As Feng Mo led the combined fleet into the interstellar space between the Demon Star System and U5, he was met by a defensive fleet stationed at the entrance of the Demon Star System. Staring at the three emblems on the enemy ships, his expression darkened. The emblems belonged to the Starsea Federation, the Tianqi Empire, and the Qiao family.
It felt as though he had fought a fierce battle only to find someone else reaping the rewards, leaving him empty-handed.
Suppressing his anger, Feng Mo initiated a video connection with the opposing fleet, maintaining his composure as he issued a direct order:
"Demon Star System defense fleet, you have one hour to surrender and abandon your ships, or else I'll show no mercy under the guns of my fleet."
He ignored the emblems displayed on their hulls, treating them as if they were still under the Demon Star System's control. If anyone challenged him afterward, he could claim he simply didn't see them. After all, no one would question a man who conveniently claimed to have poor eyesight.
"Good afternoon, Lord Feng Mo. The Demon Star System has been entrusted to the Qiao family by the former Demon Lord, Lawrence. If your fleet advances further, it will be considered an act of war against the Qiao family of Tianqi," replied a young commander, brimming with confidence. He couldn't imagine that the leader of a mere small star system would dare to challenge the powerful Qiao family. Even with backing from the Chu and Hua families, starting a war was not a decision taken lightly.
Given the Federation's precarious internal and external situations, the last thing anyone wanted was for the major families to turn on each other, especially since the Federation would undoubtedly intervene to mediate. All he needed to do was block Feng Mo's fleet from proceeding further.
"A declaration of war? Very well then," Feng Mo said coldly. "I, Feng Mo, Lord of the Storm Star System and a Count of Yunshan Empire, hereby officially declare war on the Qiao family of Tianqi. Do you need time to gather your forces?"
As the words left Feng Mo's mouth, the young commander's confident expression shifted to one of shock. He seemed unable to believe that Feng Mo would actually choose war.
"You… Do you really dare? Aren't you afraid that the Qiao family will destroy your ancestral lands on Xianyun? We are not as weak as that coward Lawrence. Consider your actions carefully, Lord Feng Mo," the young man threatened.
A flash of icy anger sparked in Feng Mo's eyes. The man had crossed a line, and Feng Mo was now set on delivering him his punishment.
"Commander, our reinforcements have arrived and are stationed at the designated coordinates," Ai Er reported. A smile tugged at the corners of Feng Mo's mouth. He had anticipated resistance in taking the Demon Star System, so he had covertly instructed Hua Qin to redirect the returning logistics fleet, leading them in a do-or-die assault. Under Kylan's leadership, the Elf Fleet's T2-class starships patrolled the system, while Laila and Lacey gathered 500 T3-class starships from the Explorer and Elf fleets to join the operation. Now they were at their designated positions.
For the first time, the confidence drained from the young commander's face. The Storm Fleet had just reinforced with 500 T3-class starships, bringing their total to over 300 T4-class starships and three quasi-T5-class warships, outmatching the Qiao family fleet he'd brought with him.
Despite his pride, he was also self-aware. He was a novice commander, only ten years out of military academy, with limited battle experience. Against a battle-hardened strategist like Feng Mo, he had no hope of winning.
Contemplating his imminent defeat, he forced himself to speak. "Please wait, Lord Feng Mo. My name is Qiao Mocheng of the Qiao family. As Lawrence entrusted the Demon Star System to us, this was not an invasion by my family. I urge you to show leniency. Reckless fighting will only drain both our forces."
"Let's approach the Federation together and request arbitration. What do you think?" Qiao Mocheng's resolve was to avoid a direct confrontation. If he could secure the arbitration, he was confident the Qiao family's influence could secure at least 30% of the Demon Star System's profits. That would be enough to return to the family with honor. If he backed down without a fight, his credibility in the Qiao family would be severely undermined.
While Qiao Mocheng's suggestion made sense, especially given the scrutiny a war would bring from the Federation, Feng Mo was not one to take the cautious route. He replied sharply, "If it's war you want, then let's fight. If not, then withdraw. There is no middle ground."
Faced with Feng Mo's resolute stance, Qiao Mocheng felt trapped. The legendary starship designer's aura was overpowering. With Feng Mo's achievements and reputation running through his mind, Qiao Mocheng felt his courage wavering.
Back at the Qiao family's ancestral grounds on Tianqi, the family head observed Qiao Mocheng's struggle and shook his head in disappointment. The younger man had already lost heart before the battle began. It was clear that even if he forced himself to proceed, he would be defeated. Feng Mo had completely outmatched him in sheer force of will alone. With a sigh, the Qiao family head finally spoke up:
"Mocheng, stand down. Let this old man speak with the Count directly."
Qiao Mocheng exhaled in relief, bowing respectfully to his family head. He then turned back to Feng Mo. "My Lord, the family head would like to have a word with you."
Feng Mo nodded, and Qiao Mocheng established a conference channel to include all parties.
The Qiao family head appeared on screen, looking younger than expected. He had a sturdy build and a head of jet-black hair, though his narrow eyes gave him a somewhat sinister expression. Feng Mo, however, knew better than to underestimate him; this man was among the most powerful figures in the Starsea Federation and the Tianqi Empire.
"Greetings, Lady Chu, Master Hua, I'm honored to be in such distinguished company," the Qiao family head began, addressing everyone in the call. "Lord Feng Mo, I'm willing to relinquish the Demon Star System to you, provided I may ask one favor in return. What do you say?"
The request was not unreasonable, but Feng Mo was cautious, aware that a favor owed to a family like the Qiaos could carry significant implications. After a moment of thought, he replied, "You're that certain I won't go back on my word? Is my favor truly worth avoiding a full-scale war?"
"Perhaps you don't yet fully understand your own potential, Count Feng Mo," the Qiao family head responded sincerely. "There isn't a single family in the Starsea Federation that would willingly risk provoking you, knowing they lack the means to eliminate you in one fell swoop. The Qiao family feels the same way. So we're willing to cede the Demon Star System to you in exchange for a promise of aid."
Feng Mo studied the man's earnest expression. It was clear the Qiao family was serious about seeking his goodwill. After a moment's reflection, he finally agreed.
"The Demon Star System shall be mine. In return, I, Feng Mo, owe the Qiao family a favor. Should your family ever call upon me, I will offer my assistance to the best of my ability."
"Excellent! You have my thanks, Count Feng Mo. Mocheng, withdraw our fleet. And may I be the first to congratulate you on becoming a dual-system lord. When you establish your kingdom, rest assured that
the Qiao family will send a generous gift to celebrate."
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