Feng Mo readily accepted the Federation's compensation, appointing Ai Er to transport the resources to the capital, Hurricane Prime, where the Starship Design Department could access them freely. He then authorized upgrades for the third T5 fleet and commissioned the construction of ten T6 Battle Dragon-class interstellar escort ships.
For this, he once again faced Alisa's pout. Not wanting to see her disgruntled, Feng Mo promised her a three-day vacation once the new ships were completed. Alisa's mood lifted instantly—she was thrilled! Ever since Feng Mo had acquired her, she'd barely had a month's rest, working tirelessly. The idea of a break left her uncertain about where to go.
Watching Alisa's excitement, Feng Mo chuckled; she had endured a lot under his command. Things were improving now, though. The Design Department had grown to over ten thousand members, each capable in their field, sharing the load and relieving some of Alisa's burden. Those early days, when she and Feng Mo had built Hurricane almost by hand, felt like a distant memory.
Meanwhile, Feng Mo was on a video call with Chu Yunjia, discussing ways to gain control over the Federation's star gates without resorting to conflict.
Currently, the star gates in the Storm Empire were under Feng Mo's jurisdiction. Anyone entering for trade had to pay a transit fee. However, the star gates of other empires were controlled by the Federation. For example, when the Vermilion Ape had been stationed in the Vermillion Star System, the Federation had immediately known of its presence. This was the advantage of Federation-controlled star gates, which could monitor every move.
"Yunjia, do you think your great-grandfather could negotiate with the Federation about this? We could even offer some concessions," Feng Mo suggested.
"Not likely. My great-grandfather has said that no matter the price, the Federation will never cede star gate control to the Storm Alliance. The only way to get control is by force," Chu Yunjia replied.
Feng Mo sighed. Chu Moyuan was right; reclaiming control of the star gates from the Federation was almost impossible without conflict. Yet, he didn't want war—it would be a pyrrhic victory.
The Yunshan Empire currently had three T5 fleets, the Meteor Empire two, the Radiant Empire five, and the Storm Empire three, totaling thirteen T5 fleets. By comparison, the Federation's remaining empires, including its direct fleets, boasted nineteen.
Although it appeared evenly matched—thirteen against nineteen, with the Storm Empire's T6 starship—Feng Mo knew it wasn't that simple. He suspected the Si family harbored hidden fleets, potentially three quasi-T6 fleets. Most empires had strategic assets in reserve; even the Yunshan Empire had three concealed missile ships, ready for use in critical moments.
This clandestine approach applied to other empires as well, and Feng Mo wouldn't underestimate the Federation's extensive legacy, which spanned over seven thousand years.
Alisa's experience with the Vermilion Ape construction had significantly shortened the build time for the T6 Battle Dragon-class interstellar escorts, which would take about six months, while the upgrades for the third T5 fleet required nearly eight months.
During this time, Feng Mo kept a low profile, but the Federation's covert moves were constant. For example, the T4 fleet stationed at the celestial gate of the Immortal Cloud System had added the main planet to its patrol route—something that hadn't happened before.
Feng Mo was also considering relocating Yang Bo and other family members. The Storm Empire still lacked citizens. The Froststar Domain, encompassing the territories of the Snowhawk Empire, Moonfrost Empire, and Clouddream Empire, spanned eleven star systems with nearly a trillion people. Meanwhile, the Storm Domain's ten systems only held a tenth of that population.
Despite the population discrepancy, Feng Mo hesitated to relocate Froststar citizens to the Storm Domain, as most were unwilling to leave their homes. He couldn't force them, so the idea was shelved.
On Immortal Cloud Prime, the population had surged to nearly twenty billion. Feng Mo now intended to move the Feng family's ancestral grounds to Hurricane Prime. He wasn't worried about a direct attack but feared someone might disturb his family's resting place out of spite. His reputation as an empire lord would be tainted if anyone tampered with the burial sites of Feng's ancestors.
With this in mind, Feng Mo called Yang Bo and explained:
"Yang Bo, I want to move the ancestral grounds to Hurricane Prime. The Federation's situation is unstable, and relocating the Feng family would reduce external threats."
Yang Bo nodded approvingly, "Your Grace, relocating the family makes sense. But we should leave a branch on Immortal Cloud Prime—it's where nine generations of the Feng family toiled."
"Understood. Let's make the move optional for those loyal to the Feng family. We'll provide relocation stipends, housing, and job arrangements," Feng Mo replied.
After the call, he turned to Xing Shuwen and said, "Shuwen, inform Kylan to lead the Storm God Fleet to the Yunshan Empire's Immortal Cloud System in three days. Also, have Ai Er take the Vermilion Ape with five T5 Stealth Birds as escorts."
"Yes, my lord," Xing Shuwen replied with a soft smile. Watching Feng Mo's commanding presence, her conviction in her decision grew stronger—he was the one who would help her restore her nation.
Feng Mo had entrusted this mission to Ai Er and Kylan because he had a new task to address. As soon as the video call ended, his Spark System mission board updated with a temporary mission.
[Temporary Mission: The New Humanity Church seems fixated on something on Beast Roar Prime. They've launched two failed invasions and are sending more fleets. Intercept and eliminate them. Reward: 10,000 points, T6
Magnificent Bird-class Interstellar Destroyer.]
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