by <unknown>
The more she talked, the more frank and passionate Li Linghai became. She extended five fingers and said, "Honoring the Majesty, settling the rebellions, and establishing a powerful central government is only the first step.
"If the first step works out, there will be four steps to make next.
"First of all, the public education of the Imperium must be greatly supported, especially the early education targeting the hominoids. The country will pay for the tailor-made training packages, including nutrition tonics, strengthening drugs, and corresponding teachers, which will be provided for the hominoid children under seven for free to ensure that every hominoid with potentials in training can be distinguished.
"If they show no potentials in training by seven in such an absolutely fair environment of education, the country should not be held responsible for whatever becomes of them later, should it?
"Secondly, an anti-fraud and anti-corruption agency must be established directly under the command of the emperor or the supreme parliament. For now, they can be regrouped from the seasoned warriors in the army of the Imperium. They will be given the power that is only secondary to the parliament and patrol in the universe for misconduct under the royal decree.
"The anti-fraud and anti-corruption team will be responsible for investigating and preventing the dishonesty and embezzlement problems of the civil officials, especially when they conspire with each other for their own benefits, to ensure that the 'contribution point system', the foundation of the Imperium, can be really fair and open. The channel of ascension for the bottom-level Immortal Cultivators will be kept unblocked. Not a single talent will be overshadowed by the noble families!
"Thirdly, the public infrastructures must be pushed forward, particularly the 'space gates' and the 'Spiritual Nexus highways' that spans multiple Sectors.
"In the Imperium right now, because of the weak central government, the local leaders and warlords have risen, and many of them consider their neighbors as competitors. As a result, the construction of the space gates and the Spiritual Nexus has been delayed. Under many circumstances, it is not because they are incapable of building them but because of local protectionism and the selfish interests of the warlords.
"If we can increase the number of 'space gates' in the Imperium by five times and the data interaction bases floating in the space by ten times, which will improve the average net speed of the whole Imperium by at least 300%, in a hundred years, how much help will they provide for the development of the comprehensive national strength of the Imperium?
"It will be an explosive leap and inestimable progress!
"If we can really achieve that, is the Alliance of the Holy Covenant that has retreated to its lair licking its wounds in silence really a threat at all? Completely destroying the Covenant Alliance and uniting the whole world of humans after ten thousand years will only be a starting point for the Imperium of True Human Beings.
"Our expedition is destined to be the sea of stars and the end of the universe!
"Concentrate all the resources, hot blood, and courage of the civilization of mankind, produce bigger, faster starships that can jump more times, and develop the unknown space zones beyond the three thousand Sectors that are a hundred times vaster. Fight for greater space of survival for the civilization of mankind with the swords of the Imperium. That is our destiny and the significance for the real Immortal Cultivators.
"When the five policies are combined, it will be 'Shenwu reform' and the rebirth of the Imperium and even the entire civilization of mankind!"
Bellowing so far, Li Linghai clenched her fists hard, and passionate redness was vaguely emitting from her white hair and her transparent eyes.
Li Yao: "Well…"
Still dwelling in the wonderful future that she had envisioned, Li Linghai was obviously not happy with Li Yao's response. She frowned and said, "What's wrong? Do you not agree with our ideas?"
"I wouldn't say that."
Li Yao scratched his chin and said, "This is certainly a beautifully-drawn pie that almost makes you feel its deliciousness. Even I feel more or less tempted as an unwavering Cultivator.
"However, there was once an emergent food on Firefly named 'fast noodles', whose decoration and whose content were often totally different. Their advertisements were not to be believed at all.
"While your magnificent dreams are truly refreshing to hear, I do have a question. Of the five fingers that you have extended, you will have to invest infinite money and resources to accomplish any single one, right? Do you have so much money and so many resources in the heritages of the Supreme Emperor that you have gotten your hands on?"
Li Linghai shook her head and admitted frankly, "Not exactly. No relics or heritages can achieve everything."
Li Yao said, "Then, the 'massive public education', 'infrastructure constructions', or 'exploration of the space zones beyond the three thousand Sectors to find more space of survival for mankind' sound like great plans that will bankrupt any government easily with all the money that they require. Where do you plan to find the capital to put them into practice? I don't suppose you are just drawing the pie instead of actually making it just in order to deceive the ignorant teenagers?"
Li Linghai smiled and said unhurriedly, "Just because I don't have does not mean that the four Kurfürst families do not have, and just because I don't have the money right now doesn't mean I won't have it after the four families are completely crushed and the wealth they accumulated before is squeezed out of their fat bodies, right?"
Li Yao nodded his head, feeling that his eyes were losing focus. "That does make sense. Confiscate everything from the four Kurfürst families and regard the fat from their bodies as the first bucket of gold for the rise of the Imperium. It does make a lot more sense now."
"So, are you willing to join us sincerely and carry out the mission to the end, to avoid the many tragedies of mankind, including what happened to Firefly, from happening again?"
Li Linghai extended her hand at Li Yao solemnly. "Despite our different stances, you will have to admit that our 'new Imperium' is much better than the 'old Imperium' that has fallen to the hands of the noble families, right?
