Duanmu Huai did want to visit that Outer Star System, but unfortunately, the subsequent negotiations didn't go so smoothly.

Zhenjiling conducted another round of negotiations with the other party, according to Duanmu Huai's intentions, the Tribunal had two conditions.

First, all the Evil Intelligence referred to as Smart Machinery must not enter the Star Territory where the Tribunal is located, and if found, they are to be executed immediately.

Second, the Tribunal can mediate for the Interstellar Peace Company, introducing them to cooperate with other forces, but in return, one-tenth of the trade with these forces must be paid to the Tribunal.

After all, only death and taxes cannot be overlooked.

Regarding these two conditions, the Interstellar Peace Company responded swiftly.

They might consider the first condition, but the second one... impossible!

In the eyes of the Interstellar Peace Company, it makes sense for the Tribunal to charge a mediation fee for a single introduction. However, taking a cut from each trade is another matter. Furthermore, the Tribunal is not a political entity governing these galaxies, so why should they be given so much profit?

This makes no sense!

However, Duanmu Huai stated that the Tribunal is not here to reason with you, either you pay, or leave!

If it were the Dada Niel Trade Federation, they might haggle, as it's a merchant's nature. However, the Tribunal is not a commercial organization, not to mention, the Interstellar Peace Company is essentially a religious institution, and Duanmu Huai is the God of Destruction. Other deities trying to meddle would be lucky not to be directly expelled, yet they refuse to pay a protection fee?

Really? You think you're so powerful?

Should I give you a beating to show which is stronger, Destruction or Protection?!

"... The above is the reply from Your Honor, the Great Judge."

Sitting across the table, Zhenjiling smiled, looking at the man in front of her. The latter looked serious and said nothing.

"We are well aware that the Interstellar Peace Company is essentially a religious institution believing in the Star Gods, and your trade expansion has a missionary aspect. Your Honor, the Great Judge, is very clear: if it were purely a business trade, the Tribunal would not meddle. However, when it involves missionary work and faith, that's another matter. This condition is non-negotiable; either you accept it or leave."

"It's really regrettable that you think this way, Miss Zhenjiling."

The man sighed silently.

"I originally thought we could reach an agreement that would benefit both parties."

"Then, I shall take my leave."

"Please, and do convey to His Honor, the Great Judge—that the Willpower of Protection is unyielding, and as the Market Development Department of the Interstellar Peace Company, we will not abandon our duty because of the Tribunal's obstruction."

"That is truly... very regrettable."

Soon, Duanmu Huai received the final result of the negotiations from Zhenjiling.

"I'm really very sorry, big brother, Karen wasn't able to accomplish the mission."

"It's okay, I already expected this, but it's a little surprising that they didn't even acknowledge your presence."

After all, Zhenjiling possesses Superior Charm, and the character Duanmu Huai played in the game also had this ability, so he knows how useful it is, able to make an opponent defect or commit suicide even in the final battle.

"It seems that the Power of Protection they believe in is indeed very effective, at least Karen feels that her appeal had no impact on the progress of the negotiations..."

"Then let it be, if they won't take a toast, they'll drink the penalty wine, do they really think I dare not act against them? Hmph, do they think having a God watching over them is so impressive? I just want to see how long this Amber King can protect them!"

Duanmu Huai snorted coldly and connected with Aikute.

"Deploy the Third Strike Fleet, wipe out these bastards, let them know that the will of the Tribunal is also not to be resisted! They must understand that this is not a transaction, but an order!"

As Duanmu Huai issued the command, in the deep space of the universe, a fleet was advancing like a school of swiming fish. And on the bridge of its flagship, the man who had negotiated with Zhenjiling stood respectfully, gazing at the figure on the screen in front of him.

"Director, I'm sorry, the Tribunal has no intention of compromising."

"So, the negotiations failed?"

"Yes..."

The man lowered his head, not daring to meet the cold and fevered gaze from the screen. After all, that was the head of the Market Development Department, his immediate superior.

"But... is this really okay? In my personal opinion, to successfully develop the market here, we should indeed make some concessions..."

"That also depends on the other party."

The voice from the screen was cold and indifferent.

