The Feier Sector, located at the edge of the galaxy, was considered somewhat remote. It lacked strategic military value, possessed little offensive potential, and its resources paled in comparison to the galactic core. As such, it had never garnered attention from advanced civilizations, attracting only the occasional exploration vessel trying its luck. In the last few centuries, only the Gesing people had established formal diplomatic relations with Earth.

Exploration ships from other advanced civilizations had visited Earth before, some even predating the Gesing, leaving behind curious myths and legends. However, they merely made a brief stop, saw that humans occupied the planet, and departed without hesitation, having no intention of establishing normal diplomatic ties.

But now, the Gesing had announced their recognition of Earth as an advanced civilization. This changed everything. An advanced civilization, even one situated in a remote locale, was fundamentally different from a lower one. They possessed the ability to traverse the star seas unimpeded by stellar systems, earning the right to interact with other advanced races.

Earth had just undergone a massive transformation, its entire upper structure overthrown and remade. The Provisional Government's foundations were shallow. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was swamped, dealing with diplomats from various races queuing up to establish relations—they were busy for a good stretch of time. Yet, even buried in work, they reveled in it, as the benefits of establishing ties with advanced civilizations were simply too enormous.

Ascending to the status of an advanced civilization brought Earth more than just crises; a torrent of benefits followed. The simplest example was the Galactic Accord, which explicitly forbade advanced civilizations from sharing certain sophisticated technologies with lower ones. The Accord maintained a specific list for this purpose, with spatial jump technology topping the bill.

This Accord was established by advanced civilizations to protect their unique status and prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of advanced tech that might become difficult to manage. It received support from the majority of advanced races, much like Earth’s past "Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty."

However, upon Earth’s promotion, those previous technological barriers dissolved. Through diplomatic channels, they could now obtain technical support previously inaccessible to a lower civilization. This single benefit was enough to keep the provisional government's diplomats energized, looking vibrant and putting forth an effort far exceeding 120 percent every day.

But today, the atmosphere in the entire Foreign Ministry shifted abruptly. The corridors were eerily silent; people brushed past each other with minimal conversation, only the most familiar acquaintances gathering in tight circles to murmur. A strange tension permeated the Ministry building.

"Did you hear? The Kustar people sent envoys."

"Of course I heard. They are the backers of that Ancient Legion—those big apes. Their arrival on Earth is like a weasel paying respects to the chickens—they mean no good."

"The Kustar are one of the major powers in the galaxy. Could it be that the elders have come because the juniors were beaten? Are they here for revenge for those big apes?"

"I doubt it. Wasn't that fleet flying under the banner of friendly exchange?"

"Little sprout, you need more seasoning. Friendship isn't spoken; it’s demonstrated. Can you trust what a diplomat says? If you can't even grasp that, how can you expect to be a diplomat? Hurry back to school for two more years! Lest you sell out all of humanity later and still count the money for them!"

Low whispers rose and fell. Most of these diplomats and future diplomats viewed the Kustar delegation's visit with pessimism.

Meanwhile, in a conference room, the heads of the Foreign Ministry were gathered, wrestling with this sudden development.

"Someone speak up. Should we even receive them? After all, it was the Kustar who created the Ancient Legion; they were the shadow puppeteers behind the Half-Century War. They are Earth’s enemies."

"Perhaps so, but esteemed colleagues, do not forget, we have only ever fought the Ancient Legion. The Kustar themselves never directly intervened. Earth and the Kustar were never antagonists; we weren't worthy before! But now we are worthy—must we become their enemies? That would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, inviting absolute disaster upon Earth! Let us not sacrifice the future of all humankind for a moment of misplaced pride."

"Even if it means spilling the last drop of blood of every human, we should never compromise with the enemy. A glorious death is better than a precarious survival! We must show the Kustar we are not to be trifled with; we won't forget half a century of blood feud just because they put on a friendly facade."

"Valor is commendable, but you are a profoundly selfish man, trying to chain all of humanity to bleed and die for your personal honor!"

"Stop arguing! The Kustar haven't even arrived, and you are already fighting amongst yourselves! Stop invoking 'all of humanity' when you haven't reached that stature yourselves!"

A loud roar silenced the conference room.

After a moment, someone ventured, "The Kustar are hostile toward the Gesing. If we receive the Kustar, won't we anger the Gesing?"

"That is certainly possible."

"This is indeed an issue. The Gesing are no less formidable than the Kustar, and we have two or three centuries of good relations with them. To disregard the Gesing’s feelings and grovel at the Kustar’s feet—only a fool would do that! We cannot afford to offend the Kustar, and we certainly cannot afford to offend the Gesing."

Another round of silence followed.

