Holding the Northern Front

"The Dawn Empire's response is the one worth watching most closely," Lu Shaoyuan said, his voice growing more solemn. "Xiao Hanyuan personally signed an official document and sent it to the Federation through the highest-level encrypted channel."

He pushed the document to the center of the table so everyone could see its contents.

There were not many words on the document, but every one of them carried weight, as though they had been carved into the paper with force.

"The Dawn Empire formally proposes establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership with the Star Origin Federation. The scope of cooperation includes but is not limited to: resource sharing for Star Realm outposts, joint development of high-energy mineral veins, exchanges of martial cultivation experience, and coordinated military operations."

Liu Yunshan's fingers stopped on the head of his cane.

Shen Jin's remote projection flickered, and a trace of barely suppressed surprise entered his hoarse voice.

"A comprehensive strategic partnership? The Dawn Empire used to begrudge even sharing outpost quotas, and now they want to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership outright?"

Yang Shuyan spoke. Her voice remained gentle, but her pace was slower than usual.

"I know Xiao Hanyuan. He has never taken things to extremes. When the Dawn Empire voluntarily gave up shared outpost quotas, I guessed this day would come."

"Giving up shared outpost quotas was a gesture of goodwill toward the Federation. Proposing a comprehensive strategic partnership now adds another layer of strategic insurance atop that goodwill."

"He wants to ensure that the relationship between the Dawn Empire and the Federation is close enough—so close that when the Federation expands its sphere of influence, it will not squeeze the Dawn Empire to the margins."

Lu Shaoyuan put away the dark-gray encrypted document and returned it to its folder.

His gaze swept across