"Turn enmity into alliance!" Hua Yu Cheng's words piqued Feng Mo's interest. He asked, "How do you propose an alliance?"
"This is merely an introductory gift. I've heard that the Earl has established the Fengyun Starship Trading Company. The Hua family abides by the rules and wishes to purchase 10% of your company's shares for one billion star coins. Furthermore, in all matters within the Radiant Empire, the Hua family will align itself with the Chu family. What do you think?"
Hua Yu Cheng's tone was sincere, as if to reassure Feng Mo and Chu Yunjian of his commitment. He added, "I guarantee that if you agree to spare my younger brother's life, Ming Ling will remain confined to the Hua ancestral home for life, only allowed out if advances in technology one day correct his congenital defects. Do you agree?"
Feng Mo had already made his decision. In the interstellar era, pragmatism outweighed sentimentality. The Hua family's offer wasn't merely a reconciliation gesture—it was a strategic choice. Given the Hua family's genetic issues, a lifetime of confinement might be a fitting punishment for someone like Hua Ming Ling.
Once Feng Mo's power grew, the Hua family would likely handle Hua Ming Ling discreetly. Long-established families often prioritized their interests above the lives of a few members.
"Brother Yu Cheng, why choose me?" Feng Mo asked directly. When he learned the Hua family would negotiate, he anticipated various outcomes—some compromise, some compensation, perhaps even a clash—but he hadn't expected them to invest in him.
Hua Yu Cheng smiled. "Choosing the Fengyun Starship Trading Company is a means to reassure you, the Chu family, and ourselves. The Hua family's genetic plight has been ongoing since our ancestor—a starship designer of great talent—secured a life-saving artifact that kept our bloodline intact."
"After closely examining your path to prominence, I believe your next target is the Demon Star System and, perhaps, founding a nation?"
Feng Mo was intrigued, and Hua Yu Cheng continued, "People admire those who succeed consistently. A single victory matters less than repeated success. With opponents like you, one either marshals all forces to destroy them or wisely allies with them to ensure long-term benefit. Am I right, Lord Feng?"
Feng Mo nodded, impressed by the Hua family's strategic foresight. They were playing the long game, just as he was.
The Federation's political landscape was complex, and Feng Mo was prepared to navigate it, leveraging alliances and rivalries. As the one holding the Spark System, he was destined to be a game-changer.
"Very well. The Hua family is welcome to join. However, remember this—sometimes restraint is wise, for future encounters often depend on mutual respect."
With that, Feng Mo stood and extended his hand. Hua Yu Cheng shook it firmly. "Earl Feng, rest assured, I will uphold our agreement and discipline my family accordingly. The Hua family will be your steadfast ally."
Feng Mo and Chu Yunjian escorted Hua Yu Cheng and his companions to the entrance. As they watched the guests depart, Feng Mo returned to the villa and lay down on Chu Yunjian's lap, letting her soothing hands massage his head.
"The Hua family found the right leader in Hua Yu Cheng," Chu Yunjian remarked. "He's disciplined and knows how to navigate complex situations—an ideal choice to either preserve stability or, if he's ambitious, achieve greatness."
Feng Mo murmured his agreement, feeling at ease under her touch. Remembering his recent accomplishments, he checked his system rewards.
[Mission Complete: Eradicate New Human Cult Branch (1,000 Points Awarded)]
Feng Mo claimed his reward, then spent the next week upgrading the Hurricane with his new quasi-T5 Star Destroyer cannon. Afterward, he spent another week with Chu Yunjian and the two other women, exploring the Radiant home planet.
Nearly a month had passed since they arrived, and Feng Mo decided it was time to return. Chu Yunjian, meanwhile, would remain behind to manage Fengyun Starship Trading Company, ensuring a steady income of star coins for his realm. Though bittersweet, they both knew this temporary separation was necessary for a stronger future together.
On their last evening, Ai Er and Kailan tactfully gave the couple privacy. Feng Mo set up a candlelit dinner, and he and Chu Yunjian shared their dreams for the future over glasses of wine. Under the soft glow of the candles and the gentle moonlight, their shadows merged.
The next morning, Chu Yunjian teasingly scolded Feng Mo for his fervor the previous night as she helped him into his combat suit. She watched him depart, sighing softly before returning to her room to rest.
Feng Mo, along with Ai Er and Kailan, boarded a shuttle to the primary starport and set course for the Storm Star System. Despite delays at the Stargate, the journey was swift, and his anticipation for a Stargate of his own grew. It was only five months away.
The trip to the Radiant System had been eye-opening. The power of T5 starships, the wealth at the auction, and rare treasures—all these reminded Feng Mo of the gap between his current standing and the Federation's elite. Driven, he returned to his office, throwing himself into his work and frequenting the shipyard.
With the billion star coins from Hua Yu Cheng, Feng Mo undertook major expansions. The starport now boasted double its former capacity, with twelve docks instead of six. The shipyard, fully automated and three times its original size, could now simultaneously construct five T4 starships, with production speeds twice as fast as before.
Feng Mo, eyeing his remaining 3,660 points in the system, contemplated the next blueprint. Having acquired two T4 energy seeds, he set his sights on biostarships. These vessels, resembling the Zerg hives he had once encountered, lacked traditional armor but boasted self-repair capabilities.
The biostarship's shield differed from conventional models, relying on a biological magnetic field that offered superior protection and could operate unhindered in magnetic interference zones. It was also impervious to the Federation's warp inhibitors, giving it a unique advantage in magnetic territories.
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