As Yang Ying stepped onto the stage of the Milky Way, the longer his presence became, the deeper his understanding of the Kustar star system’s regional government grew; these warmongering lunatics were nothing to truly fear. Yang Ying possessed a clear understanding of this fact: ever since achieving the Master-level realm, negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, worry, and intense hatred could no longer affect him. With a heart unblemished and a spiritual world as still and clear as a mirror, he was not afraid of the Kustar people—this was not ignorant arrogance, but confidence built upon a foundation of knowing oneself and knowing the enemy.

The Kustar people had an enemy comparable to themselves, one that consumed the vast majority of their energy. Furthermore, due to their prolonged acts of aggression, they carried an extremely poor reputation throughout the Orion Arm, causing most high-level civilized races to guard against these war fanatics. Aside from a few battle-crazed maniacs similar to themselves and cowards terrified of being attacked by them, no one was willing to associate with them.

As long as he did not take the initiative to provoke the Kustar people and draw all their attention, those warmongering madmen would not focus their limited energy on him. They had too many matters to attend to, too many enemies to guard against. Consequently, there were ample loopholes for him to exploit, allowing him plenty of room to maneuver.

Three days later, Yang Ying contacted Jiayouna, informing her of his decision after careful consideration: he agreed to lead the Tulan Mercenary Corps in the campaign to restore the Flin Kingdom. He reflected that this also counted as repaying a favor to the Song star people.

“That is truly wonderful news,” Jiayouna exclaimed, instantly breaking into a wide smile. She continued, “Let me bring you up to speed on the current situation. My people and the Kustar people have not yet stepped onto the main stage, and this situation is expected to remain the status quo for a considerable time. Both sides require this period to fully prepare. The central theme in the Flin internal conflict, at this stage, remains the dispute between the Flin Kingdom and the puppet Republic rebels.”

Because the Song star people had never acknowledged the legitimacy of the Flin Republic, Jiayouna referred to the Flin Republic as the puppet Republic rebels.

She went on, “The Flin royal family is organizing a punitive expedition. All reinforcements are currently gathering on Fines Star, which is one of the few remaining territories belonging to the Flin Kingdom. You may join the expeditionary force there. I suggest you join under the name of Princess Hafin. Master Yang Ying, you saved Princess Hafin’s life; acting under her banner will make matters much more convenient later. I can arrange an introduction between you and Princess Hafin, as a return for your services when you accepted her commission on Vida Star, how about that?”

“Agreed. Let’s do it that way,” Yang Ying consented.

Accepting the mission, Yang Ying immediately issued orders to prepare for departure. The Flin Kingdom ranked ninety-eighth among the high civilizations in the Orion Arm; their technology, especially in military aspects, was not outstanding. Their most advanced weaponry was merely Level Seven Cannons, and their strongest active warships were not significantly superior to the Jushou-class battlecruisers.

They possessed abundant mineral resources but had failed to convert them into a capable military force. This very fact invited covetousness. In the eyes of the Kustar people, these Flin individuals, who sat on the resource while producing nothing, were utterly undeserving of such rich mineral wealth—if the Kustar didn't seize it, who would?

That afternoon, Yang Ying summoned Kalia to the study to inquire about the status of military construction.

This study had become Yang Ying’s frequent workspace, equipped with a full set of advanced office equipment. Yang Ying sat behind the desk while Kalia stood rigidly before it, reporting, “Sir, we have established fifty-three combined arms corps, blending infantry, armored, and air forces. Including independent armored corps, armored divisions, special forces corps, and special divisions, the total ground force strength is around twelve million.”

Regarding the Cosmic Army, as of yesterday, there were three hundred and twenty Jushou-class battlecruisers, three thousand six hundred frigates, and five hundred thousand Ghost fighters. Including the carrier-based landing troops, the total cosmic force numbered over two million.

Currently, ten corps have been dispatched to Aier Planet to assist the God Race in establishing their homeworld, and another twenty corps are stationed throughout the Solar System to protect Tulan Company’s assets. These two contingents must be excluded.”

“That’s enough,” Yang Ying interrupted. “I never intended to deploy the ground forces anyway; only the Cosmic Army is necessary. Three hundred and twenty Jushou-class battlecruisers—that should suffice. Bringing more would be superfluous.”

“As you command, Sir,” Kalia replied. He paused, then added, “Sir, there is something I feel I must say, though I am unsure if I ought to.”

“What is there to say or not say? The fact that you bring it up before me means you intend for me to listen,” Yang Ying smiled. “Go on.”

“Yes, Sir.” Kalia snapped a salute and said solemnly, “I believe the Flin internal strife has little to do with us. Our resources are self-sufficient, and there is no need to covet their meager compensation. Why invite unnecessary complications and step into this muddy water? In my opinion, we should focus our efforts on construction and strengthening our power as quickly as possible.”

