During the time spent navigating hyperspace, the General Staff synthesized intelligence gathered by two Tier-Two operatives to formulate a plan for dismantling and absorbing that assassin organization, whose translated name was "Shadow Blade"—coincidentally identical to the Dark Templar's alias. This convergence made Yang Ying feel even more justified in seizing control of the group. Once the plan was formulated, Yang Ying dispatched three Tier-Three assassins to the Floating Continent, using the Stargate there to reach the planet Aiur, and then splitting into three separate routes to fully activate the scheme.

Each of the three routes involved only two people. Two were sufficient: one Tier-Three assassin to lead the way, with a Blade Master standing by as an insurance policy. The Blade Master could also summon the Prime Soul for immediate occupation at any time.

Furthermore, they could summon legions from the Floating Continent; one person could effectively become an army, capable of handling almost any contingency. The specific actions of these three contingents are temporarily set aside. On the third early morning after leaving the planet Bount, Yang Ying returned to the Solar System.

The Solar System remained unchanged. While Yang Ying was away, the K’tharr were quiet. Ever since their outpost was destroyed by the Songstar fleet, they had not returned to bother anyone, though it remained unclear what machinations they were brewing.

At this time, construction had begun across the Solar System to build humanity’s most luxurious defensive line to date, a project that cost the equivalent of ten years of the Songstars’ gross domestic product to acquire. This defensive line was indeed worthy of the Songstars’ efforts. Even in its nascent form, it already surpassed any defense line the Terran military had ever constructed.

Massive components were transported to the Solar System day and night via colossal freighters, then assembled into monstrous structures. For example, Yang Ying had seen the schematics. Once the entire defensive system was complete, there would be a circular Great Wall encircling Earth and Mars along the equatorial orbit, much like Saturn’s rings.

Earth and Mars would possess artificial orbital rings. In the event of war, these Great Wall-like structures would instantly transform into immensely powerful weapons and fortresses. Hyperspace disruptors would be positioned along these rings, alongside twelve hundred Tier-Seven and one hundred and twenty Tier-Eight orbital defense cannons, as well as comprehensive physical weapon interception uranium-net barriers, all integrated into the structure.

In essence, these two rings constituted the armed belts of Earth and Mars, the core of their defensive strength. If these rings were lost, the remaining defenses of Earth and Mars would be like mere undergarments—utterly insufficient to face any external threat. Upon returning to Manor City, Yang Ying and Katerina enjoyed a reunion as if they had never been apart.

From the port to the castle, they seemed to have an endless stream of things to discuss. However, just as Yang Ying set foot on the castle’s grand staircase, his subordinate reported that Ambassador Jia Yuna was already at the port, seeking an audience. Yang Ying glanced at Katerina, who met his gaze, prompting him to say, "Perhaps we should have her wait a bit.

Why did she rush over like this?" "You should let her come in. She’s a very busy person, after all." Katerina replied understandingly. "Alright, since you insist," Yang Ying instructed those nearby.

"Send a car to escort Ambassador Jia Yuna to the castle." Not long after, the dispatched vehicle returned to the city with Jia Yuna and her few attendants. Yang Ying had Jia Yuna brought to his study for the meeting. After initial pleasantries and ceremonial dialogue, Yang Ying addressed her.

"Ambassador Jia Yuna, have you come to finalize the loose ends regarding the assassination on Sol?" As he spoke, he presented an electronic memorandum. "This is the memo the Sol military commander asked me to deliver to you." Jia Yuna accepted the memo, smiling. "Indeed, a small part of my visit concerns that matter.

After all, it is official business; certain procedures must be observed. The costs for the destruction and reconstruction of the concert hall have been calculated, and the electronic invoice was already sent to the Terran Mercenary Group yesterday." "I will have someone process the payment," Yang Ying nodded, then asked, "You said this is only a small part. What is the rest about?" Jia Yuna paused for a moment.

"Master Yang Ying must be aware of the rebellion in the Flinn Kingdom?" "Of course, I am," Yang Ying replied. "My assassination attempt was a direct result of it." "Actually, regarding this assassination, I spoke with Princess Hafn. She asked me to convey her apologies to you for involving you in this conflict; it was not her intention." Seeing the surprise on Yang Ying’s face, Jia Yuna smiled slightly.

"Yes, Princess Hafn of the Flinn Royal Family. She is currently under Songstar protection. Not long ago, the Flinn Kingdom’s First Prince came to the Songstars seeking aid, and we have agreed to assist the Flinn monarchy in suppressing the rebellion and recovering their territory." Yang Ying inquired, "Is this because the K’tharr are backing the Flinn Republic?" Jia Yuna nodded and continued speaking on her own accord: "The K’tharr are secretly fueling the Flinn Kingdom's rebellion, attempting to pull the Flinn people into their faction.

