Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!-Chapter 969 - 678: Conflict

"Furthermore, I don't require the command of the alliance fleet. All I need is intelligence, supply channels, and a certain level of military support when necessary. The specific action plan will be decided by me."

"Agreed!" Xing Zhuo responded without hesitation, "I can negotiate all of this!"

Xing Zhuo's shuttle ascended once again; this time, he flew directly towards the Huowali Fleet flagship "Iron Curtain Judge".

In the heavily guarded bridge meeting room, Xing Zhuo met Admiral Glen.

He came straight to the point and stated his identity and purpose directly.

"Admiral Glen, I am Xing Zhuo of the Thousand Stars Commerce Alliance. I am also entrusted by the Alliance Emergency Affairs Committee to handle matters related to the Mine Star. You must have heard my name."

Xing Zhuo's tone carried an undeniable official authority, "The military actions taken by Huowali United States this time were not fully reported to the alliance. Imposing a blockade on a political entity claiming sovereignty is already a violation of the basic guidelines of the alliance, articles seven and sixteen. Especially at the critical moment when the Bug Race threat is escalating, and the alliance demands all member nations concentrate their forces to combat a common enemy, such behavior is an extremely irresponsible internal friction!"

Admiral Glen's face turned ugly: "Committee member Xing Zhuo, we received legitimate reports from our citizens..."

"Citizen reports should go through arbitration procedures, not deploy fleets for a quasi-war-level blockade!" Xing Zhuo interrupted him, his tone even harsher, "The news of Lorin Colony Star being devoured has surely reached your nation's leadership. The Bug Race's blade is already against each of our throats! The alliance is organizing a new round of united action; all member states' military forces should prioritize compliance with the alliance's overall strategy! I demand that Huowali's second border patrol fleet immediately lift the blockade on the Mine Star and return to domestic airspace or accept unified command by the alliance. Otherwise, I will formally propose interrogations and sanction motions to the Supreme Council under the name of hindering the alliance's collective defense!"

Cold sweat appeared on Admiral Glen's forehead.

Xing Zhuo invoked the alliance's righteousness and the Bug Race threat to directly point out the illegality and timing errors of their actions. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Moreover, domestic news indeed called for them to "exercise restraint" and "await further instructions." Clearly, the higher-ups were also wary of the alliance's reactions and the unpredictability posed by the Bug Race.

"Committee member Xing Zhuo, this matter involves significant rights of our citizens..." Glen struggled.

"Citizen rights can be resolved later through the Arbitration Court of the alliance." Xing Zhuo pressed further, "But if your blockade results in hindering the alliance's critical action against the Bug Race or exacerbates internal conflicts, can you or even your nation bear this responsibility? Think of the devoured Lorin Colony Star!"

This final statement hit Admiral Glen's psychological defense like a heavy blow.

His face changed, and finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "I need to consult with domestic authorities."

"Please do so. But my demands won't change, and time... stands with no one who delays." Xing Zhuo said coldly.

Admiral Glen's consultation did not receive immediate feedback from the domestic side.

In the agony of waiting, Xing Zhuo's final result was a polite but firm refusal from the other party.

"Committee member Xing Zhuo." Upon meeting again, Glen's face was even more somber than before, clearly under significant pressure from domestic hardliners or forces behind Tu Ge, "Our nation's leadership has concluded that this action is a necessary measure to safeguard our citizens' legitimate rights and stabilize the alliance's Edge Star Domain. The Bug Race threat is indeed severe, but the alliance has not officially issued a mandatory directive for all member state fleets to follow unified command. Before the Arbitration Court of the alliance makes a final ruling on the Gray Ridge Mine property, our fleet will continue to execute 'alert and Order maintenance' tasks in the relevant airspace to prevent the situation from escalating due to the presence of illegal armed forces."

He paused and added: "Of course, we are not unreasonable. As long as the Mine Star is willing to show sincerity, like allowing our observers to settle in and temporarily setting aside its unlawful 'sovereign claim', everything can be negotiated. The blockade... can also be relaxed depending on the circumstances."

This was effectively asking the Mine Star to accept supervision and the de facto transfer of sovereignty, without any substantial difference from the previous demands, only changed in wording.

Xing Zhuo's expression instantly turned extremely ugly.

He knew that certain forces within Huowali were determined to seize this opportunity, and the external pressure from the Bug Race made them more eager to quickly solve "internal issues" and gain practical benefits.

"Admiral Glen, you're playing with fire!" Xing Zhuo suppressed his anger.

"Duty calls." Glen diverted his gaze, saying no more.

"You..."

When Xing Zhuo met Bai E, his face was filled with defeat and apology.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Bai E. I... couldn't persuade them. The people of Huowali are adamant, and there seems to be a significant force in their country determined to leverage the pressure from the Bug Race to achieve 'results' here as soon as possible."

He worried that Bai E might refuse to intervene against the Bug Race due to his "incompetence," which would be disastrous.

However, Bai E's reaction surprised him.

"No worries." Bai E's tone remained calm, without much disappointment, "I never placed all my hopes on your negotiations anyway."

He looked at Xing Zhuo, his gaze deep: "The news about the Bug Race devouring the Colony Star is enough for me. This isn't for the alliance, nor for anyone's request. Those bugs... are my enemies by nature, and I have a responsibility to eliminate them."