“What you say has merit,” Yang Ying affirmed his advice first. Then he added, “Many in the General Staff share your view. They have all offered me similar suggestions. You…”

Kalia asked, “Then how did you reply to them, Sir?”

Yang Ying stood up, walked around the desk, and patted Kalia’s shoulder. “There are many reasons. I will state just one that I believe is most crucial. We possess immense power. One choice can influence countless beings, not just Terrans, but aliens as well. How to wield this power is a very serious question in itself.”

“The Flin internal conflict involves the balance of power between the Song star people and the Kustar people. The Song star people have never done me wrong; rather, they have offered much assistance. We can consider them friends, or rather, friends to whom we owe a debt. When a friend is in trouble and needs our help, refusing to assist while only focusing on our own interests—what is the point of such development?

“To choose to do nothing, to let this matter run its course—to watch the Flin people slaughter each other, and later watch the Song star people and Kustar people fight, while we remain blind and deaf to it all, closing our doors to develop, watching our warships accumulate and our strength swell—will that bring happiness? Wrong. That is being blinded by the growth of power, unable to see things more important than strength!

“If there is a first time for such apathy, there will be a second, and then a third, fourth, fifth, and sixth. If we continue down this path, the endpoint is utter self-interest, abandoning everything. This is a highly tempting, yet utterly malicious, heretical path. Following this path, we might not conquer our enemies, but we will certainly fail to conquer ourselves. A person controlled by mere gain cannot ascend to the Fourth Level!”

Kalia started in surprise. This was the first time Yang Ying had revealed his goal of reaching the Fourth Level.

“This can be considered ambition… or perhaps perseverance? A noble aspiration? Whatever!” Yang Ying’s eyes flashed with unwavering determination. “I have thought deeply over these three days. I do not believe that reaching the peak of the Third Level should be the stopping point. I wish to advance to the Fourth Level. Although my foundation is lacking compared to other peak Third Level practitioners—my knowledge and experience are insufficient in many areas—I must start by setting this goal. I must achieve the Fourth Level! Only then can the development of the Floating Continent bring about a fundamental, transformative change for the three races of Gods, Humans, and Insects!”

“Your goal is our goal, Sir.” Kalia understood Yang Ying’s meaning and bowed deeply. “I shall go and make the preparations immediately.”

“Go,” Yang Ying said. “And do not worry about the Kustar people. As long as I hold the Floating Continent, we are invincible. Even in the most critical situation, a swift retreat back here will be as easy as turning my hand.”

“Yes.” Kalia saluted again and exited the study.

Jiayouna acted with swift resolution. The very next morning, Yang Ying received a communication from Princess Hafin.

Having not seen her for days, Princess Hafin on the holographic screen appeared even thinner. She offered a smile and said, “Master Yang Ying, the Song star people informed me that you have agreed to accept my commission.”

“Yes, after considering all the circumstances, I have decided to participate,” Yang Ying nodded. “Many things have happened since we parted ways on Vida Star.”

“I know. I heard that Tarlin approached you later; all of this started because of me. I truly do not know how to express my apology,” Princess Hafin’s face was etched with shame, and she sniffled, appearing close to tears.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry,” Yang Ying found himself having to console her. “This is not your fault, and didn’t Ambassador Jiayouna already convey her apologies once? Forget about it.”

“Master Yang Ying, you truly are a good person!” Princess Hafin took out a delicate handkerchief, dabbed the corners of her eyes, and in the process, awarded him the 'Good Person Card.'

Yang Ying didn't dwell on the compliment. He had never intended to pursue any relationship beyond the professional with this alien princess. He tapped a few times on his communicator, bringing up a holographic image displaying the figure of a Flin individual—the very Flin person who had been contacting Tarlin in the scene retrieved from Tarlin’s memories.

“Princess Hafin, have you seen this person?” Yang Ying asked.

Princess Hafin lowered her handkerchief, her expression instantly shifting to shock. “I have. He is a confidant of the rebel puppet president, serving as the Secretary of State in the puppet Republic. He is also a peak Third Level master, holding a pivotal position among the rebels.”

“Then that settles it,” Yang Ying retracted the image.

“Master Yang Ying, how did you obtain this person’s image?” Princess Hafin asked curiously.

“I apprehended one of Tarlin’s subordinates, and after employing certain methods, I traced the connection to this individual. He is the employer who hired Tarlin to carry out the murder,” Yang Ying still withheld the news of Tarlin’s death, instead attributing the intelligence source to some unknown ‘subordinate’ of Tarlin’s.

“I see. Master Yang Ying is indeed formidable,” Princess Hafin did not doubt him, regarding him with admiration.

One chapter today, I will make up for it tomorrow.