This is because the Flinn location is excellent; their territory contains over a hundred types of rare mineral deposits, allowing them to be completely self-sufficient in manufacturing various advanced weapon materials. If the Flinn people join the K’tharr Military Alliance, it would be like injecting a strong stimulant into their heart. The Flinn resources, combined with K’tharr weapon technology, could significantly enhance the K’tharr military power.

Therefore, we cannot stand idly by." Hearing this, Yang Ying began to guess Jia Yuna’s true purpose. "Ambassador Jia Yuna, are you perhaps trying to persuade me to get involved as well?" "To be frank? Yes!" Jia Yuna admitted directly.

"Please do not treat the Flinn internal conflict as a minor issue. We are mobilizing every available resource." If these words had come from anyone else, Yang Ying might not have taken them seriously. After all, the Flinn Kingdom was over five thousand light-years from Earth.

A beam of light leaving there during Earth's slave society era would only just now be reaching the Solar System. Why should he involve himself in events so distant unless they directly concerned him? However, since the speaker was Jia Yuna, and Yang Ying felt he owed her significant favors, refusing outright felt impossible.

Yang Ying frowned slightly and asked, "Mobilizing every available resource? Is it that serious?" "It is!" Jia Yuna stated earnestly. "The K’tharr have expended immense effort on the Flinn people; their infiltration began long ago and has only recently exploded into open conflict.

Various signs indicate that the K’tharr’s desire for Flinn is resolute. Based on our race's history of warfare with the K’tharr, we can surmise that this Flinn internal strife might ultimately trigger a grand war between the Songstar Military Alliance and the K’tharr Military Alliance. Yet, the Flinn situation cannot be ignored; otherwise, if the K’tharr acquire Flinn, they will become even more difficult to handle.

Thus, any force available to us now is precious." Yang Ying fell silent. From Jia Yuna’s words, the Flinn internal conflict had taken on a new dimension; it was no longer just a fight between the Flinn Kingdom and the Flinn Republic. That was merely the trigger.

Now, both the Songstars and the K’tharr were entering the fray, leading to a broader and more dangerous power struggle. Diving into a vortex of conflict at this level was no small matter. Although helping the Songstars fight the K’tharr was precisely what Yang Ying wished to see, deciding on such a commitment instantly felt too hasty.

Seeing Yang Ying remain silent for a long time, Jia Yuna speculated on his concerns and tentatively asked, "Master Yang Ying, are you worried that getting involved will attract the K’tharr’s attention to the Solar System, bringing great disaster upon it?" Yang Ying nodded. "That is part of it, yes." Jia Yuna laughed upon hearing this. "That problem is easy to handle.

Hasn’t the Terran Mercenary Group already registered with the Orion Arm Mercenary Guild? As long as you operate under the name of the Mercenary Group, at least overtly, you can shift responsibility to the employer, avoiding any accusation that your actions represent Earth. As for the covert aspect, your participation or lack thereof makes no difference.

Will the K’tharr refrain from attacking Earth in secret just because you choose to stand aside?" Yang Ying hummed in agreement. What Jia Yuna said was not without merit. Among the many regulations of the Mercenary Guild, one stipulated that mercenary actions do not represent their affiliated species.

As long as Earth’s regular military forces do not appear on the battlefield, Earth need not bear responsibility for those actions. Suddenly, an idea struck Yang Ying. He asked, "A mercenary group not registered with the Guild isn't recognized and would be treated as Earth's military force.

Did Synidy suggest I register the Mercenary Group precisely for this situation?" Jia Yuna immediately waved her hands, saying, "Well... Sister Synidy never mentioned that to me, but when she suggested you register the mercenary group, our race hadn't even agreed to assist the Flinn Kingdom in regaining its state." "But, the Flinn Kingdom’s First Prince must have already arrived on Songstar by then, correct?" Yang Ying asked. Jia Yuna paused in thought and nodded.

"Yes." Yang Ying mused internally, "That confirms it. Synidy likely foresaw the trend of events, knowing that the Songstar high command would eventually agree to the Flinn request. That’s why she planned ahead and suggested I register the mercenary group.

What a far-sighted woman." Jia Yuna had said all she could. Seeing that Yang Ying hadn't immediately agreed left her slightly disappointed, but she quickly rallied her spirits. "This matter doesn't require Master Yang Ying to think it over for too long.

Just give me an answer within three days." "Alright." Yang Ying also wanted his General Staff to analyze the situation before making a final decision, so he replied, "I will definitely give you an answer within three days. It’s settled then." After Jia Yuna departed, Yang Ying did not immediately summon the General Staff. Instead, he sent a clone to handle that task, privately sighing at the convenience of having clones.

He himself spent time with Katerina, strolling in the garden or gazing at the stars from the observatory, making up for the loss of nearly a month spent away from her.