Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

Finally, his gaze seemed to pierce through space, landing on the distant Strucker fleet, and on that cunning and powerful figure on that blue planet.

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a settled, unquestionable decisiveness, clearly resounding in the otherwise quiet hall:

"enough."

"Arguing is pointless. Reality is as cold as iron."

"Xiao Ce's conditions are extremely harsh, almost like a joke. However, his words are well-founded and hit my weak spot. The Strucker Fleet has no other choice. Yangxing also has no better option."

He paused, seemingly processing this heavy bitterness, but his tone remained unusually firm:

"Send a message to Commander Strucker:"

"That is, to carry out Xiao Ce's request."

"The fleet must completely and thoroughly withdraw from the target star system within seventy-two star hours after the signal is activated, and must not linger or conduct any reconnaissance activities. I will personally supervise the confirmation of the star map."

"Accept their proposed annual communication mechanism. You will be fully responsible for the details, and will negotiate them with Xiao Ce's side. The principle is: to maintain open, effective, and verifiable communication channels."

Regarding the future delivery of the spiritual essence... we accept the proposal that 'delivery will commence once the capability is acquired'.

His voice carried an unprecedented solemnity and a hint of indescribable weariness:

"Tell Xiao Ce:"

"Yangxing Federation, choose to trust."

"Trust in his commitment and vision as the master of the planet and a powerful ruler."

"Trust in the future of this 'strategic partnership'."

"Yangxing looks forward to the day when your starship soars through the sea of ​​stars, which will be the day this agreement is fulfilled and both sides join hands to explore a wider world."

"Looking forward to that time, we can hold a banquet on the mother planet of Yangxing and talk about the future. Lord of Yangxing, await good news."

The order was issued, like a huge burden being lifted off the ground, or like swallowing a bitter pill.

A complex emotion permeated the entire parliament hall!

Humiliation and resentment, but also a sense of relief and a vague expectation for the uncertain future.

Strucker received this final instruction aboard the Yuanwang, especially the phrase "Yangxing Federation, choose to trust," which filled the iron-blooded commander with mixed feelings.

He took a deep breath, straightened his back, and said in a deep voice to the communications officer:

"Execute the highest order! Send confirmation to Lord Xiao Ce: Yangxing accepts all arrangements, the fleet will set sail immediately to withdraw! We look forward to annual communication, and...we look forward to welcoming Your Excellency to Yangxing in the future. Strucker, obeying Your Majesty's command."

The message is sent.

At the same time, the massive hull of the "Yuanwang" was the first to change course, and its huge warp engines began to charge, emitting a deep and powerful hum. The escort fleet followed closely behind.

Under the "gaze" of the reactivated Star Network Hub, the once-aggressive Yang Star fleet, with complex and indescribable emotions, slowly sailed away from the star field that had brought them defeat, transforming into streaks of light and disappearing into the deep subspace passage.

Lingxu projected Strucker's confirmation letter and the real-time monitoring footage of the Yangxing fleet beginning its withdrawal.

After witnessing this scene, Xiao Ce finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He really did win this game!

"Your Highness, the Yangxing Fleet has initiated the evacuation procedure as agreed. The course is correct, and there are no abnormal energy fluctuations."

The Lord of Yangxing replied, confirming acceptance of all conditions, and... expressed a degree of 'trust' and an invitation for a future meeting. Lingxu's voice remained calm.

As Xiao Ce watched the fleet lights gradually disappear into the distance on the screen, he glanced at the reply from the Lord of Yangxing, whose words, though concise, contained a subtle hint of compromise and expectation. A meaningful smile appeared on his face.

"trust?"

He repeated it softly, then said to Lingxu, "Reply to the Lord of Yangxing and Strucker:"

[To the Lord of Yangxing, Commander Strucker hereby issues this letter:]

Your decision demonstrates wisdom and foresight. I am greatly pleased with the fleet's withdrawal.

[Annual communication matters will be handled by Lingxu and Victor according to the detailed procedures.]

As for Yang Xing's invitation...

A glint flashed in Xiao Ce's eyes:

[This king has taken note. When this realm is at peace, and the starships are completed, traversing the vast cosmos, this king will personally travel to Yangxing to... drink and chat with you, discussing the galaxy!]

[Xiao Cefu]

Reply sent.

Xiao Ce stared silently at the monitor screen until the last point of light representing the Yangxing Fleet completely disappeared at the edge of the star map, merging into the subspace background without a trace.

He remained silent for a moment, and only the low hum of energy flowing through the entire core of the star hub remained.

“Lingxu”.

Xiao Ce's voice broke the silence, carrying a sense of resolute determination after everything had settled.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Close all external active signal transmission channels of the StarNet hub. Restore the first phase of the 'Island Protocol'. Only retain the passive feedback of the core anchor point and the preset annual communication reception window."

"Command confirmed. Phase one of the island protocol restarted... Active signal transmission channel closure complete. System sovereignty closed. Annual communication reception window set and hidden."

