1783: Chapter 1779: Twisted Target 1783: Chapter 1779: Twisted Target “Another ship has followed, made of iron sheets—it looks like a fishing vessel that’s been modified.”
Upon hearing the scout’s report, Lu Ping’an sighed, feeling increasingly uninterested.
“Fire two warning shots.
If they don’t leave, sink them.” This wasn’t the first ti he’d issued such an order, and it likely wouldn’t be the last.
Although he could understand their actions, it didn’t an Lu Ping’an would show rcy.
After all, this had never been about personal grudges to begin with.
The arrival of a fleet on the scale of Lu Ping’an’s naturally attracted widespread attention.
The ships that had previously disrupted Eastern Country’s sea routes and blocked interventions in the region from certain powers were now a given.
Now even sentinel units and formal military forces from neighboring states seed to have trailed along.
At the very least, they wanted to know the fleet’s trajectory.
At the very least, they sought to confirm its ultimate destination and the combat strength of those aboard.
After all, this enormous vessel—a moving city of sorts—had all the hallmarks of nation-destroying capability.
Onboard, there was even the infamous “King of rcy.” It was said that he had ascended to Quasi-God status, at an exceptional tier—a Super Quasi-God, effectively a supre land-based weapon.
It was no surprise that every shift of the fleet’s direction would beco a headline of global interest.
“Honestly, I just wanted to avoid hassle, so I planned to transport everything in one go…”
Aboard were not just refugees and mbers of the Escape and Overseas Establishnt Faction from Sakura Island, but also many Easterners.
So of them belonged to Lu Ping’an’s faction.
They included logistics personnel managing cargo and ard combat units.
Others were passengers hitching rides from the Ancient City.
Lu Ping’an had once again brought aboard a group of promising young elites from the Ancient City, intending for them to sharpen their skills in this purgatory-like experience.
Among the ard forces onboard were also rcenaries and highly skilled bodyguards hired by Sakura Islanders, likely the primary strike force for any landing operations.
Their combat prowess was formidable.
Lu Ping’an had pieced together this oversized fleet, genuinely for convenience in “relocation,” but had strategically refrained from equipping it with many war machines.
“….I’m just a freight transporter.”
Lu Ping’an’s original plan had been straightforwardly simple—a re transport run.
This explanation, however, was unlikely to convince anyone.
Chances were, even the news back in Lu’s holand was broadcasting the movents of his fleet.
So trackers would flee after a few rounds of warning shots; others, seemingly fearless or reckless, kept tailing them…..
Lu Ping’an dispatched them promptly and decisively.
Throughout this journey, Lu Ping’an felt the ripple effect as multiple states and factions—brigands included—were subsequently alard.
“It seems we’ll need to prepare for so battles…”
Still, the nature of his passengers and cargo was far too peculiar, necessitating ard transport for protection.
“Tian Zhong, you’d better be ready; you might face an ambush as soon as you disembark.”
“Uh, Captain Lu… Asahi faction—it’s fine, thank you for your assistance.”
Lu Ping’an’s indifferent expression was perhaps the most straightforward hint.
The paynt they offered was substantial, but not enough to make him cross certain lines…..
Lu Ping’an’s belief that everything could be a transaction remained steadfast, yet so things could never be priced—for instance, involving him in a brutal and aningless human civil war.
He could crusade and hunt for “justice,” but at this juncture, that justice should represent the survival of the weak and the basic human rights of the afflicted, not the ambitions of certain nations seeking to crown themselves kings.
Perhaps Lu Ping’an truly wasn’t suited for politics.
Otherwise, he would have accepted the commission with zeal, then carved out his own overseas colony, just as other Eastern forces vying for dominance in the region had done.
Then again, if not for such principles, he probably wouldn’t embody the “Spirit of Ten Thousand.”
“Life should not have ranks of worth or flow aninglessly into gutters and shadowy rivers…”
His clenched fist finally loosened, and Lu Ping’an could only sigh once more.
He could certainly forcefully intervene, but the outcos would lack any aningful distinction from the interference of churches or nations.
The chaos of the Warring States wouldn’t diminish simply because one person wished rely to admonish; the bloodshed would persist unabated.
“Lu Ping’an…..”
A sudden summons caught Lu Ping’an off guard.
This wasn’t the voice of a friend—it was the will of a deity.
It was at this mont that Lu Ping’an rembered: he was still an Archbishop of the Proper God Church.
His deity should theoretically be watching him, assessing how he fulfilled divine will…
But in truth, Lu Ping’an rarely heard the voice of the God of Redemption.
Yes, the God of Redemption—not Guan Xinxian.
The tenuous thread of humanity, already frayed by the process of tearing apart and reshaping its Divine’s Throne, had grown even more fragile.
The God was far less lucid than he had once been.
Lu Ping’an could understand.
He knew this was its choice and had long anticipated this outco…
While he didn’t want to accept it, he could only strive to bolster its essence with more believers, using human anchors to call back its remaining shred of humanity.
As its ascension continued, its monts of lucidity dwindled further.
Now, this rare outreach was likely ant to convey only the essentials.
“Red Cross, Redemption Hand…”
Of course, Lu Ping’an understood instantly.
His “superior’s” wishes were to forego territorial conquest entirely and establish a neutral institution for humanitarian aid, embodying the spirit of the Red Cross.
“…Feels like this would make us a target for everyone.”
In an era of thieves without restraint, “Sages” naturally stand out starkly….
When everyone was fighting for gain, to battle for humanity alone was, in their eyes, both hypocritical and obstructive.
Lu Ping’an stroked his chin, conducting a brief evaluation, and concluded that this was indeed a foolish idea.
Amid chaos, ambitious players willingly plunged in; whether they lived or died, they accepted their fate.
Lu, a profiteering rchant, should logically focus on selling weapons to both sides and patiently await the outco to profit from the aftermath.
Engaging actively in conflict without fighting for one’s own benefit appeared naive, even to Lu himself, but……
“I want to.”
Once the thought settled, a profound sense of clarity overtook any initial reluctance.
“Is this actionable?
What about the Eastern Country’s goals…”
“Eastern Country’s goal is to leave this region alone—they lack the resources and will to deal with it, so they’re fine with letting chaos unfold.
As for the uninvited Eastern forces in the area, Eastern Country doesn’t care who wins or loses, but I…”
Lu Ping’an reflected briefly.
Leaving aside his ceremonial post as “Director” of the Temporary Goods Supervision Committee—a role that had already concluded its historical purpose anyway—he was just an ordinary citizen.
“…Dostically, I’m a law-abiding civilian, but internationally…”
I have a fleet, powerful warriors, arms, and even a steady stream of financial resources.
What does that make ?
“….A warlord among warlords.
I suppose I can do whatever I want.”
Although using warlord status to serve goodwill sounded absurd, since Lu Ping’an wanted to do it, and since the God of Redemption hoped for it, why not?
If I possess power, why shouldn’t I achieve what I desire?
“Gather all leaders from the various factions aboard for a eting…
Uh, except the Sakura Islanders.”
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