Despite the discontent among so in the Central Council, the council was already in heated argunts, and no one cared about the disturbances in the small Southern Star Domain.
The sudden intensification of disputes was due to the Western 'Rose Court' sending negotiation terms, demanding compensation for funds and resources undersent and unallocated to the Western Star Region over the years, and also the paynt for transferring many patent ownerships—terms considered severe.
"So, they have no intention of peaceful negotiations!" A council mber angrily pointed out during the eting.
"There's this tendency, but the question is, will they really invade?" Other council mbers also speculated on what might happen if the United Fleet from the Western Star Domain were to invade.
"If it's just a fleet invasion, the Sixth Fleet could easily handle it, but if Blanchi herself joins with the rising Solar Crowns, it's hard to say." Soone expressed worry.
"Ores still needs ti to advance and gradually beco familiar with the Song Festival personnel assisting her; likewise, we need to cultivate and expand her followers. All of these require ti." A governnt official explained the current situation.
"In my view, they're banking on us not having a Sunshine-level Songstress currently; if Ores grows strong, their attitude will definitely change."
"That ans they intentionally choose this weak point to threaten and coerce us."
"It seems so. Their intelligence work must be fantastic to choose this timing." Another council mber crossed their arms, tapping fingers intermittently.
"So what do we do now? Refuse or agree."
"Why agree? Are you stupid or scared senseless by the Solar Crowns? We currently have fleet numbers several tis greater than theirs. If you agree, wouldn't other regions also dare to make demands?"
"Just outright refuse. I believe they wouldn't really invade. In the Western Star Domain, they have geographical advantage and public support, but they can't bring those to the Central Star Domain."
"Surely, they're not planning to gamble everything using a fragnted United Fleet to breach into the Central Star Domain?" After saying this, many present council mbers laughed—how could that be possible.
Thus, the Central Council outright rejected the ceasefire agreent and publicly revealed it, telling the people of various Star Regions and Domains in the Federation how shaless and naive the 'New Group' from the Western Star Domain is.
Unexpectedly, several months later, the fleet from the Western Star Region arrived at the border of the Central Star Region's Star Domain, officially breaking open the doors, declaring a response to years of neglect and bullying from the Central Council.
This news quickly spread throughout the Federation, causing a frenzy in the Central Council. anwhile, whispers erged from the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain, but went largely unnoticed, only ntioned by a few who said it needed attention.
The pressure and accountability feared by the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain's leadership did not arrive, and seeing this, Tilan went to the Gradual Reddish Star Domain to et the most famous and influential Songstress in the Southern Star Regions - Falling Cloud Gauze, Masha.
...
A month later, as the shuttlecraft carrying Tilan departed the Star Harbor of the Gradual Reddish Star Domain, landing on the planet surface, she could see the vast orange-red Tree Sea stretching across the land, magnificently.
The place where Masha was eting her was a hill amidst the Tree Sea, with a picturesque forested path winding up to an ancient-style hall at the summit.
Upon eting, both stood in the expansive hall, surrounded by towering pillars, able to see the distant sunset.
"The scenery here is beautiful, isn't it?" Masha, still wearing her Golden Branch Crown and veiled face, was dressed today in a long gown of red-leafed golden silk, resembling a fish swimming in the orange-red Tree Sea.
"Indeed, it is quite nice." Tilan stepped forward, then both walked side by side slowly towards the balcony of the hall.
"I heard your speech at the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain." Masha indicated she understood Tilan's purpose.
"There's no need to elaborate on the situation you described, I understand it well."
"I was rely surprised by your choice." She lightly placed her finger on the railing.
"This isn't child's play; saying a few fiery words won't suffice. In fact, I don't want to support you because it ans having uninvolved people pay the price for your impulsiveness." Her eyes slightly closed, then she turned to Tilan.
"Your ideas are grand, but others have no obligation to oblige." The gentle breeze stirred the Tree Sea, like waves layered, as flocks of birds took flight.
"The Southern Star Domains are not like the Western Star Domain; in fact, as victors of the civil war back then, the economy has always been decent. You suggest that everyone suddenly oppose the current system to support you—it's unachievable."
"You don't yet have the prestige and influence to rally support, Hesia Tiran." Her voice calmly stated the facts.
"Yes." Tilan did not refute but stood with her, gazing at the undulating Tree Sea outside.
"If this continues, what will be the outco?"
"It's very likely the Federation will split." Masha had foreseen this.
"The recent defeat in the Central Star Domain was not just about losing the Fifth Fleet; its prestige and authority have been severely impacted, especially with the Western Star Region producing a Sunshine-level Songstress ahead of schedule and the rise of the Solar Crowns. In antiquity, when superstition was rampant, this could an the 'loss of heavenly mandate'." Masha calmly narrated.
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