The Pacific was anything but peaceful in the dead of night. Nian Neng Temple's headquarters on Yan De Island felt the tremor of power. Lightning flashed, thunder roared.

The dense, heavy clouds seemed to press down as if the entire sky had collapsed, the continuous, blinding flashes illuminating the churning ocean surface. The air was filled with the deafening symphony of wind, rain, thunder, and crashing waves—a magnificent and imposing composition of nature's fury that instilled an immediate, overwhelming sense of awe.

Across the sea, the storm swept in with driving rain, whipping up ten-meter-high waves that slammed heavily against the cliffs bordering Mand Island. At the very crest of this precipice stood a temple-like structure, the highest among a string of similar buildings tracing the mountain path.

A middle-aged man, clad in a simple white monastic robe, emerged slowly from the temple. He walked alone, step by deliberate step, onto the open terrace. He appeared to be around fifty, with a square jaw, thick brows, and prominent eyes, framed by a full, flowing beard and long, elegant hair cascading down his back.

His attire was unadorned, yet meticulously neat. But as he simply stood there, he seemed utterly merged with the cosmos; his clothing had no bearing on the aura he projected.

As the downpour struck near him, it instantly recoiled. He was enveloped, it seemed, by an invisible shield that repelled every single drop. Even the ground where he trod dried instantly, the rainwater quietly receding, showing deference as if bowing to the man’s presence.

The middle-aged man stood at the edge of the terrace and looked up at the sky.

In that instant, the tempest halted abruptly. The wind died, the rain ceased its increase, and the dark clouds began to churn and writhe violently, as if stirred by colossal hands.

“Hah!”

A roar, as if vented from the throat of a giant, instantly drowned out the thunder and lightning. The entire cloud layer seemed to be struck by an irresistible repulsive force, scattering violently upward into the higher reaches of the sky!

Moments later, the clouds dispersed and the rain vanished, revealing a clear, starry expanse. Pale moonlight, accompanied by pinpricks of starlight, bathed the now tranquil sea, making it hard to believe this place had been ravaged by a storm moments before.

The middle-aged man gazed into the depths of the cosmos, seemingly lost in thought. After a long pause, he murmured softly, “It is time.”

After another interval, footsteps sounded from below the terrace. The man withdrew his gaze and looked down.

A Nian Neng practitioner approached the base of the terrace, executed a formal bow, and reported to the elder: “Master Kong Li, the Saturn Campaign has concluded. We have achieved victory. Weng Sha Lie retreated after a brief engagement, withdrawing toward Uranus’s orbit.”

“I know.”

This middle-aged man was none other than Kong Li, the Grand Elder of Nian Neng Temple. He waved the practitioner away, and his figure gradually dissolved into the void.

Thousands of miles away, in the headquarters of the Earth Coalition Government on the central government building of Atlantic Union Island, President Kinsler was seated in a small conference room with his advisors, listening to Field Marshal Duncan, the Minister of Defense, regarding the Saturn Campaign.

“The battle at Saturn was won too easily. The fleet’s main force suffered minimal losses; we should push forward with the offense instead of resting at Saturn!”

Field Marshal Duncan was elderly, and having lacked proper rest lately, his voice was somewhat hoarse, yet he strove to project a commanding tone, emphasizing his confidence.

“What is Field Marshal Li Yose’s opinion on continuing the advance?”

Kinsler asked in a measured voice.

The President was less than fifty years old, his hair thin and prematurely white, his demeanor rigorously precise, his eyes sharp, giving an impression of undeniable authority.

Before entering politics, he had been an authority in genetics and microbiology, publishing dozens of seminal academic papers. Several treatments he invented or improved had saved tens of thousands of patients, and he had conquered three diseases long considered incurable.

After pivoting to politics at forty, he displayed remarkable political acumen, earning widespread favorable recognition from both the upper echelons and the common populace. Within a few years, he rose from political newcomer to Governor of the North American Continent.

Subsequently, when the previous administration collapsed due to corruption, incompetence, and antagonizing Yang Ying, Kinsler seized the opportunity. Presenting himself as a figure of both strength and intellect, he persuaded numerous voters to cast their ballots for him, ultimately ascending to the Presidency.

It was widely known that his personal relationship with Li Yose was exceptionally strong. During the election, he had campaigned on the platform that if elected, he would fully support Li Yose in reclaiming lost territories in the Outer Solar System and expelling the Ancient Legion. Li Yose, in turn, had publicly endorsed Kinsler's candidacy on multiple occasions.

