"Furthermore, we have discovered that their weapon system likely utilizes railguns. And the destructive power of their shells is immense—the explosive yield is at least five times greater than ours," Director I continued his briefing, as the large screen clearly displayed the massive explosion resulting from a shell impact.

The Secretary of State felt a chill run down her spine. She inquired, "We never understood how 'City of Stars' destroyed our naval vessels before. So, does this mean that the destruction of our two warships was accomplished by these mysterious hovering aircraft using railguns?"

Director I stated, "Based on the current situation, the ultimate weapon of 'City of Stars' is very likely these massive, mysterious hovering craft. After our analysis, we believe we are completely incapable of detecting these aircraft. If one were to fly directly over our heads right now, unleash a few salvos, wipe us all out, and leave, no one would even know it was them."

Hearing Director I's words, a chill settled over everyone, as if they were already being targeted. If this were the reality, then no matter where they hid, they would have no sense of security, because they couldn't detect the enemy's whereabouts at all.

The Secretary of Defense exclaimed in shock, "If that's the case, 'City of Stars' has the complete capability to eliminate all branches of our military. We likely have nothing to threaten them with, short of nuclear weapons."

Director I responded, "If they possess a sufficient quantity of these mysterious hovering aircraft, they could indeed wipe out all our military branches. While our nuclear missiles could harm them, how would we deliver a nuclear payload to them? We must remember they possess laser weaponry; no missile could possibly breach their defenses."

The President of the United States pressed his temples to alleviate a growing headache and said, "Then tell me, how are we supposed to deal with all of this?"

The Secretary of State proposed, "'City of Stars' possesses such formidable weaponry. I suggest we immediately mend relations with them. At least, in my view, there are no irreconcilable conflicts between the United States and 'City of Stars.'"

The President replied, "But their technology... and the vast sums of money they have extracted from us... I simply cannot reconcile myself to it!"

The Secretary of Defense interjected, "Mr. President, the issue now is that while their technology is superior, we cannot seize it by force. Therefore, we must be pragmatic. If we mobilize our nation's scientific research capabilities, we can certainly catch up. Moreover, while 'City of Stars' has taken a large amount of US dollars from us, they have simultaneously reinvested those dollars into procuring materials domestically. Seen that way, we haven't actually incurred any loss."

The Secretary of State urged, "We absolutely cannot allow relations with them to continue deteriorating. Regarding the Philippines matter, we can fully propose discussing it at the UN General Assembly. If a resolution is passed there, it will represent the collective will of the entire world, not just the will of the United States. This way, we can avoid further damaging ties with 'City of Stars.'"

The President sighed weakly, "So, this is the only path available to us?"

The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State nodded in unison, "This is the only viable course of action right now."

The President gave a bitter laugh, "I might be the most humiliating president in American history over the last hundred years. My warships are sunk, and I have to pretend I know nothing about it."

The Secretary of State offered comfort, "Mr. President, we must focus now on devising a plan to keep pace with the development of 'City of Stars.' They are, after all, merely a corporation, whereas we are a nation. The United States will not be left behind for long."

The President stood up and declared, "Very well, I agree with your counsel. Immediately order our fleet near 'City of Stars' to return at high speed. The supporting fleet remaining on station must also withdraw at once. Furthermore, enforce strict secrecy; no one must learn that 'City of Stars' destroyed two of our warships. Also, intensify efforts to infiltrate 'City of Stars.' Their rapid development suggests they might have acquired something like alien heritage."

In Russia, the President and Prime Minister, who frequently swapped roles, were engaged in a clandestine discussion.

Their intelligence gathering capabilities were in no way inferior to the Americans. They had also discovered the terrifying offensive means employed by 'City of Stars.' After careful deliberation, they reached a decision very similar to that of the United States.

Consequently, by the afternoon of the following day, Liu Hui noticed that the American and Russian warships patrolling the perimeter of 'City of Stars' had abruptly departed, and their support vessels were also steaming back along their original routes.

"Haha, it seems showing off our strength occasionally does pay off. As the old saying from Huaxia goes: listen to the one with the biggest fist. Everything else is just noise," Liu Hui chuckled smugly.

Previously, 'City of Stars' had issued a firm response to Japan's diplomatic note, leaving the Japanese furious and restless. They were preparing to ally with their patron, the US, to cause trouble for 'City of Stars,' when they suddenly received intelligence from the American side. Upon learning of the terrifying capabilities of 'City of Stars,' they immediately retreated, abandoning any plans for a war of words, and swallowed the bitter pill. At the same time, they issued stern warnings to certain domestic right-wing elements, instructing them to stay far away from the industries of 'City of Stars,' lest they incur the wrath of 'City of Stars' and face disaster.