"According to the information you've submitted, the Tribunal is not the ruler of this Star Territory, and its appetite is a bit too big. Perhaps it doesn't understand what a massive entity the Interstellar Peace Company is. To fulfill our mission, we must spare no effort and not let these pests suck our blood. This Star Territory must be incorporated into the Interstellar Peace Company, and that is the mission of our Market Development Department."

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the man seemed to be inspired, puffing up his chest and responding loudly. Meanwhile, the image on the screen disappeared.

"What should we do next, sir?"

The adjutant beside him looked at the man and asked.

"Bypass the Tribunal, and directly engage with the local forces. Our mission remains the same, to protect the great mission, which is the task of our Market Development Department. If the other side agrees to our terms, then there's no problem. If they refuse... follow the procedure."

"Understood."

"Beep ———!"

However, just as the man finished his words, a piercing alarm suddenly blared on the bridge.

"Unknown fleet detected, approaching!"

"Unknown fleet?"

Hearing his subordinate's report, the man was taken aback, but before he could speak, everyone's vision blurred. Then ——— several gigantic warships appeared as if emerging from the void, blocking their path. The design of these warships was intricate and magnificent, with spire-like cathedrals glistening under the starlight. On the sides of the warships, massive, black cannon muzzles were aimed at the Interstellar Peace Company's fleet ahead.

This uniquely styled warship was not unfamiliar to the man, as he had seen one before; Zhenjiling had arrived in a similar one for negotiations.

"It's the Tribunal......…"

Looking at the fleet in front of him, the man's expression turned gloomy. Although the firepower of the Interstellar Peace Company's corporate ships was immensely powerful, it was evident that the warships of the Tribunal were equally formidable. In fact, purely in terms of size, many of the Tribunal's warships were much larger and more threatening than the Interstellar Peace Company's ships.

"Report, communication request from the other side!"

"Connect it."

"Yes."

Quickly, the screen flickered, and Zhenjiling appeared before the man once more.

"I apologize to all members of the Interstellar Peace Company Market Development Department."

Zhenjiling's voice remained cute and lively, but was completely out of place with the current atmosphere.

"Due to the breakdown in negotiations, the Lord Chief Justice has issued a command that you must leave this sector immediately, otherwise, we will proceed with forcible expulsion."

"......…Do you think this can intimidate the Interstellar Peace Company?"

"The Tribunal never intimidates anyone. The Lord Chief Justice makes decisions and then executes... that's it. This is not intimidation; it is a warning."

"But the Tribunal is not the ruler of this sector! You have no authority to do so!"

"You have one minute."

Zhenjiling did not intend to answer the man, merely making a gesture, and the countdown started. The man clenched his fists, staring intently ahead ——— there, those enormous warships blocked his way like giant whales from the depths, motionlessly. Their black muzzles were aimed straight at the Interstellar Peace Company's fleet, as cold and impassive as executioners waiting for high noon.

As time ticked away, the man's eyes were fixed on Zhenjiling. Just then, a message suddenly came through. Seeing the internal message, the man was stunned, then he looked up, pale, towards Zhenjiling.

"No, I refuse! We will surely bring everything here under the management of the Interstellar Peace Company! This is the mission of the Market Development Department, all ——— for the Amber King!"

At that moment, flames erupted.

Without a signal for battle, the already primed Macro Cannon unleashed a blazing light, and massive shells spiraled towards the enemy ahead.

The battle commenced.

Being able to expand territories in the wild universe, the Interstellar Peace Company was certainly not a benign entity, and their corporate fleet was undoubtedly a formidable force. In fact, since its establishment, the Market Development Department of the Interstellar Peace Company had always been smooth sailing, with no power able to obstruct them. The trade network they constructed became the most powerful and enviable in the Outer Star System.

However, this did not mean the Interstellar Peace Company was truly peaceful.

In their expansion efforts, they faced resistance and even outright refusal to be annexed into their system by some forces.

Facing these forces, the Interstellar Peace Company showed a not-so-"peaceful" side.

These warships were prepared for such circumstances.

In the eyes of the Interstellar Peace Company, the Tribunal was just another force, akin to a small stone encountered in their market expansion journey.

But now, the Tribunal would show them that, in their path, lies not a small stone, but an insurmountable mountain!

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