"At the very least, the hominoids, or the ordinary people, will have more rights, a fairer environment of competition, and a channel of ascension that is smoother than they have in the old Imperium.
"I cannot lie to you that every hominoid in the new Imperium can live a good, happy, and carefree life, but I promise you that my fellow Immortal Cultivators and I will try to create such an environment where hominoids will have their chances to become true human beings without any external interferences as long as they have some potentials and are willing to work hard.
"Think about it. If the hominoids have better chances to become true human beings, it transpires that the class of the hominoids is improved as a whole. For the 'first-generation Immortal Cultivators' whose brothers and sisters are all hominoids, how can they really be coldblooded enough to really abandon their family? They will certainly try their best to help their hominoid relatives and achieve a reasonable configuration of social benefits. This sort of agrees with the ideas of the Cultivators, right?
"So, as long as you are not one of those obstinate fundamentalist Cultivators who refuse to accept anything new but truly consider the happiness of the hominoids, is there any reason why you shouldn't join us?"
Blinking his eyes for a long time, Li Yao said, "It sounds fair enough, but I wonder, who does 'us' include right now? Has Your Grace truly gathered the unorganized dissidents in your hands into indestructible iron and rocks?"
Li Linghai's eyes flashed. She smiled and said, "It is truly difficult to convince someone in the Divinity Transformation Stage. You are too smart. Yes, I'm not going to lie to you. Although many people are unsatisfied with what the four Kurfürst families have been doing, they have governed the Imperium for hundreds of years after all, and their reign is outstretched and flawless.
"It
is certainly not an easy task to gather the oppositions who each have their own plan, is it?
"Even if we have all the favorable conditions, I estimate that it will take at least a year and a half to finish the association that will involve the entire Imperium.
"The four Kurfürst families are not made of dead people. They will certainly sense my intention in the meantime and be shocked by my real strength. By then, they will stop me through all kinds of shameless methods, including personal assassination. While I am not a defenseless woman, it is inappropriate for me to take action in many situations, and I do need a bodyguard in the Divinity Transformation Stage with a tough combat ability. I'll be like a tiger that grows wings if you join my cause. It will be easier for me to deal with a lot of emergencies.
"Therefore, your arrival is perhaps really a sign that the Imperium will rise again. I'm really in need of you right now. So, whatever conditions you have, just bring them out.
"I know that a Divinity Transformation Stage Cultivator like you will certainly not be attracted by Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures or fame and fortunes. If your conditions are about policies and ideology, for example, better treatment for the hominoids, you can tell them to me right now. I'll consider them as long as they are not too outrageous."
Looking at the queen's earnest and passionate eyes, Li Yao scratched his cheeks for a long time again before he said slowly, "Let's not rush into the negotiation of conditions yet. I still feel that Your Grace's plan has a fatal loophole."
Li Linghai's eyes shone brilliantly. "What loophole?"
"The Covenant Alliance, of course. People of the Covenant Alliance are merely emotionless, but they are not deaf, blind, or dead. Will they simply wait and watch us complete the 'honor the Majesty and settle the rebellions in the Shenwu reform'? They will definitely charge at the Imperium and crush it when the internal conflicts within the Imperium have a complete outbreak!"
Li Yao asked sincerely, "I don't believe that Your Grace has never considered the question before. Or are you confident that the Covenant Alliance will just stay back for a hundred years while watching the old Imperium transform into a new, stronger one?"
"Of course, the Covenant Alliance will not stand by and watch. They will attack us in search of benefits."
The queen was not perplexed by the fatal question at all. With utmost confidence beaming out of her eyes, she smiled casually. "However, believe me, nothing can stop the rise of the civilization of mankind. All in all, the Imperium will be a sure winner!"
Chapter 2165: A Path of Obstinacy! |
Li Yao was at a loss for words.
He knew that Queen Li Linghai might be an insane, hopeless, and complete gambler, but she was certainly not a self-deceiving idiot.
Now that Li Linghai was confident in defeating the Alliance of the Holy Covenant while dealing with the four Kurfürst families and reforming the Imperium, she must have a certain strength that Li Yao was unaware of yet, one whose success rate was quite remarkable.
Perhaps it was the greatest secret about Li Linghai, concerning the mysterious heritages from the Star Ocean Imperium ten thousand years ago that she had inherited!
Li Linghai would definitely not tell him the truth about the secret easily, or anybody else in the Deep Sea Fleet for that matter.
The communication so far had taken a lot of time despite the high efficiency of the high-level experts. Li Linghai handled the intelligence while she spoke to Li Yao, and she was already done with almost a hundred pieces of complicated intelligence.
Pretending to be hesitating, Li Yao thought for a moment and said, "You do have a point, Your Grace. Now that the Star Ocean Republic is no more and Firefly has been completely destroyed, there seems no place for me in the vast universe right now.
"I'm willing to be at the service of Your Grace wholeheartedly, on the grounds that the morals of the Cultivators are not violated, but I will require a small Sector, which will be authorized as a 'special area' after the cause is reached, and I'll adopt the system of the Cultivators in the Sector. Is that acceptable for Your Grace?"
