Chapter 1 A Glimpse

All along the way, Su Mo blankly stared at the dazzling holographic advertisements along the road and the bustling crowds below.

For a time, he was a little lost in thought.

By the time Su Mo recovered, the airship had already entered the high walls of the Imperial Capital's center, arriving behind the highest council building in the central area.

Here stood a quaint and solemn courtyard, incongruous with the modern city.

Tang Qin parked the car at the entrance, then got out and walked to the other side, personally opening the door for Su Mo.

"Lord Su Mo, we're here."

Su Mo slowly stepped out, gazing at the courtyard before him with great curiosity.

Council Speaker Long Ming’s taste was truly exceptional.

"Lord Su Mo, please follow me."

Tang Qin led Su Mo inside.

The guards standing on the side remained motionless, not obstructing them, like stone statues.

Walking into the courtyard, a refreshing breeze swept over them, as if they had entered a secluded mountain. It should be known that the Imperial Capital's air quality was usually very poor.

The courtyard path was paved with irregular cobblestones, and both sides were lined with lush green trees, shielding the sunlight overhead.

Su Mo followed Tang Qin along the path, as if traversing a quiet trail.

After a long while, Su Mo saw a redwood building ahead.

"This is where Council Speaker Long Ming usually rests."

"Okay."

Su Mo nodded slightly, calculating in his mind. This entire courtyard was at least a hundred mu (one mu is approximately 667 square meters) in size. In a place like the Imperial Capital, where land was so valuable, how much would it be worth?

Tang Qin led Su Mo inside, then into a room.

The room was empty, with only antique cabinets.

Su Mo looked at Tang Qin with a puzzled expression.

"Where is Council Speaker Long Ming?"

Tang Qin smiled and took out a yukata (bathrobe) from the side, handing it to Su Mo.

"Did you see the back door of the room? Council Speaker Long Ming is behind there. You can change into the yukata and go over. I'll take my leave first."

Before Su Mo could react, Tang Qin retreated and closed the door.

Su Mo wore a helpless expression. He quickly changed into the yukata and tentatively pushed open the back door.

Instantly, a cloud of hot mist rushed towards him.

A natural hot spring came into Su Mo's view.

He saw a kind old man soaking in the hot spring, with a small white towel on his forehead.

Su Mo had actually seen Long Ming on television, but seeing him in person, he almost didn't recognize him.

"Come on down, the water temperature is especially comfortable today."

Long Ming invited with a smile.

"Yes, Council Speaker Long Ming."

Su Mo quickly responded and entered the hot spring.

Long Ming said with a smile, "This isn't working hours, you don't need to be so reserved. You can just call me by my name."

"I wouldn't dare."

Su Mo replied seriously. It was one thing for Council Speaker Long Ming to be amiable, but he couldn't be so disrespectful.

Long Ming smiled and didn't dwell on the matter. Instead, he started chatting with Su Mo like a kindly elder.

"How are you adjusting to your time at that base?"

"It's okay, but it's really boring. The area I can move around in is limited."

Su Mo couldn't help but complain.

"Haha, that old codger Pursorv has always been rigid. It's normal that he wouldn't let you go out for some fresh air. These past few years must have been hard on you."

Long Ming said with a smile.

"Cough, it's nothing really. Commander Pursorv has treated me quite well. Within the rules, he hasn't restricted me too much."

Su Mo scratched his head and replied.

"Let's not talk about that. Actually, five years ago, I was already prepared to personally receive you, but I didn't expect it to be delayed for so long."

Long Ming said with some emotion.

"But we've met now."

Su Mo wasn't so reserved anymore and gradually relaxed as he spoke.

"Yes, we have indeed met. But you're a little different from what I imagined, but I think it's even better."

Long Ming praised with a smile.

"Council Speaker, you flatter me."

Su Mo was a little flattered.

"I'm not exaggerating. Actually, during the expedition, Li Ruqi has been reporting your situation to me. I've seen all your performances, and they're more amazing each time! And it's not just Li Ruqi who praises you endlessly. Vice Council Speaker Sperd also thinks highly of you, and even Vice Council Speaker Ougulas has objectively acknowledged your strength. Being recognized by so many people is enough to prove everything."

Council Speaker Long Ming said frankly to Su Mo.

"Actually, I didn't do anything, I just did what I could."

Su Mo replied modestly.

Long Ming smiled and said, "There's no need to be so humble. If it weren't for you turning the tide in the end, the Federation wouldn't be where it is today."

Just then, Tang Qin walked in.

She said respectfully, "Council Speaker, everything is ready."

"Okay."

Long Ming nodded slightly.

Then he smiled at Su Mo and said, "Come with me."

Su Mo quickly got up and followed Long Ming out of the hot spring.

A moment later, Su Mo changed his clothes and followed Long Ming and Tang Qin to his private office.

The moment he entered the room, Su Mo saw a brand new general's uniform on Long Ming's desk, along with a transfer order.

Next to it was a special bank card.

Long Ming picked up the bank card and handed it to Su Mo, "This is for you."

"This is?"

Su Mo asked with a puzzled expression.

"There are 2 billion star coins in here. Take it and spend it, you deserve it."

Long Ming said with a smile.

Hearing this, Su Mo's eyes widened.

"So much? Council Speaker, isn't this inappropriate?"

"There's nothing inappropriate about it. The Demun Empire compensated us with 3 billion star coins. You get 2 billion, I get 1 billion, we'll split it."

Long Ming said with a smile, as if he were dividing spoils.

Su Mo's expression became very interesting as he looked at the bank card in his hand.

"This is compensation?"

"Yes, that's right. I initially wanted 10 billion star coins, but the Demun Empire was too stingy and refused to give it up. They wanted people, so they had Emperor Gomotos step in. They thought they could just pay some money to get rid of us, what a daydream! If it weren't for the fact that it's not yet time for a full-scale civil war, I would definitely make them keep the money to pay for their people's funerals."

Long Ming said with a smile.

Hearing this, Su Mo felt a chill down his spine. He could tell that Council Speaker Long Ming really intended to do that.

"I've been following this matter, it's been a stalemate for many years."

Su Mo replied awkwardly.

"It's been a stalemate for many years because even after the discount, the Demun Empire still couldn't come up with that much money. They only managed to scrape it together recently."

Long Ming replied with a smile.

"Um, Lord Long Ming, it's not really appropriate for me to take this money."

"There's nothing inappropriate about it. Consider this money as their compensation to you. I'll use the remaining 1 billion star coins to provide for all the deceased."

Long Ming had actually already made arrangements.