The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Eir suddenly received an application. It was a request from a nation, +T, which claimed dominion over the Galaxy, seeking to inherit the former territory of the Beast Country.

It took the officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a moment to recall such a nation. It was a small country approximately ten journeys away from Eir, bordering the legendary edge of the "Mists." In truth, Eir rarely concerned itself with that region. It was dangerous, resource-poor, and offered no tangible benefits. The rulers of the Beast Country had once shamelessly begged to be named a vassal state, and Eir had accepted them simply because they were offered for free.

Eir had always maintained a hands-off approach toward such distant territories, content so long as their tribute arrived on time. The official who received the application surmised the Beast Country must have been conquered. He immediately approved the request and logged it into the database. To Eir, the Beast Country was an insignificant minor state; such a diplomatic matter could be decided by a mere junior official. Furthermore, in the vastness of the Star Sea, the fall of a kingdom was commonplace, utterly incapable of piquing anyone's interest.

With Eir’s approval secured, Zhong Yun finally felt completely at ease. With this document, the Galaxy Nation was truly established. To commemorate the day, Zhong Yun declared a national holiday and decreed that it would be celebrated annually as the National Day.

Zhong Yun poured considerable thought into the day’s festivities. He invited the most famous celebrities in the nation—for every country has its share of public figures—and staged a grand evening gala, broadcast live across the entire nation. He intended to cultivate an atmosphere of universal joy and celebration.

“Does the Captain think this is a bit excessive?”

On this day, Chu Tiange and the others were also gathered aboard the Mercury. Zhong Yun had granted them the rare day off, and it was Ming Yunyu who spoke.

“It’s a rare moment of happiness!” Zhong Yun chuckled, watching the live broadcast of the gala on the large screen. “The characteristic dances of the Star Sea are quite interesting.”

“Are we really establishing a country here?” Wang Xiao’er asked hesitantly.

Silence fell over everyone present. This very question had been hovering in their minds, but as Zhong Yun’s prestige grew, no one dared voice it. Now that someone had finally pierced the veil, they watched him nervously, waiting to see how he would respond.

Zhong Yun turned to look at them, nodded once, and then turned to face them fully. “It seems this matter weighs heavily on all of you.”

“We don’t want to remain here blindly; we only want to know, will you truly take us home?” Wang Xiao’er met his gaze without flinching.

“Home?” Zhong Yun’s eyes became distant. The two-year agreement had expired. Yun Qi might already have left Qi Yun Star, setting out on her journey to find him. He collected his thoughts. “I know you are deeply displeased that I am establishing this wretched Galaxy Nation here. Do you perhaps think I am using you to satisfy my own ambition?”

“Then tell me, if you were me, what would you do?” Zhong Yun looked at Wang Xiao’er. “Xiao’er, you tell me.”

“I…” Wang Xiao’er was struck dumb.

Ming Yunyu watched Zhong Yun, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

Seeing that Wang Xiao’er could not articulate an answer, Zhong Yun turned to Zeng Xiaosan.

Zeng Xiaosan scratched his head. “Well, I believe in the Boss; he will definitely take us home. I’ve never doubted you.”

When Zhong Yun’s gaze shifted to Ruomeng, she tapped her chin. “I don’t know…”

Chu Tiange stated, “I am naturally unsuited to leadership.”

…………

Everyone lowered their heads in thought, wondering what they would do if they were in Zhong Yun’s position. They all longed to return to the Omi Star System, to their homes. But how could they get back? None of them had a clear plan. Blindly searching for a way out, as they had done before, was proving fruitless. So, what needed to be done?

Initially, they couldn't agree with Zhong Yun’s actions. It was true, as he had suggested, they felt used. But putting themselves in his shoes, they considered that Zhong Yun, as their leader, bore the earnest expectations of eight thousand people. He wasn't just responsible for their physical safety; he also had to figure out how to lead them out of this desolate place. The pressure on him must have been immense.

In that instant, a faint blush of shame rose on almost everyone’s face for having cornered Zhong Yun with their questions.

Zhong Yun, however, found their reaction unexpected. He had anticipated needing to argue extensively, but it seemed unnecessary now. He sighed softly. “I won’t hide it from you: my fiancée is waiting for me. We made an agreement: if I hadn’t returned within two years, she would come looking for me. I was hoping to go back to see her, but I never expected…”

Everyone remembered then: Zhong Yun had ended up trapped in the Dead Sea precisely because he was trying to save them. Had it not been for them, Zhong Yun would already be reunited with his fiancée. Thinking of this, the shame in their hearts deepened.

