Chapter 211: The Birth of the Oracle (2)

“This is indeed true,” Steve said, waving the imperial decree in his hand. “I’ve received the Emperor’s order bearing his seal. Friends, after all these years of struggle by the Anti-Empire Alliance, our goal has finally been achieved. Shouldn’t we celebrate this moment?”

Cheers erupted instantly. Political leaders and interstellar rulers, regardless of their status, embraced and kissed each other joyfully. Even those who had been enemies forgot their grudges in this moment, tears flowing from their eyes, overwhelmed with emotion.

The Outer Territories were the most horrifying regions under the Galactic Empire’s colonial policies. Being far from the Empire’s core, the Empire shamelessly plundered these areas for years. Long-term exploitation and slaughter had turned countless star systems into wastelands, with the remaining barely surviving, uncertain when their planets and races would be wiped out completely.

Now, their dream had finally come true. Their races could finally attain freedom. Although the cost of this freedom might be great, at least now they could govern themselves.

Hurd still had his eyes closed, showing no reaction. This old bear was becoming more and more inscrutable.

Yang Hao’s behavior was also quite peculiar. He didn’t join in the celebration but leaned back in his chair, clapping listlessly. His face showed little joy. On one hand, Yang Hao wasn’t like those rulers who had suffered under the Empire’s oppression for years. The two planets he now managed had long been free from the Empire’s control. On the other hand, Yang Hao had indeed realized that these so-called resistance allies only cared about their own interests. As long as their planets were no longer in danger, they were willing to abandon the great cause of resisting the Empire.

Since his brief conversation with the AI, Yang Hao’s perspective had broadened. He realized that even the Oracular Autonomous Territory was just a corner of the Empire. The Galactic Empire tolerating the rebellion here while trying to quickly end wars elsewhere probably meant there were bigger troubles brewing internally.

But speaking of that, Yang Hao was indeed recorded in history as the leader of the Anti-Empire Alliance. Although the imperial decree was in Steve’s hands, Yang Hao had already seen the name “Yang Hao” clearly written on the recently granted title of Lord of the Oracular Autonomous Territory.

This made Yang Hao feel proud. He was still so young, yet already became a regional lord of the Empire. The Galactic Empire was a monarchy, and the Oracular Autonomous Territory was likely the first and last autonomous region. Yang Hao’s status was even much higher than that of nobles.

However, things were never that simple. Hurd seemed to sense Yang Hao’s pride, sighed, and gave him a meaningful glance. That single glance made Yang Hao feel stunned.

“The Emperor has also proposed three conditions for the Oracular Autonomous Territory. If we fail to meet them, this imperial decree will be void, and the Empire’s forces sent to suppress the eastern front will immediately turn west, launching a full-scale war against us,” Steve continued after the celebration had somewhat subsided.

“What conditions?” Although everyone felt these conditions would not be simple, compared to the benefits they would gain and the threat of war, they believed they could probably agree to them.

“First, the Empire requires that our forces must not cross the defensive line formed by the three Death Star fortresses,” Steve said. Those three Death Star fortresses floated on the eastern side of the Trinary Sea star system.

Even without this condition, the allied forces gathered at the Trinary Sea would not easily provoke the Death Star fortresses. These cosmic battle stations had extremely strong defensive capabilities when working together, making it difficult for even armies several times their size to breach.

“Second, the Empire requires the Oracular Autonomous Territory to annually contribute one-third of its production to the Empire,” Steve said, licking his lips and glancing at the leaders seated below. In this aspect, the Trinary Sea star system had a significant advantage, as its only product was silicon-based elements. Other resource-rich planets were different, relying on their own production for income. Contributing one-third would not significantly improve their situation compared to before.

This condition sparked considerable debate. However, Steve was naturally a master of persuasion and negotiation. He explained the pros and cons and pressured the leaders with the overall interests of the alliance. Eventually, the agricultural and resource-rich planets had no choice but to agree to the Empire’s demands.

In fact, even with these conditions, the autonomous territory still gained significant benefits. Previously, the Outer Territories not only had to send more than half of their resources to the Empire’s core but were also politically and militarily controlled by the Empire. Now they enjoyed much more freedom.

“The third condition…” Steve’s gaze slowly swept the room, finally resting on Hurd and Yang Hao, his eyes dark and flickering. “The Emperor’s decree orders the founder of the Oracular Autonomous Territory to immediately proceed to the capital, Earth, to receive the title of Viscount.”