"Of course!"
In a look of "I know you will propose such a demand", Li Linghai smiled. "With your combat ability in the Divinity Transformation Stage, as long as you make slight contributions for the great cause of reform, is there any problem at all for you to work as the master of a certain Sector?
"It will be your freedom to administrate your Sector provided that it is not against the law of the Imperium. On the other hand, considering your special identity, I can even help you get certain policies beyond the range of the law of the Imperium for your 'special area'."
Li Yao was "overjoyed". Thinking for a moment, Li Yao said again, "I still believe in the excellency of the path of the Cultivators. If a certain policy is deemed effective in my Sector, is it possible to promote it in the national range?"
Li Linghai pondered a moment and smiled. "Why not? In any case, our ultimate goal is the same, which is the rise of the civilization of mankind. The real Immortal Cultivators are not natural-born sadists. If a certain policy makes the lives of the hominoids more comfortable without harming the overall interests of the Imperium and the civilization of mankind, is there any reason why it should not be promoted nationwide?
"After all, both the true human beings and the hominoids are the subjects of His Majesty!"
Li Yao still wanted to say something, but Li Linghai waved her hands to interrupt him. "This is all about the future. You can wait until the four Kurfürst families are really eliminated. If you truly give unparalleled performances in the battle, not just one Sector, even a couple of Sectors will not be entirely impossible, or you may become the most powerful man in court. By then, you will naturally be able to better carry out your influence and raise valuable suggestions for the major policies of the Imperium. There is no need to talk about them right now, is there?
"Getting to the bottom of it, you and I will both be screwed if we fail, and everything I promise you right now will be just a dream, right?"
Li Yao said in hesitation, "You do have a point, Your Grace, but I'm afraid that you were wrong about one thing."
"Oh?"
Li Linghai was slightly dazed. "What was it?"
Rubbing his hands, Li Yao said, his eyes rolling quickly, "Just now, you said that a Divinity Transformation Stage Cultivator such as myself would never be attracted by Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures or fame and fortunes. That is not necessarily the case.
"In fact, after we get to know each other better, you will realize that I am in fact a very casual and approachable man without the haughtiness of a top expert in the Divinity Transformation Stage at all. Apart from the discussions on ideas, I generally do not say no to treasures, fame, fortune, strengthening drugs, amazing arts, or powerful magical equipment.
"Besides, when I escaped from my hometown, I did not carry many belongings with me in the first place, and my Cosmos Ring is now already empty. My Colossus, the only treasure, is now almost wasted too. It is in dire need of maintenance and upgrading.
"Therefore, while I am sincerely hoping to cooperate with Your Grace and make contributions to the establishment of the 'new Imperium', well…"
Li Yao blinked at Li Linghai quickly with a greedy smile.
Li Linghai was both stunned and amused.
"That is not a problem at all. 'Dragon Abyss' is my secret flagship when I'm on a trip. It has all kinds of resources and training and maintenance facilities. Now that you are my personal bodyguard, you are naturally free to use any of them!"
Having recruited a useful subordinate in the Divinity Transformation Stage, the queen was obviously delighted. She said, "If they are not enough, there will be a plethora of magical equipment for you to pick after we return to 'Deep Sea Palace', my secret base.
"We will stay in the Deep Sea Palace for five days before we return to the capital. You can change the appearance of your crystal suit and your Colossus in the meantime. Of
course, for safety reasons, I still advise you to change to another crystal suit that is less eye-catching.
"After we return to the capital, it will be the time for 'Vulture Li Yao' to distinguish himself and rise unstoppably!
"You may go to the resource warehouse and the maintenance workshop if you don't have any questions. Right. Li Lingfeng's Colossus is still waiting to be handled in the maintenance workshop, but the power units have been too seriously and weirdly damaged. The refiners on 'Dragon Abyss' all feel that it is very tricky. You were the one who caused the damage, right? Do you want to take a look at it? I'll give you the highest clearance in operation."
Li Yao's eyes were glittering when the topic turned to the Colossus, like a weasel that had smelled chicken soup. He mumbled, "I almost can't wait anymore."
"Then, leave now. Right. Bring him with you."
The queen nodded at Li Jialing who was standing nearby and said indifferently, "Go to my personal warehouse of crystal suits and pick a suitable crystal suit for him. Then, adjust it as you see fit and teach him how to use it. I do not want to see him in such an ugly and stupid look again."
The eyes of the young man, or the young lion, bulged out again.
Li Yao hurried to grab Li Jialing's neck and dragged him away. "Understood, Your Grace!"
…
On the pathway to the maintenance workshop, Li Yao followed Tu Zhengdao, the deputy leader of the Deep Sea Legion, forward while dragging Li Jialing who was still struggling hard in his armpit.
Inside his brain, the mental devil's slightly high-pitched voice came over. "Are you really going to work with Li Linghai in her so-called reform?"
Li Yao replied, "Or what? We are here to look for the queen and to investigate the truth of the Imperium for the first time. Now, we have snuck into the heart of the Imperium and become the queen's personal bodyguard. I say it is a huge success!"