The New Human Church was indeed a malignant force, conducting vile experiments on humans and various interstellar species. Despite efforts to root them out, remnants of their influence lingered within the Federation, making it challenging to eliminate them entirely.
"They're like a toad clinging to your foot—disgusting and impossible to shake off," Feng Mo remarked. "I recall that one of their bishops tried recruiting me about a year ago. Unfortunately, he wasn't the brightest and ended up being blasted to pieces by my cannons."
He shrugged as he finished, and the two Crystalcarvers exchanged glances. Tian Guang, with a note of excitement, asked, "Since you also have a grudge against them, could you perhaps assist the Crystalcarvers in resisting the New Human Church?"
Feng Mo frowned thoughtfully before responding, "I'd like to know the nature of the conflict between the Crystalcarvers and the New Human Church and how you came to know of my existence. Explain those things first, and I might consider assisting your race."
Tian Guang immediately recounted the longstanding enmity between the Crystalcarvers and the New Human Church, his voice laced with personal resentment and a desire to see the Church torn to pieces.
Listening to the story, Feng Mo pieced together the background. The Crystalcarvers were the dominant species in the Heavenly Crystal Star System, deep within the Chaos Star Sea, with their homeworld on the Heavenly Crystal Star. Due to their crystalline nature, their ships were limited to a maximum of T4, as they hadn't mastered the technique of integrating dark matter and dark energy crystals into their starship construction—a major obstacle for them.
Roughly thirty-three years ago, the New Human Church established a headquarters in the nearby Beastcall Star System. Initially, the two factions coexisted peacefully. But five years ago, the Church launched its first assault on the Heavenly Crystal Star System. Led by the Crystalcarvers, the various races of the Heavenly Crystal System managed to repel the Church's forces. However, a year ago, the New Human Church launched a second, more brutal offensive, this time deploying two quasi-T5 starships, catching the Crystalcarvers off guard and leading to heavy losses and retreats. The Crystalcarvers now held a fragile standoff with the Church near their homeworld, their fleet of T4 ships barely holding off the quasi-T5 threat.
As for how they knew of Feng Mo, they had previously traded with the Demon Star System, planning to seek aid from its leader. However, upon arriving, they learned of the system's recent rebranding and its new, even more powerful lord. Desperate, Tian Guang had taken the gamble of seeking help from a stranger, knowing it was the Crystalcarvers' last hope.
Feng Mo understood but wasn't about to offer his assistance for free, especially since the Spark System mission panel had displayed a new temporary task.
"While the Tempest and Storm Star Systems empathize with your situation, I can't simply send troops. Cross-system warfare incurs enormous logistical costs, and I have to ensure the safety and prosperity of my two systems. Fighting without reason means putting my people at risk. I hope you understand."
Hearing this refusal, Tian Guang grew visibly anxious. Realizing he had no choice, he lowered his voice in a tone of humble pleading. "Honorable Lord Feng Mo, please save the Crystalcarvers. The New Human Church conducts horrific experiments on my people, treating us as mere subjects for their monstrous creations. We are willing to offer significant compensation—anything you desire—if you would aid our cause."
"Compensation, hmm?" Feng Mo said with a slight smile. "What do you have in mind?"
"Lord Feng Mo," Tian Guang began, "I have had contact with adventurers from the Human Federation and know that your people use something called star coins as currency. While we lack these, we could pay with interstellar seeds."
Now, Feng Mo's interest was piqued. Interstellar seeds were incredibly rare and highly valuable in the Federation.
"Can you tell me the source of these interstellar seeds?" Feng Mo asked, probing for more information. The Crystalcarvers, sensing his willingness to help, seemed eager to divulge their secrets.
"Of course, my lord. There is a white hole with a diameter of seven kilometers on the outer rim of the Heavenly Crystal Star System. It's been there for over a century, though it remains dormant most of the time, only erupting once every two or three years."
Feng Mo made some quick mental calculations. With the white hole appearing over a century ago and erupting roughly forty times, the Crystalcarvers likely had vast stores of dark matter, dark energy crystals, and interstellar seeds. This was incredibly enticing.
Facing such an opportunity, few would be able to resist. Feng Mo was already leaning toward sending assistance.
"The details of the compensation can be arranged with my secretary. For now, let's discuss the deployment of forces. According to your report, the New Human Church has two fleets, including two quasi-T5 ships. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Lord Feng Mo," Tian Guang confirmed. "Currently, the Crystalcarvers have a fleet of 270 T4 crystal ships, about two-thirds of our original strength. The New Human Church has two fleets with around 200 T4 ships and nearly a thousand T3 ships."
Feng Mo was inwardly astonished. For a single system's dominant race, having 270 T4 ships was impressive, almost a hundred more than all the T4 ships in his own fleet. And if the New Human Church could subdue them, their strength was likely even greater. However, Feng Mo's Storm Fleet had a history of overcoming stronger foes. With his newly acquired quasi-T5 carrier flagship, he was brimming with confidence.
"The Tempest Star System is willing to send a fleet to support the Crystalcarvers, including two quasi-T5 flagships and over a hundred T4 ships. However, this fleet is costly to operate. After a few battles…"
Before Feng Mo could finish, Tian Guang leaped to his feet, his eyes filled with hope.
"My lord, please don't worry about the cost. Even if you want every interstellar seed we possess, the Crystalcarvers are prepared to give them to you. I fully understand what it means to face destruction without aid."
"In truth, my lord," Tian Guang continued with a pained expression, "our people are in dire straits. Due to our inherent limitations, we've never been able to build beyond T4 ships. We've long sought the protection of a powerful force. If you help us drive away the New Human Church, the Crystalcarvers will pledge absolute loyalty to you."
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