At dawn the next day, in the command center of Storm God, Feng Mo sat in the captain's chair with Han Peipei and Xing Shuwen standing behind him. Since he built the interstellar jump ship, Xing Shuwen had been even more overtly flirtatious with him. She subtly teased him daily with fleeting touches, while Feng Mo, struggling to tolerate the provocation, often vented her frustration on Ai Er.
"Storm Fleet is about to initiate level-five synchronized hyperspace travel. All personnel with genetic levels two and below, please enter deep-sea mode."
Han Peipei's voice echoed throughout the main command room. This mission to the Eastern Theater would involve the entire Storm Fleet, with Feng Mo choosing not to divide his forces to guard the Snowhawk System. The justification was clear: this expedition was in line with righteousness, and with the Federation, Yunshan Empire, and Radiant Empire observing, the Yue Clan would risk inciting a multi-faction retaliation if they made any sudden moves.
Most importantly, the presence of the interstellar jump ship meant the Storm Fleet could quickly return to defend the Snowhawk System if necessary. Thus, Feng Mo had few concerns about its safety.
Their destination was the Reno System on the eastern fringes of the Radiant Empire, where the Federation had constructed extensive defensive structures, including a mobile fortress nearing completion—a testament to their apprehension toward the Pan-Human Alliance.
The eastern theater, comprising five empires and the Star Beastmen, rivaled the combined strength of the Central and Northern War Zones' T5 starships. Losing the Eastern Theater would leave the central region exposed, putting the Federation and its empires at risk. This reality had compelled the Federation to extend such a lucrative invitation to the Storm Fleet.
Upon reaching the Snowhawk System's level-five star gate, the fleet proceeded with caution. Unlike previous forceful entries, they joined the queue, taking about half an hour before finally moving through the gate.
After a brief sensation of weightlessness, they emerged in the Reno System of the Glorious Empire.
Once a medium-sized system, the Reno System had since been evacuated, its citizens relocated to the Radiant Star System. The Federation had since transformed it into a war fortress, boasting ten space stations, with two outfitted with T5 laser cannons, and an enormous interstellar fortress, almost comparable to the Xuanwu Fortress.
After arrival, the Storm Fleet moved at regular speed to the interstellar fortress rather than entering hyperspace mode.
"Welcome, Lord of the Storm. Your navigation path has been cleared. Please proceed to dock at Bay One," a robotic voice announced across the command center.
Feng Mo recalled his previous experience entering the Xuanwu Fortress, where strict identification and warnings were the norm. Now, with his newfound status, he was treated with a respect typically reserved for the highest authorities. No formalities or warnings were needed.
Once the fleet was docked, Feng Mo, along with Han Peipei and Xing Shuwen, disembarked from Storm God. Emerging from the beam, he was greeted by Uncle Gu Jun, who was waiting with a group of officers. Feng Mo quickened his pace to embrace Gu Jun, warmly stating:
"Uncle Gu, you shouldn't have come all the way out here. I should be paying you a visit."
Feng Mo's sincerity was clear, and Gu Jun recognized that Feng Mo's respect was genuine. Giving Feng Mo a supportive pat on the shoulder, Gu Jun said in a low voice only they could hear:
"Don't overextend, and don't make hasty promises. Keep your strength in reserve and prioritize your safety."
It was more advice than a warning, demonstrating Gu Jun's care for Feng Mo. Appreciating his words, Feng Mo nodded:
"Uncle, don't worry. With the Storm Empire now, no power can coerce me into doing anything I don't want. In terms of strength, Storm Empire stands firm against any faction."
Feng Mo's words were resolute, carrying an unwavering confidence. As long as he commanded the Storm Fleet, no one could force his hand unless they managed to surround him with over ten fleets—a near-impossible feat.
Gu Jun led Feng Mo and his companions into a large fortress with utilitarian interiors suited to a front-line military base. They descended to the eighty-eighth floor, where a massive, bustling room awaited them. They continued to a conference room where a solemn atmosphere hung over a table surrounded by numerous officers.
The head of the table was occupied by a silver-haired elderly officer, with a seat left vacant to his left. Gu Jun gestured towards it with a smile, patting Feng Mo's shoulder before taking his place on the third seat to the elder's right.
Unfazed, Feng Mo walked over, his steps steady and unyielding, as he took the seat beside the elder. His gaze swept the room, acknowledging the commanders from the Northern Theater, the Radiant Empire, and the Tianqi Empire with a nod, but ignoring the unfamiliar faces.
The other commanders scrutinized Feng Mo with a range of expressions, some friendly, others reserved or even hostile. Feng Mo quietly took note of those who looked at him with suspicion or ill intent—those were the ones who would need closer scrutiny later.
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