How intense the wrath of 'City of Stars' could be was plainly visible in the current state of the Philippines; Japan had no desire to provoke such an enemy. Although they had lost the 'Kujū Fleet,' the damage was negligible compared to what the Philippines was suffering.

After the Philippines appealed to nations worldwide for aid, they received no response. Under the threat of 'City of Stars,' their domestic commercial airliners ceased operations. All fishing vessels were docked, and the fishermen had abandoned them for shore, terrified to remain aboard for fear of attack.

By the evening of the second day, 'City of Stars' launched its second wave of attacks on the Philippines. Once again, this was carried out by two hovering fighter jets operating across the entire nation. They sank all the large fishing vessels moored in the harbors. Simultaneously targeted were the military barracks established by the Philippines on islands illegally occupied within Chinese territory.

By the third day, the Philippine authorities completed their tally and discovered that, aside from civilian airliners, they had no remaining aircraft capable of taking flight. All large fishing vessels docked in the harbors had been destroyed, leaving only small boats that risked sinking in moderate seas. More terrifying was the realization that their military camps in the South China Sea, claimed by Huaxia, had been subjected to fierce bombardment, resulting in the complete annihilation of the stationed soldiers.

'City of Stars,' meanwhile, issued a statement claiming the destruction of the large fishing vessels was necessary to prevent pirates from escaping by sea. They also claimed to have located and attacked the pirates' primary strongholds, stating they would continue targeting pirate nests on the islands in the South China Sea belonging to Huaxia.

On the night of the third day, several islands in the South China Sea occupied by Vietnamese troops suddenly came under attack from 'City of Stars.' Under the intense bombardment, the Vietnamese garrisons on those islands were also completely wiped out.

'City of Stars' then delivered the most severe warning to Vietnam, asserting that Hanoi had not only supported these pirates but also supplied them with weapons and provisions. If the Vietnamese government did not immediately cease aiding the pirates, 'City of Stars' would not hesitate to help its citizens eliminate the pirates infiltrated within their government.

Upon receiving the warning from 'City of Stars,' the Vietnamese leadership finally understood: this entire operation was aimed at the South China Sea for Huaxia's benefit. Having witnessed the calamity that befell the Philippines, and with major powers like the US remaining collectively silent, Vietnam—though confident it was not as fragile as the Philippines—wisely chose to withdraw its forces from the disputed islands.

In just four days, thanks to the swift and decisive measures of 'City of Stars,' all the South China Sea islands illegally seized by Vietnam and the Philippines were returned to the control of 'City of Stars.'

It was only at this point that the entire world realized the true objective of 'City of Stars': the South China Sea. The devastating assault on the Philippines had been a necessary demonstration—killing the chicken to frighten the monkeys. Once the Philippines was crippled, Vietnam immediately became compliant.

After securing control of these South China Sea islands, 'City of Stars' abruptly announced that they were returning all jurisdiction to Huaxia for management. They further stated that to ensure these areas remained free of pirates, they would conduct periodic surveillance of the South China Sea, and any military presence not belonging to the nation of Huaxia would be immediately sunk. The major international powers remained collectively silent, tacitly accepting this declaration from 'City of Stars,' as the South China Sea issue held little direct consequence for them, making it not worth risking their relationship with 'City of Stars.'

Thus, under the overwhelming influence of 'City of Stars,' Huaxia successfully reclaimed the South China Sea. Such a monumental achievement instantly solidified Luo Tianmin's position domestically, and relations between 'City of Stars' and the nation entered a honeymoon period.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, at the newly convened UN General Assembly, the nation lodged a complaint against 'City of Stars' for war crimes. The representative of 'City of Stars' participated in this assembly as a direct party to the dispute.

After the Philippines and 'City of Stars' presented their respective viewpoints at the UN Assembly, it was time for the crucial resolution phase.

Just before this critical segment began, the representative of 'City of Stars' suddenly rose and announced a shocking piece of news to the General Assembly.

This earth-shattering announcement was: 'City of Stars' had completely mastered the technology for human rejuvenation. All individuals worldwide who required the treatment were welcome to travel to 'City of Stars' for rejuvenation therapy.

This rejuvenation therapy had only one prerequisite: the requesting nations must sign a public agreement with 'City of Stars.' Only the citizens of nations that signed this public agreement would qualify to undergo the rejuvenation treatment in 'City of Stars.'

Naturally, 'City of Stars' would levy a treatment fee, described as 'slightly more expensive.'