The encirclement and suppression of the Blood Skull Pirate Fleet reeked of conspiracy from the inside out. As a mature, large-scale pirate organization, the Blood Skulls had eyes and ears everywhere, with informants planted in every major mercenary group and pirate fleet. Yet, not a single whisper of warning reached them, nor did any of the other major powers catch a hint.

Conversely, their own movements had been kept with extreme secrecy. Their main fleet was forever at home on the four seas, never lingering in one location for long. But this time, they were perfectly cornered by the joint fleet of Somali and Sha Po Lang.

What’s more, the battle commenced mere days after Bos announced its status as a neutral city—clearly, everything had been prearranged.

Throughout this engagement, the intelligence and counter-intelligence capabilities of Somali and Sha Po Lang were the constant topic of discussion among all the major powers in the Asteroid Belt.

But what truly stunned everyone was yet to come. In the following days, beacons of conflict flared up across the Asteroid Belt as several large and medium-sized powers seemed to go mad simultaneously. Mercenary groups attacked pirate groups, mercenary groups attacked other mercenary groups, and pirate groups turned on pirate groups—the clashes were endless. The justifications ranged from blood feuds dating back years to petty jealousy over romantic rivals, as if a body that had never known sickness suddenly succumbed to a devastating collapse, where all accumulated, latent ailments erupted at once.

Within those few days, battles involving cruisers alone occurred ten times every twenty-four hours throughout the Asteroid Belt.

Against this grand backdrop, the news of Mayor Kussen’s sudden death was already fading into obscurity.

On this particular day, Yang Ying was inspecting various parts of the base. The four levels already operational were now bustling with activity, teeming with people. The base now housed over five thousand combat personnel of various kinds. Meanwhile, the fifth, sixth, and seventh levels were being excavated simultaneously, progressing at an incredible speed, soon to be ready for deployment.

Kalia followed half a step behind him, reporting on the previous few days’ actions as they walked: “News from the Kussen liaison office confirms that the officer’s assignments are all complete. Father and daughter Chace have begun taking control of the municipal government. With our assistance, the disarmament of the Mayor’s Guard is underway. Furthermore, Bald Head has returned to Lehai. According to surveillance reports, he shows no signs of breaking his word. The Lehai liaison office is currently being organized, and the advance team departed the base this morning.”

He paused, then continued, “Finally, those terrorists—they have all been secretly executed. All bodies were cremated to ash. That chapter is closed.”

Yang Ying nodded at Kalia. “What is your assessment of the massive melee that has erupted over the past few days?”

Kalia mused, “Based on the intelligence David sent back earlier, we analyze that this turmoil was likely instigated by the Bai Yuan Cult.”

Two Masters, accompanied by ten experts, arrived in the Asteroid Belt, and immediately following that, so many events unfolded. There must be a direct or indirect connection.

“I think so too,” Yang Ying affirmed. “Besides the Bai Yuan Cult, what other force in the Asteroid Belt could orchestrate such a synchronized eruption? The Bai Yuan Cult has probably deployed every asset accumulated over decades, perhaps even leveraging the assets of the Ancient Legion.”

“Not everything they have, but certainly a large portion,” Kalia promptly added.

“Have you discovered their objective?” Yang Ying inquired.

Kalia first nodded, then shook his head. “Although we lack concrete proof yet, it is highly probable that they aim to disrupt the military’s supply lines, preventing supplies from reaching the Saturn front from within the Asteroid Belt.”

“If the Ancient Legion then defeats the forces at the Saturn front, the Jovian orbit will also become indefensible. The Asteroid Belt will turn into the battlefield. I see now. This is the source of the sense of looming war I’ve been feeling.” Yang Ying paused to consider, then stated, “Go summon everyone for a full meeting. I have something to say.”

“As you command, Officer.” Kalia immediately set off to assemble the commanders of all departments.

Since Yang Ying arrived in the Asteroid Belt, his faction, being a newcomer, had adopted a strategy of steady development to avoid becoming the target of universal hostility, refraining from large-scale territorial conquests.

As far as Gray Port was concerned, the Trann Mercenary Group maintained good relations with the various small and medium forces there. By squeezing Herman’s influence, they carved out living space for themselves, then expanded that space to gain greater leverage. If things progressed smoothly, results could be apparent within two or three years.

However, the situation had now changed. This chaos, initiated by the Bai Yuan Cult and sweeping across the entire Asteroid Belt, presented an opportunity.

In the conference room, Yang Ying addressed the assembled personnel. “We need to alter our established strategy. I have decided to deploy our forces as soon as possible to bring Gray Port entirely under our control.”

At this declaration, everyone exchanged bewildered glances; this was completely contrary to the strategy previously agreed upon.

“Officer, Gray Port is a neutral city and does not accept control from any mercenary group,” Randall reminded him.