The faint blue light flickered, symbolizing that the Star Network Hub had once again withdrawn its "gaze" and disappeared from the sea of ​​stars, leaving only an untraceable cosmic coordinate.

Xiao Ce let out a long sigh of relief, as if an invisible burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He turned around and looked at Yin Pan'er, who had been by his side the whole time. The sharp edge in his eyes was gradually replaced by a deep and firm light.

“Pan’er,” his voice became gentle yet powerful, “the troublesome ‘guest’ has finally been sent away.”

Yin Pan'er nestled against him, a bright and hopeful smile on her face: "Yes, Your Highness. Our own era has truly begun."

Xiao Ce's gaze swept across the core of the star hub, and over those representing various parts of the planet!

Real-time data streams from Lingas Fortress, the Arctic Abyss Roar's repair dock, various Spirit Essence mining sites, and the emerging industrial base. His gaze became incredibly focused!

Like a painter about to unleash their brush, facing a vast blank canvas awaiting the creation of a magnificent masterpiece.

"Send a message to all parties:"

"Xiao Yang: You will take command of the West, and Xiao Dingshan will fully assist you!"

"Xiao Dingshan: The Western continent has entered a stage of comprehensive reconstruction and development."

By integrating resources, improving people's livelihoods, and consolidating the 'Night Owl' legion, we will truly build it into a shield for protection and a spear for pioneering in this world.

The android resurrection project is being implemented with the highest priority, and the underlying control protocols must be extremely robust.

"Jonk: Spirit marrow mining efficiency increased by 300%, prioritizing the final repair of the Abyss Roar, the upgrade of the Star Hub core, and the reserve of basic materials for the 'Starship Project'."

Formulate a century-long plan for resource development and reserves.

"Sofia: The Resurrection Center is now operating at high efficiency."

Accelerate the analysis of technologies, especially the deeper applications of the Abyss Roar's core database and the Starlink Nexus. I need more powerful consciousness preservation technology, a more efficient simulation body manufacturing process, and... preliminary research on human adaptation modification schemes for future deep space travel.

"Claude: The defense system has been fully upgraded. Orbital defense network, planetary shields, ground fortifications..."

Built to meet the standards for interstellar warfare.

I will make this world impregnable, unafraid of any gaze from the stars.

"Victor: Initiating the blueprint simulation for the 'Starship Program'."

Starting with the Abyssal Roar, we need reverse engineering, optimization, and innovation. I require design proposals for the next generation of main starships, along with feasibility reports for supporting deep-space engines, ecosystem maintenance, and fire projection systems.

Within a century... no, within fifty years, I want to see the initial formation of a national treasure capable of supporting our journeys across the cosmos!

After giving his orders, Xiao Ce continued with the arrangements:

"Lingxu, retrieve the global development trend map and highlight the East Asian region."

"Command confirmation."

Lingxu's phantom appeared, and with a wave of his hand, a huge and detailed holographic star map unfolded in front of the two.

The planet was clearly divided, with the western continent shrouded in a fiery orange-red that represented rapid development. Countless points of light, representing industrial clusters, energy nodes, and transportation networks, were densely packed together, like boiling blood surging.

That was a leapfrog development driven by Xiao Dingshan's technological might, a steel torrent jointly spawned by the technology of the Abyss Roar and the computing power of the Starlink Machine.

However, shifting our focus eastward, East Asia presents a completely different picture.

The colors lean more towards a calm blue-green, representing a relatively mild but well-founded revival of agriculture and handicrafts, and the initial process of industrialization.

Although its brilliance is not as dazzling as that of the West, it covers a wider area and has a deeper foundation, like fertile soil that has accumulated strength for a future breakthrough.

This is exactly the kind of cradle of civilization that Xiao Ce wanted—one with a solid foundation and strong internal drive.

"The West has already embarked on the fast track. With Xiao Dingshan in charge, Victor's starship blueprint will take root there the fastest."

Xiao Ce's fingers traced the fiery western region, but his gaze remained firmly fixed on the east!

"But East Asia... holds different possibilities. Forcing growth will only cause the branches and leaves to grow wildly, while the root system cannot keep up, and it will eventually capsize in the storm."

What they need is understanding, assimilation, and genuine creation of their own, not a 'miracle' falling from the sky.

Yin Pan'er nestled beside him and softly replied, "Your Highness is a man of profound wisdom."

Technology is like a knife; if used well, it is a powerful tool for expanding territory; if used poorly, it can backfire and harm oneself.

East Asia has a rich and profound civilization; forcibly inserting Western systems into it would likely lead to incompatibility and social unrest.

"Exactly that."

Xiao Ce nodded, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "So, send Xiao Yang to the West. That kid is quick-witted, adapts to new things fast, and he's been learning from me, so he's studied me quite thoroughly. He'll be perfect for taming that technological steed. As for East Asia..."

He gazed at the calm blue-green expanse, his eyes softening yet resolute.

“I will go myself. Let them use their own hands and their own brains to touch the stars, to catch up with, and even... surpass them.”

Xiao Ce took Yin Pan'er's hand and said, "We should go home now!"