In truth, this alliance garnered Kinsler significant votes. His rivals in the election hailed from established political dynasties, possessing vast resources and reputations painstakingly built over generations—mere names that brought considerable support.

However, as Earth’s forces faced retreat on the front lines, it was Li Yose’s reputation that carried more weight; the public instinctively favored the leader best suited for war, and thus Kinsler became President Seler.

Hearing President Seler mention Li Yose, Duncan’s brow furrowed slightly, and a flash of displeasure crossed his eyes, though he quickly masked it. He replied, “Field Marshal Li Yose believes that reclaiming the Dual King Star defense line requires an offensive of unprecedented scale, and we are not yet prepared for that level of commitment. He wishes to rest at Saturn for a time, to assemble at least ten main battle fleets before moving. Furthermore, he explicitly stated that all six frontline main fleets must be deployed!”

“Wouldn’t that leave the Inner Solar System dangerously exposed?” a presidential aide worried aloud.

Duncan nodded, acknowledging the aide. “You are quite right. Sending the bulk of our forces on a long expedition leaves the Inner System vulnerable. This is exceedingly risky. I personally oppose this strategy!”

President Seler gently rubbed his chin and continued, “What were Field Marshal Li Yose’s exact words? He must have explained the necessity for so many troops.”

Duncan fell silent for a moment, seemingly gathering his thoughts, then spoke, “He said that precisely because the expedition is so far-flung, we must seize the Dual King Star line in one decisive push. Otherwise, if we fail to break through immediately, we will be bogged down, unable to advance or retreat, and the sheer pressure of logistics will crush us. He maintains he needs a minimum of ten fleets to exert sufficient attacking power on the Dual King Star line to secure its recapture quickly.”

The reason President Seler was hearing Duncan’s report here, rather than communicating directly with Li Yose on the front lines, was the immense distance to Saturn. Signals took two hours to travel one way—meaning a simple question required a two-hour wait for a reply. Such a delay was enough to break the patience of any man, rendering direct conversation impractical.

“I find Field Marshal Li Yose’s reasoning sound. The Earth Military Command needs to devise a solution that allows us to safeguard the Inner System with fewer forces, while fulfilling the Field Marshal’s requirements as much as possible.”

President Seler finished, subtly signaling his aides, indicating the discussion was concluded and they should prepare to leave.

As they rose to exit,

“Wait a moment, Mr. President!” Duncan moved swiftly, blocking the doorway of the conference room.

“What is it, Minister of Defense?” President Seler stopped.

“I understand your good personal rapport with Li Yose, but personal ties are one thing. Since you chose me as your Minister of Defense, and not Li Yose, I expect you to seriously consider my counsel. Otherwise… perhaps you should find someone else to fill the role of Defense Minister.”

Duncan stepped closer to the President, his voice dropping to a low, almost threatening register—a warning akin to a tiger marking its territory against an intruder.

Duncan felt he had served through several administrations and it was hardly premature for him to retire now. He could not tolerate being usurped by a junior upstart like Li Yose. He couldn’t pinpoint why, but from their very first meeting, he had disliked Li Yose.

Perhaps it was their clashing personalities—Duncan being utterly uncompromising, while Li Yose was lax and overly relaxed in his dealings. Or perhaps it was envy: Duncan had labored meticulously and exhaustively to reach the rank of Field Marshal, while Li Yose had achieved major victories through occasional flashes of brilliance. Or maybe it was simply illogical—a deep, unexplainable aversion.

“Hahahaha!”

Kinsler looked at Duncan’s threatening posture, but he did not appear angry; instead, he laughed and clapped Duncan on the shoulder. “Very well. I understand. It was my mistake. I shall forget I heard anything about finding a new Defense Minister. We will certainly still need to rely on the old Field Marshal in the future.” With that, he brushed past Duncan and headed toward his private office.

Back in his office, Kinsler dismissed his aides, remaining alone to review various documents. Suddenly, the light before his eyes dimmed. He looked up to see a figure standing there—the Grand Elder of Nian Neng Temple, clad in the white monastic robe.

“Master Kong Li?” Kinsler’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How did you get here?” He immediately covered his mouth and glanced toward the door.

“Do not worry. I have controlled the acoustics here; not a whisper will reach the outside. No one will know we met. As for the Secret Service agents outside your door, they cannot see me.” Master Kong Li settled onto a sofa nearby. “Some matters are too sensitive to discuss over communication channels, so I came directly to speak with you face-to-face.”

“I have looked forward to this day for a long time,” Kinsler said, a slight upturn to his lips. “Since you have come in person, does this mean the appointed time has arrived?”

“Yes.”