Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1680 537: The Bell Chimes_2
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
Goodman voiced his immense gratitude.
Even though he was simply restored to his former role, this spared him from any punishment, and his prospects looked bright!
Right then, Long Chen, Mokduo, Tai Falu, Su Mulong, and the rest approached with broad smiles, offering their congratulations to Su Ming.
"Su Ming, congratulations!"
"Thank you, Grandpa!"
Su Ming showed his appreciation.
"Mulong, with Su Ming now a General, don't you think it's time to show some gesture?"
Tai Falu remarked to Su Mulong smilingly.
"You bet, this absolutely deserves it! Su Ming, when are you heading home? The family ought to hold a lavish promotion feast for you!"
Su Mulong beamed from ear to ear.
"Grandpa, things have been hectic lately, so let's forgo the promotion banquet—it's not fitting at the moment."
Su Ming quickly turned it down.
"Fine."
Su Mulong truly wished to organize a splendid banquet for Su Ming, yet Su Ming's point made perfect sense.
The Federation had pulled back its forces, with heavy losses in lives; it really wasn't suitable timing.
Just then, Hilis flashed a smile toward Su Ming.
"Mr. Su Ming, are you free tonight for my open concert?"
"Well..."
Su Ming responded with hesitation.
"Such a special chance—let's attend as a group!"
Vivian added eagerly.
"Yes, we could celebrate New Year together too."
Helena and the others joined in the invite.
Su Ming eyed Hilis and her group, then glanced at Long Bai chatting with Gakels far off, coughed lightly, and replied.
"Sorry, I've got plans tonight; perhaps another time."
"Oh, what a shame."
Hilis and the rest voiced their sincere disappointment.
"I need to handle some business; please pardon me."
Su Ming told the gathered crowd.
"Okay."
Everyone nodded approvingly.
Su Ming strode off into the distance, lifted his wrist, tapped several times, and dispatched a message.
...
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Within the Dark Star·Emperor Palace.
In the shadowy hall, the Dark Star Emperor occupied the throne, while Roglia Chief Minister stood dutifully nearby.
A holographic projection hovered before them.
The projection showed Long Bai, clad in the Starry Robe, on the podium, giving an impassioned address.
"The current Federation has fully risen, becoming incredibly powerful, capable of facing human traitors and alien races alone, fearing no formidable enemy...."
"Haha, how arrogant!"
The Dark Star Emperor erupted in boisterous laughter upon hearing it.
"Emperor, this new Dragon White President is truly overly conceited."
Roglia Chief Minister stated deferentially.
Truth be told, the Roglia Chief Minister's words held some validity; the Federation had lately absorbed Saint Joex, Shabask Kingdom, and various Neutral Countries, displaying clear unification momentum.
Yet one must recall that at the Federation's height, both the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country and Dark Star Empire belonged to its fold. Under Dragon String Council President back then, they scarcely overcame Chilami and the Mechanical Clan.
Today, Long Bai boldly proclaims fearlessness toward Chilami, Mechanical Clan, Dark Star Empire, or Heavenly Revelation Divine Country—pure hubris.
That said, should Dark Star Empire and Heavenly Revelation Divine Country return to the Federation, uniting humanity completely, they could indeed challenge the two alien powers and compete for stellar dominance.
Regrettably, both Dark Star Empire and Heavenly Revelation Divine Country have broken away as foes, making his boast either madness or sheer arrogance.
"Nonetheless, this Long Bai carries the aura of old Dragon Xian, wielding exceptional resolve!"
Though the Dark Star Emperor deemed Long Bai outrageously dismissive of the Dark Star Empire, he refused to belittle him.
"Emperor, spot on—not all Council Presidents dare sever ties, forsake the Three Forbidden Zones. Plus, the Federation's surged ahead lately, while our power steadily wanes."
Roglia Chief Minister murmured softly.
At these words, the Dark Star Emperor's brows knit tightly, and he intoned gravely.
"Centuries back, that old codger Fanluo and I trailed Dragon String against alien foes. Only five VI Generation Mecha existed then; post-split, I claimed one! We've merely gained another since. Word is, the Federation's amassed eight more VI Generation Mecha! Our disparity grows ever larger!"
"Emperor, what's our next move?"
Roglia Chief Minister inquired anxiously.
"Fear not, opportunity remains. With the Federation immersed in New Year's festivities, they ignore how the New Year's bell tolls their doom's onset, haha!"
The Dark Star Emperor concluded with thunderous laughter.
Indeed, this marked the Dark Star Emperor's final shot—if he failed to crush the Federation now, that prize would forever elude him.
"Wise Emperor!"
Roglia affirmed respectfully.
"Progress on my Mecha's upgrades?"
The Emperor demanded icily.
"Almost done."
Roglia Chief Minister gestured, shifting the hologram.
A colossal, formidable Mecha materialized, surrounded by Mechanics feverishly tweaking its innards.
Gazing at the upgrading Mecha, the Emperor nodded approvingly.
"Excellent, and the Clone Army?"
"Prepared as well."
Roglia Chief Minister gestured once more.