After a long pause, someone finally spoke, "Esteemed colleagues, the Kustar arrive under the flag of friendship. We have no choice. There is an ancient saying: 'The weak have the right to sigh.' What is our Earth? The Kustar could crush us with a single stomp. The fact that they haven't actively labeled us an enemy race, I count as a blessing. I believe that even if we cannot forgive them for initiating the Half-Century War, we must not actively provoke enmity. Let us first hear their demands. As for the Gesing, we must contact Ambassador Jiayouna immediately and implore her to understand our decision."

After further discussion, everyone finally agreed.

At the Gesing Embassy, Jiayouna frowned deeply as she read the official communication from the Earth Foreign Ministry, finally sighing. "The Kustar have truly gauged the Earthlings' mindset with this maneuver. Very well. While I understand, as a Gesing diplomat, there are certain duties I must perform."

Consequently, a letter of severe condemnation was dispatched from the Gesing Embassy to the Foreign Ministry, causing the Earth officials a severe jolt of cold sweat.

For Jiayouna, responding with condemnation was already an act of utmost restraint. As the Gesing Ambassador, ignoring the matter entirely would constitute dereliction of duty.

That afternoon, above the landing pad not far from the Foreign Ministry, several Kustar-style spacecraft descended slowly.

Once the ships were steady, the hatches opened, and a dozen Kustar individuals emerged. Provisional President Jin Sailer, Master Merlin, the Foreign Minister, a Kustar language translator, and a contingent of Foreign Ministry officials were already waiting on the tarmac.

The meeting was palpably awkward. As the old saying went, an enemy's face sparks immediate hostility, yet this enemy held superior strength, making confrontation impossible—one had to suppress the urge. How could that feel good?

If the enmity were merely between individuals, no matter how powerful the foe, one could fight to the death—a victory for one life taken, a profit for two. If the deed were known, others might praise the swift resolution of a feud, calling the person a true hero.

However, when hatred is magnified to the level of entire races, the swift resolution of enmity becomes poison. Every action impacts the lives of millions, allowing no room for recklessness. Even if one yearned to tear the enemy race limb from limb and chew their flesh, this rage had to be suppressed, handled instead with cold reason.

Ten thousand meters away from the tarmac, atop a fifty-story skyscraper, Yang Ying stood at the apex, observing every detail of the scene below as if it were unfolding before his eyes.

Suddenly, Yang Ying turned his head. "Master Tushin has arrived as well?"

Landon had remained in Zhuangguo City since recognizing Bai Bai, having not returned to Nianneng Temple. Because she had requested leave from the temple, no suspicion had arisen. Yang Ying felt no guilt facing someone from Nianneng Temple.

As soon as Yang Ying spoke, Master Tushin, clad in gray robes, materialized behind him. Master Tushin's beard and hair were bristling. He glanced toward the tarmac, then turned to Yang Ying. "Master Yang Ying is also here. I came to see what scheme the Kustar are brewing!"

Seeing Master Tushin's stern face concealing an endless killing intent, his entire demeanor like a drawn sword, Yang Ying knew this elder from Nianneng Temple was also a man who valued direct retribution. He smiled. "What scheme could they have? It's all just to disgust us. What significance does the mere form hold?"

Master Tushin's eyes brightened, seeming to agree deeply. "Precisely. These Kustar won't genuinely be here for friendship; the difference is only in method, but the essence is to provoke us."

"Even Jin Sailer, with his insight, can see that, yet he must engage in superficial pleasantries," Yang Ying gestured toward the tarmac.

On the tarmac, Jin Sailer and his party escorted the Kustar delegation into the Foreign Ministry building. Just before entering, the Kustar delegation leader suddenly turned his head, his gaze spanning the ten-thousand-meter distance to where Yang Ying stood.

Both Yang Ying and Master Tushin clearly perceived the flickering light in the Kustar's eyes. Master Tushin immediately focused his divine sight like lightning back at him. The sound of sword energy slicing through the air seemed to resonate between them.

If anyone had been paying attention, they might have noticed sharp cracking sounds echoing in the void between the two opposing gazes.

The Kustar offered a meaningful smile, then turned and walked into the Foreign Ministry building.

"The one leading them is a Peak Master," Master Tushin said coldly, withdrawing the sword light from his eyes.

Yang Ying nodded. "At least it indicates the Kustar attach some importance to this mission. However, with Master Merlin present, I doubt any major disaster will occur."

Seeing that the Kustar contingent had all entered the Foreign Ministry building, Master Tushin showed no inclination to continue talking. "I shall go into the Ministry to take a look. Will Master Yang Ying join me?"

"I will pass," Yang Ying shook his head.

"Then Master Yang Ying, take care. I depart as well." Master Tushin nodded once, his step shifted, his form flickered, and he vanished cleanly without a trace.

"Master Tushin, you take care too," Yang Ying murmured.