After this sentence, over a hundred leaders fell into unexpected silence, as if everyone was contemplating and pondering. Everyone present was a wise leader in their own right, possessing astonishing analytical abilities. The fact that even they needed to think showed how complex the implications of this third condition were.

The first two conditions were easy to understand and expected. However, the third condition contained a wealth of information, skillfully applying the power of political strategy.

In the imperial decree, the Emperor did not directly recall the Lord of the Oracular Autonomous Territory but summoned the founder, a deliberately vague term. Officially, Yang Hao was the nominal leader of the Anti-Empire Alliance, and naturally, the Lord of the Oracular Autonomous Territory. However, who was the true founder of the alliance? Yang Hao could hardly be considered the founder.

Bestowing noble titles was indeed an imperial tradition. However, a Viscount was the lowest rank in the Empire, essentially a noble of the lower class, usually granted to warriors who had made minor contributions or to subordinates of the aristocracy. Now, the Oracular Autonomous Territory encompassed a hundred star systems and hundreds of billions of people. The founder, at the very least, should be granted a Duke title, if not a Prince.

Therefore, the true intent behind summoning the founder to Earth for a Viscount title was clearly a pretense. The Emperor’s real demand was to summon the core figure of the Anti-Empire Alliance to Earth.

It was the core figure, not merely the nominal leader.

And the destination was Earth itself!

Just hearing the name was enough to send chills down one’s spine. Naturally, for loyal subjects of the Empire, Earth was a synonym for a great homeland, an eternal holy land. To step on Earth’s soil during one’s lifetime would bring salvation to their souls.

However, those present were all elite rebels. Although many were originally human immigrants from the Milky Way, they now resembled devils in the dark, fearing the light of Earth the most.

The Emperor of the Galactic Empire resided on Earth. The awe-inspiring Imperial Guards were on Earth. The Senate, which controlled mysterious cultivation methods and governed all cultivators, was on Earth. The Privy Council, which commanded the Empire’s invincible fleet, was on Earth. The headquarters of the Ten Sword Clans were also on Earth. Even the Three Sword Saints lived on Earth.

That was the core of the Galactic Empire’s power. For a rebel, it was no different from hell itself. Anyone entering it would face only one fate: to be tortured to death by various forces, like in a purgatory.

Especially Yang Hao, who had previously offended the Wang family of the Ten Sword Clans, the Black Wind Sword Sect, and the Shadow Assassins. He had destroyed the powerful fleet of the Privy Council and had numerous enemies in the Senate. If Yang Hao were sent to Earth, it would be like a lamb entering a tiger’s den, with little hope of survival.

However, looking at the decree now, it did not directly summon Yang Hao. This was where the Emperor’s cunning lay. The Emperor likely understood that although Yang Hao held the title of leader, he was not the true core of the alliance and could not control its forces. What the Emperor wanted was a hostage, someone whose presence on Earth would be enough to restrain the alliance from rash actions. With such a hostage on Earth, the Emperor could feel secure in allowing the autonomous territory to recover and grow.

But now, who would go to Earth as this hostage?

The long silence was broken by a few discordant coughs. The sound came from Hurd, who had been sitting with his eyes closed. Hurd’s gaze was now fixed on the embarrassed Steve.

In truth, everyone’s thoughts were as clear as a mirror. Although the alliance had over a hundred star system governors, only three people were truly qualified to go to Earth as a hostage.

Yang Hao was naturally one of them. He was the nominal leader of the alliance, the official Lord of the autonomous territory, and the commander of several consecutive victories.

Hurd could also be considered one. He was not only the spiritual leader of the Bear Star but also the spiritual leader of the Anti-Empire Alliance. After the Battle of Outer Mongolia, he had become a war god-like figure. In Yang Hao’s opinion, Hurd was very likely at the level of a Sword Saint, though he had hidden it well.

The third person was naturally Steve. The Trinary Sea star system was the second-largest technological center in the universe, outside the Milky Way. He also controlled the alliance’s military power. Although Steve had no official title, he had always held the actual power within the alliance. The Emperor’s reference to the founder likely pointed to Steve.

When Steve saw Hurd looking at him, he knew that today was a precarious moment. He had worked hard to gain his current power. Although the title of Lord had been taken by Yang Hao, he still held the real authority and had no intention of giving it up so easily. He maintained a composed expression and solemnly said, “Unfortunately, my position is too low, and I am truly unworthy of becoming a Viscount of the Empire. Otherwise, I would gladly go to Earth on everyone’s behalf.”

