible. Bai Yanbing was filled with hope, but he was also faced with the challenge of how to entice the Demon Star Lord.
Just then, Bai Muchen, his eldest son, provided the insight that Bai Yanbing needed. "Father, while the Demon Star System boasts two T4 fleets, most of their warships are purchased from the Federation or the distant Mechans. They hardly manufacture their own due to a lack of blueprints."
"What's more, they desperately covet blueprints for quasi-T5 ships, willing to risk everything to obtain them. If we offer what they want, we might convince them to act on our behalf."
Bai Muchen's words lit a spark in Bai Yanbing's mind. The Bai family could gather one or two sets of T4 blueprints, but acquiring a quasi-T5 design was another matter. Still, two T4 designs might be a strong enough incentive to lure the Demon Star Lord into action. If not, they could always offer a quasi-T5 blueprint, though that would require drastic measures.
"Muchen, I want you to travel to the Demon Star System. Offer two T4 blueprints as payment for an assault on Storm Star System. If that's not enough, hint at a quasi-T5 design. As for where we'll get that, leave it to me."
Determined, Bai Yanbing left the meeting room and sought out a secluded chamber. He made a video call to a silver-haired elder, speaking with a solemn tone. "Elder Qiao, the Bai family has reached a desperate point. Please, for the sake of our past ties, help us through this crisis."
The elder sighed and shook his head. "Yanbing, it's not that I don't want to help, but I truly can't. Chu Yun Jian herself is spearheading the campaign against your family. My connections alone are no match for hers."
"And you know the grudge between the Qiao family and the Yue clan. The Yue clan has the upper hand right now, and the Qiao family is struggling. We can't afford to provoke the Chu family further, especially not to aid the Bai family. Besides, the Chu family claims they're merely helping their future son-in-law. Your Bai family is officially unconnected to the Qiao family, and we simply don't have the resources to intervene."
Bai Yanbing's heart grew cold. The Qiao family wasn't willing to risk a conflict with the Chu family for the Bai family. Without the leverage they once had, the Bai family no longer held any strategic value.
"Very well. Since the Qiao family can't help, then Elder Qiao, you must do one thing for me. I need a quasi-T5 warship blueprint, preferably for a destroyer or frigate. I won't put you in a difficult spot, but I need this in seven days."
Elder Qiao's face turned livid, and he barked, "Bai Yanbing, have you lost your mind? Do you think I'm some kind of wish-granting machine? Those blueprints are classified even within our own family. How am I supposed to get one?"
"That's not my concern," Bai Yanbing replied coldly. "You have seven days. If I don't have that blueprint by then, a certain video I possess will spread across the entire Federation's networks. Surely you don't want the world to see you and the Qiao Duchess engaging in such... activities?"
Elder Qiao's face contorted in rage, but Bai Yanbing remained unfazed. "That affair of yours with the Duchess was ill-chosen, especially the venue. So, do your best, Elder Qiao. Seven days."
Ignoring Elder Qiao's furious outburst, Bai Yanbing ended the call. The Qiao Duchess was the legitimate wife of Duke Qiao, and if news of her affair with Elder Qiao became public, the scandal would be monumental. The Duke would be humiliated across the Federation, and while the Duchess might find protection from her family, Elder Qiao would surely face a brutal end.
After venting his rage, Elder Qiao composed himself, plotting his next move. He gathered intelligence on the Bai family's situation and coordinated with the Duchess. Upon learning that Bai Muchen was heading to the Demon Star System, Elder Qiao sneered, understanding Bai Yanbing's strategy.
"To lure the Demon Star Lord into attacking Storm Star System with a quasi-T5 blueprint... If this works, the Bai family will claim an entire star system for free while I remain under your thumb. No, that won't do. If the Bai family wants to play this game, then they don't deserve to exist. Dead men can't talk."
While Bai Muchen set off for the Demon Star System, Feng Mo and Alisa, both sporting dark circles under their eyes, were intently focused on the holographic display. Today marked the trial run of the Hurricane-class warship.
Whether or not the Hurricane passed its test would determine the success of their half-year-long endeavor. For six months, Feng Mo and Alisa had poured their hearts into the project, working day and night to perfect every aspect of the modified starship. Finally, the moment of truth had arrived.
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