“That makes no difference. If the Pirate King Nabu can shift Bos from the mercenary faction to the neutral faction, I can shift Gray Port from neutral to mercenary. Nabu just publicly disgraced the Mercenary Alliance. They are eager for anyone to take a bite out of him; they won’t stop us, nor will the sea pirates,” Yang Ying said dismissively. He turned to Kalia and asked, “What action has the Caribbean taken regarding the crippling of the Blood Skull fleet these past few days? Nabu wouldn't just stand by while Somali and Sha Po Lang openly challenge him, would he?”

“If he didn’t react, he wouldn't be the Pirate King whose word is law,” Kalia replied with a smile. “The Caribbean Pirate Fleet has declared war on the Somali and Sha Po Lang alliance. Recently, the Caribbean has systematically eradicated the public branches of Somali and Sha Po Lang in twelve pirate cities, sparking an extremely fierce confrontation between the two sides. Bos, having just joined as the thirteenth city, does not yet host branches for the two major pirate groups, making Bos the quietest of the thirteen cities for now.”

“However, despite the intensity of the fighting within the cities, we haven't heard of any fleet engagements yet.”

The Somali Pirate Fleet had long been in contact with the Bai Yuan Cult. With the arrival of two Masters, a contingent of quasi-Masters, and high-level Psionics from the Cult, it was highly likely that the Somali pirates were harboring them.

Although the Caribbean Pirate Fleet ranked first among the pirates, their strength was still inferior to that of the Bai Yuan Cult.

Yang Ying nodded, addressing the assembly: “You have all heard. The conflict between the Caribbean and Somali is bound to be protracted, and they won't have time to manage a small place like Gray Port right now. It is a case of tempus fugit. Previously, the Asteroid Belt was relatively calm, and we pursued a peaceful development path. Now that the established order is shattered, if we continue with peaceful development, we will forfeit a rare opportunity.”

“The Officer is right. With so much conflict in the Asteroid Belt lately, few people will be paying attention to us. It is the perfect time to make a move. How exactly should we proceed?” Brian leaned forward slightly and asked. Having always dealt with fire, he possessed an inherent aggressiveness and favored attack.

A flash of killing intent crossed Yang Ying’s face. “We must deal with Herman first. One of his three pillars of support, the Blood Skull, has already fallen. The Caribbean is locked in a standoff with Somali and cannot concern itself with matters here. The remaining Shark Pirate Group is just filler among the Ten Great Pirate Fleets, boasting only three light cruisers—hardly worth mentioning. Now is the perfect time to strike Herman.”

Herman’s hands were stained with the blood of Trann Mercenary Group soldiers. It was time for him to pay the price.

Randall exclaimed loudly, “If it’s about striking Herman, I’m the first to agree!” The two machine gunners who sacrificed themselves earlier were his subordinates.

Yang Ying stated, “Good. Only three of the Ten Great Pirate Fleets have vested interests in Gray Port, and Herman acts as the representative for all of them. Once we eliminate Herman, the remaining pirate faction will naturally be rudderless and easy to handle. From then on, crushing them will be entirely up to us.”

If Herman fell, the other pirates in Gray Port wouldn't even possess a single medium-sized power; they would all just be scattered remnants.

“What about the mercenary faction?” Brian asked, flexing his fists, clearly holding no favorable views toward the mercenary side either.

“Of the two medium-sized mercenary groups, Commander Xie is a native of Gray Port who built his achievements from scratch; although he has the backing of a few small financial consortia, they are not a major threat. Dennis of the Wildfire Mercenary Group is Isaac’s echo; his stance depends on Isaac’s. If he does not obstruct our path, he can remain in Gray Port. If he does obstruct us, we will seize Rubelen as well! This will settle the score for the ambush by the Alloy Emplacement!” Yang Ying declared decisively, clenching his right fist and sweeping it forward.

If even these two medium mercenary groups were managed, the remaining smaller mercenary groups would pose no trouble for them.

After a consensus was reached, the group dispersed to make preparations.

Yang Ying contacted Robin in Gray Port, explained the plan to him, and instructed him to prepare for rendezvous and support. Robin still commanded a local force capable of playing a decisive role in Gray Port.

During the communication, Yang Ying ordered him to seize control of one of Gray Port’s port districts before the main fleet arrived. Given that Gray Port was a transportation hub with extremely frequent movement of personnel, the port district, built around the city, comprised fifty sectors. Just securing one port district would be sufficient for a landing.

Once the resolution was issued, the base moved with lightning speed. When Yang Ying concluded the communication with Robin and stepped out of the command center, he saw squads of machine gunners, flamethrower troops, and others running towards the hangar bay.

On the other side, tanks and mine-laying vehicles drove past, along with giant robots. These massive machines were equipped with dual-linked chain guns and Hellfire anti-air missiles, with the pilots seated inside—an armored weapon system akin to mecha.

Fifteen hundred fully armed infantry and dozens of armored formations boarded six modified heavy transport vessels—they were called 'heavy transport vessels' to distinguish them from transport ships with only eight cargo slots.

Yang Ying boarded a heavy transport vessel, and then the fleet departed the base, making its imposing way toward Gray Port, escorted by six frigates and ten squadrons of Spectre fighters.