“Mr. Steve is the ruler of the Trinary Sea and the founder of the alliance. How can you say you are unworthy?” Long Yun suddenly spoke up. This big man, known for his rough exterior but sharp mind, naturally understood that if Steve refused to go, Yang Hao would be in grave danger.

“But… my skin might be thick, but I still feel a bit embarrassed,” Steve replied, his face reddening slightly. “The autonomous territory has just been established, and there are countless matters to attend to. If I leave, who will take over and manage everything properly?”

“Haha!” Long Yun sneered. “Are you saying that the entire alliance depends solely on Mr. Steve? Are all the other governors just decorations?”

Long Yun’s words were quite sharp, effectively pushing Steve to the opposition of all the star system leaders.

As expected, the star system leaders’ gazes towards Steve began to change, as if saying, “If you don’t go to hell, who will?”

Steve was so anxious that he was sweating profusely, wanting to explain a few words.

“Alright, alright,” Hurd slowly stood up. Though short in stature, even when standing, he wasn’t as tall as those sitting on high chairs, his voice carried an inherent authority that silenced everyone. “Earth isn’t a dragon’s den or a tiger’s lair. Besides, there’s even a Viscount title. Let me, an old man, take this trip.”

Steve’s face relaxed, and he had to suppress the joy from showing. “Elder Hurd is highly respected and is the founder and guide of the alliance. This title is well deserved.”

Although Hurd didn’t say anything, everyone knew that he was likely the most hated person on the Galactic Empire’s most-wanted list. After the Battle of Outer Mongolia, he was the only survivor, a source of spiritual strength for the rebels, and one of the most powerful beings in the universe. This trip would likely be his last.

Therefore, there was a sense of melancholy on Hurd’s face. He sighed and asked, “When do we depart?”

“Tomorrow,” Steve replied humbly.

“Hmph,” a wave of emotion flickered in Hurd’s eyes, which he quickly masked with self-deprecating humor as he casually fiddled with his dirty, matted fur. “No time to return to Bear Star anymore.”

Indeed, there was no time. This great warrior, the leader of Bear Star, could not even take one last look at his homeland and people before heading to his likely doom.

The axe was no longer in his hand, and the strength of the warrior would soon dissipate.

“Enough, enough. After so many years, there must come a day when one must let go,” Hurd shook his head, his eyes filled with determination. He waved his hand at the silent crowd in the council chamber. “So be it.”

The governors dared not look into Hurd’s eyes. They felt deep guilt toward this old man who had always given his wisdom and strength, yet not a single person stood up to stop Hurd from making this sacrifice.

Perhaps there was someone, but he did not stand up. Instead, he remained lounging in his comfortable silver chair, lazily saying, “You’re not qualified to go.”

To say Hurd was unqualified could only come from one person.

Yang Hao, as if his tone wasn’t heavy enough, repeated firmly, “The title is for me, the Lord. You’re not qualified.”

Hurd didn’t look at Yang Hao, but everyone else’s gaze converged on him. Maya turned pale with fright, and even Long Yun swayed slightly, wanting to grab Yang Hao, but Yang Hao had already moved in front of Steve.

“I will go to Earth and take your title,” Yang Hao said directly to Steve. “You’d better take care of everything in the autonomous territory. I am the Lord, and I will return eventually.”

“Is that so?” Steve no longer bothered to pretend. “I hope so.”

Earth, the gates of hell, had already opened for Yang Hao, and there was no way he would return. Steve was very confident about that.

“Then, please prepare for departure, Lord,” Steve actually wanted to say, “Please prepare to die.”

Yang Hao shook his head. “Not yet. I still need to go to the comet source and meet the Shadow Assassins.”

Steve was startled. He hadn’t expected Yang Hao to provoke the Shadow Assassins before heading to Earth to meet his doom. Those people dwelled in darkness and were among the most difficult to deal with in the Ten Sword Clans. Could it be that Yang Hao truly didn’t want to live?

“It was… requested by Ling Ziyun.”

So that was it. Steve’s heart relaxed. Yang Hao was going to die anyway; how he died and when was of little concern to him.

Moreover, Yang Hao volunteering to fight the Shadow Assassins to a mutual destruction was practically the best news he could hope for.

Steve’s smile became even brighter, as if the sun had risen in his eyes.

Yang Hao, however, lowered his head. He began to enjoy this icy way of life, at least in this way, he could control his own direction.

And that direction, without a doubt, pointed straight at the heart of the Empire.

Earth.