CHAPTER 1533: CHAPTER 37: SHATTERED BUILDING BLOCKS

"Why was the opposing side able to easily obtain information about the fighter jets secretly developed by the Eastern Star Region?"

"Why was the opposing side able to silently transport a special elite mecha onto the ’Venus’ Residence Star?"

"Why was the opposing side able to seize the perfect moment to reach our location and rescue someone right before our eyes?"

An intelligence director with a grim expression paced back and forth in the hall, the hard soles of his shoes scraping against the floor produced a sharp and unsettling sound.

Below, those responsible for surveillance and capturing remained silent with their heads down, not daring to raise their eyes to meet his; even their breathing was intentionally subdued and slowed.

During the visit by the Central Star Domain envoy, the Eastern Star Region experienced a turbulent undercurrent; aside from the obstruction and expulsion demanded by the top three factions, more minor faction forces watched and hesitated, with some even beginning to liaise early with members of the envoy.

Many lack confidence in the Eastern Star Region; although its economic strength and population base are second only to the Central Star Region within the Federation, its vast area and numerous forces prevent it from having a strong central core and unified will.

A few years back, due to Blanchi’s powerful deterrence, and the Central Star Domain’s lack of a Sunshine-level Songstress to rival us, the other Star Regions could easily mock our situation without concern.

Yet now, with Blanchi’s passing, the Western Star Region is too overwhelmed with its own issues, the Central Star Domain has once again a Sunshine-level Songstress holding the line, coupled with the advanced technology and support from the Star Son Alliance, has surged back to the Federation’s top tier.

During this precious period, the Eastern Star Region failed to produce a powerful leader or faction, and it remains a relatively loose coalition of three alliances led by the songstresses Luo Fenghua, Otibelo, and Shui Yanqing. Although they each possess Moon Class strength, there is a vast difference compared to Prin who has ascended the Solar Crowns, making it impossible to inspire unwavering loyalty and trust.

This fragile prosperity is on the verge of collapse after the partition of the Federation. The visit of the envoy this time was like a heavy blow, shattering this superficial stability and stirring up a massive wave.

Fearing the powerful military force of the Central Star Domain, being unable to completely offend the other side, this envoy could not be directly rejected, only secretly obstructed, prohibiting various local forces of the Eastern Star Region from contacting them. However, this passive defense is undoubtedly weak and self-deceptive.

The incident on the ’Venus’ Residence Star was a smaller faction attempting to gain recognition from the Central Star Domain envoy by selling valuable patented information cheaply to a covert operative from the envoy.

As a result, not only did the alliance in the Eastern Star Region fail to capture this operative, but the opposition managed to successfully take the patent information away, causing the already fragile alliance to lose further authority and control over smaller factions, leading to the emergence of various tendencies as many small forces began boldly engaging with the envoy members.

"Such behavior and phenomena must be severely punished!" someone advocated in the meeting.

"If they face no consequences for their actions, more forces will follow suit, and if similar incidents occur on a large scale, it will be too late for regret."

After the representative spoke, the meeting room buzzed with discussions. Despite some already lacking confidence in the current loose three-way alliance, they did not dare to ridicule or oppose openly.

"So, what do you think would be an appropriate punishment?" Otibelo, dressed in a purple classical gown, asked leisurely while seated beside Luo Fenghua.

"This..." Many members hesitated; in fact, quite a few harbored intentions to side with the Central Star Domain and naturally didn’t want the punishment to be too severe.

"Since they like the Central Star Domain so much, why not just sell off their assets and directly move there?" someone sarcastically suggested.

For many forces or factions, their high-quality assets are like hens that lay golden eggs. Selling off those assets for cash is certainly a loss, and having moved to the Central Star Domain with a large sum of cash but no real industrial base or solid network of interests means they would likely be devoured, much like a small snack, by the large conglomerates and forces entrenched in the Central Star Domain.

"That’s exactly what should be done." Many agreed.

"This..." Some people hesitated.

"What, do you think this is wrong?" Seeing this, someone began to exert pressure.

"No, no, this is indeed quite good, well, very good."

"Now, let’s show hands for those in favor of this proposal." At this moment, the various parties in the meeting room exchanged scrutinizing glances, and no one dared to express sympathy or understanding, only quietly raising their hands.

"Good, it’s unanimously passed, so let’s proceed with its execution: arrest the Yoke Bell family involved, then leverage economic laws and charges to auction off their assets to compensate for the losses!"

The next day, Sand Chain Star Domain, ’Arc Sine Living Star.’

Here lies the stronghold of the Yoke Bell family. They have a stake in the ’Sand Star Leap’ enterprise, a renowned fighter jet manufacturer in the Eastern Star Region that also produces many civilian high-speed aircraft, making it one of the top three companies in this field in the eyes of many enthusiasts. However, to the current Federation, fighter jets are always supplementary, unable to compare to starships and mecha, thus confining their influence within a relatively small scope.

On the arid ground, the usually bustling industrial zone felt particularly oppressive and somber today. Most previously busy workshops were now in shutdown mode, while various security apparatuses were fully activated, with many autonomous units patrolling back and forth.