Heading to Nanwu

Xu Wuyi did not care what explanation the Federation offered the Feathered Human Civilization.

This was a plan the Federation had settled on long ago. Its sphere of influence had expanded too quickly, leaving it unable to absorb star regions on a large scale, especially since many of the Star Realms occupied by the Feathered Human Clan were simply unsuitable for human habitation.

He cared about something else.

"How soon can the Federation begin large-scale extraction of resources from the star regions around the Feathered Human heartland?"

Shen Jin shifted his position against the railing, lowering his arms from his chest and resting his hands on its edge.

"Large-scale extraction will have to wait until the shipping lanes are cleared. The intelligence office's preliminary estimate is at least three months. The density of Star Beasts in the outer star regions is several times higher than around the homeworld. Some areas have never even been explored by the Feathered Humans. Our fleets will have to prepare for hard fighting if they go in."

He paused, then added, "But even once large-scale extraction begins, those resources might no longer be enough for you."

Xu Wuyi glanced at him.

Shen Jin looked completely serious. He was not joking.

"The Feathered Human heartland does have a greater variety of resources than the regions around the Federation, but their grade isn't much higher. Those deep-blue energy crystals you used before—the best batch came from the outer star regions. They were already the highest grade the Feathered Human Civilization could offer."

"But those crystals are far less effective at strengthening your body than they were at the start, aren't they?"

Xu Wuyi fell silent for a moment, then nodded.

Shen Jin was right.

Over the past month, he had refined nearly half the high-grade resources he