“I want to go back more than anyone else,” Zhong Yun said, his eyes showing anxiety that he had feigned. He knew Yun Qi meant what she said. The two-year period was up, and she would certainly come looking for him in the Mings Kingdom. “But we cannot wander around like headless flies. To find a way out, we must first understand this place. Therefore, we must interact with the natives here. And under all these prerequisites, we must first survive,” Zhong Yun declared passionately. “To survive in this chaotic Star Sea, we must possess the strength to protect ourselves!”

“I understand now,” Wang Xiao’er stood up excitedly. “Captain, I apologize. I shouldn't have doubted you.”

“Sorry…” Chu Tiange and the others also stood up, speaking loudly.

Ming Yunyu, George, and the four engineers stood as well. “Sorry…”

“Stop saying foolish things,” Zhong Yun rose and pulled them back into their seats. “We are all stranded in this strange and dangerous place; we should be united. It was my fault for not consulting you beforehand.”

Zhong Yun’s understanding made them feel as if something had clogged their throats; they bit their lips, unable to speak, but silently vowed in their hearts to work even harder—for Zhong Yun, and for themselves.

“I think holding such a celebration is very necessary. If we want to increase our strength, relying only on ourselves is not enough; we must unite every force we can,” Zhong Yun spoke fluently. “I hope that through this celebration, the natives of this country will develop a sense of identification with us.”

Through this discussion, Zhong Yun managed to temporarily align the thoughts of his most crucial subordinates, ensuring they likely wouldn't cause him trouble for some time.

After everyone left, Zhong Yun sat alone in the command room, contemplating the next steps of his plan. A moment later, the door opened, and someone walked in—it was Wang Xiao’er.

“You’re here?” Zhong Yun snapped out of his thoughts and smiled. “Sit down.”

After Wang Xiao’er was seated, Zhong Yun said, “You did well today. I knew I hadn't chosen the wrong person.”

Wang Xiao’er smiled faintly. “It’s good that I could help the Boss.”

“You helped me immensely,” Zhong Yun shook his head. “Managing this many people is truly difficult.”

“Let’s not talk about that. How is your training going?” Zhong Yun changed the subject. After the battle with the Azure Stone Commando Unit, he had entrusted the training of the troops to the six of them. His direct forces had swelled from fifty thousand to eighty thousand. Moreover, because of the formidable strength Zhong Yun displayed—not only defeating the Beast Country’s army but also completely annihilating the invading forces from the Azure Stone Country—the former citizens of the Beast Country were now utterly convinced.

Some wealthy individuals had planned to leave the country once the situation stabilized, but now they had changed their minds. The new administration was stronger than the Beast Country’s, its governance was gentle, and there were no taxes… What ruler could be more ideal? Now, even if they were driven out with sticks, they wouldn't leave.

Not only that, but the number of people requesting to join Zhong Yun’s direct forces was growing daily. Chu Tiange and the others selected only the elite, as per Zhong Yun’s instructions, yet his direct army was expanding rapidly. Any perceptive person could see that with Zhong Yun’s immense power, following him meant a swift ascent to prominence. Those with ability were all scrambling, afraid of falling behind and missing this golden opportunity. Consequently, Chu Tiange and the others, responsible for recruiting new members, were constantly overwhelmed with work.

“Everything is going smoothly. We've discovered several very promising talents among the recruits and were just about to recommend them to you,” Wang Xiao’er replied.

“Good. This is the most important task at this stage. You must be diligent,” Zhong Yun instructed.

“We will certainly handle the task well.” Wang Xiao’er finished speaking, then looked up at Zhong Yun, a hesitation lingering in his eyes.

“What is it?” Zhong Yun looked slightly curious. “Say whatever you want to say; don’t be so distant with me.”

“Well, we are all very curious about how you managed to annihilate the entire army of the Azure Stone Country. I noticed the Mercury seems to have suffered no damage. The few of us couldn't figure it out, so we came to ask you,” Wang Xiao’er chuckled.

“Ah, that matter.” Zhong Yun pursed his lips. After returning victorious, he had never discussed the detailed circumstances of that battle with anyone, merely stating that all the enemies were dead, and then acted as if the incident never occurred.

“If it’s inconvenient, then consider that I never asked,” Wang Xiao’er hastily added.

“It’s not inconvenient,” Zhong Yun bared his teeth slightly. “It’s just that the event was rather... strange. I don’t know how to describe it.”

“Strange?” Wang Xiao’er froze. He never would have imagined Zhong Yun using such an adjective. Something extraordinary must have happened in that war.

“Yes,” Zhong Yun sank into memory.

P: Happy Mid-Autumn Festival today; there will only be one chapter. Happy Mid-Autumn to everyone!