A quarter of an hour later.
Best Kingdom, Royal Palace.
Whoosh~
A phantom-like figure appeared outside the palace. Sensing the heavily guarded royal palace, the newcomer nodded with satisfaction. This person was Ye Xuan, who had rushed from the headquarters of the Underworld Hall.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for triggering the selection mission: Best Empire's territory exceeds 10 million square kilometers!"
"Mission Choice One: Accept the mission, receive ten times the rebate, with a rebate cap of 5,000 Star River Coins!"
"Mission Choice Two: Reject the mission, wealth shrinks by 30%!"
Oh?
Hearing the system's voice in his ear, Ye Xuan's eyes lit up. 5,000 Star River Coins, the system is becoming more generous.
According to the exchange rate of the Star River Empire, 5,000 Star River Coins is enough to purchase five planets like Blue Star, and of course, even more can be exchanged for third-level planets.
Thinking of this, the next moment Ye Xuan appeared inside the palace.
Ropps, who was handling the affairs of the Best Kingdom, noticed someone entering and, upon seeing the visitor, his heart skipped a beat. "Your Majesty, why have you come?"
"Duke Ropps, I trust you are well."
Looking at Ropps before him, Ye Xuan knew that he had managed the current Best Kingdom from the start and would be the undisputed candidate to manage the Best Empire in the future.
"Cough, cough, Your Majesty jokes."
Ropps coughed dryly. "By the way, may I ask why Your Majesty has come this time?"
"Oh, partly to visit, and partly because there's something I need you to do."
Something?
Hearing the King's words, Ropps's expression became much more serious, as the King's personal visit undoubtedly meant something significant.
"Your Majesty, please command!"
Ropps certainly dared not be negligent. The King's methods always shocked him. With Leng Feiyan in command of the Best Empire, and with the cooperation of Tianquan Security and the Underworld Hall, they would be invincible!
With these three, no one could stop the rise of the empire; whoever dared to block them would die!
"The Best Kingdom has been managed well during this period. It is time to announce to the world and change its name to an Empire."
"This..."
Hearing the King's words, Ropps pondered for a moment. "Your subordinate will have someone arrange it later!"
"Mm."
Ropps was very perceptive, which was why Ye Xuan had entrusted him with managing the Best Kingdom, and would later entrust him with the most important matters of the empire. "There is another matter. Subdue the four directions and expand the territory of the Best Empire to over 10 million square kilometers in the shortest possible time."
"Pfft~ Cough, cough, cough~!!"
Ropps almost choked on his own saliva upon hearing the King's words. "10 million square kilometers??"
"Indeed."
"Is there a problem?"
Upon hearing this, Ropps took a deep breath. "No, no problem, Your Majesty!"
"Although the task is arduous, with the current prestige of our empire, it is not impossible."
Ropps said this, and it was the truth. After all, with the 46 countries defeated, this was an excellent opportunity for them to cede land.
Even if one country doesn't give much, say 100,000 square kilometers, that's 4.6 million square kilometers.
Ropps thought this, while the 46 defeated countries, led by the United States, never expected that Ropps would target them so quickly.
If they knew, would they come to fight Ropps?
Damn it, they are bullying too much! Not only did they seize so many aircraft carriers, warships, and drones, but they also had to cede land, which was simply banditry.
"Very good."
Looking at Ropps's expression, it was clear that he had made up his mind, and Ye Xuan would not need to worry about the rest.
"Duke Ropps has worked hard and contributed greatly during this period. Once the empire is on track."
"Do you want to be a Duke?"
The calm voice echoed in Ropps's ear, like a thunderclap exploding in his mind, instantly sending all twelve trillion brain cells into hibernation.
What the heck?
"Your Majesty, you... you want me to be a Duke, a Duke??"
Gulp~
Ropps took a deep breath. He had never even dared to think about this. That was a Duke, the absolute ruler of a country.
"What?"
"Duke Ropps is unwilling? If you are unwilling, then..."
Before Ye Xuan could finish, Ropps hurriedly interrupted, "Cough, cough, willing... willing, this subordinate is certainly willing."
Are you kidding?
Ropps was not a fool. How could he be unwilling? This was an immense gift.
Taking a deep breath, Ropps placed his right hand on his left shoulder. "Thank you for your favor, Your Majesty!"
Such a reward was something countless people dreamed of obtaining. Now that it was within reach, how could Ropps not be excited?
"Rise."
Seeing Ropps's excited demeanor, Ye Xuan smiled slightly. "This is all you deserve."
"Work hard."
Ye Xuan said with a slight smile. Ropps thanked him again before rising.
Then, seeking his opinion, he asked Ye Xuan, "Your Majesty, when will you announce to the world and ascend the throne of the Best Empire?"
"Ascend the throne??"
Hearing Ropps's words, Ye Xuan pondered for a moment. "This... I haven't decided yet."
Ropps, "????"
"Your Majesty, this is?"
Ropps was slightly surprised. It was the best time to ascend the throne now, and it would also make the Best Empire more stable. It was entirely beneficial and without harm.
"Alright then."
Ropps wanted to say something but ultimately did not. After all, his Majesty's will was not something he could control.
After a long conversation.
"Your Majesty, fare thee well!"
Ropps watched Ye Xuan vanish, bowing deeply. The shock in his heart intensified. His Majesty's strength was unfathomable.
After that, Ropps officially announced the name change of the Best Empire, and at the same time, opened preferential policies to various border forces and small countries to maximize their submission.
On the other hand, the Best Empire issued a statement that the 46 countries that had invaded the empire would each cede 100,000 square kilometers of land. Three days were given for preparation. After three days, regardless of the outcome, the Best Empire would take over by absolute force.
Specifically, the United States would cede at least 300,000 square kilometers. This announcement is hereby made!
Upon this news, countries were shaken.
Especially the United States, whose lungs were almost burst with anger.
300,000 square kilometers? Cede?
Although 300,000 square kilometers was not a lot, it was certainly not a little.
Moreover!
The United States had always considered itself a superpower. If it were to cede territory to the Best Empire now, its hegemonic status would become a joke.
"Absolutely not!"
This was the direct statement from the United States, which also retaliated against the Best Empire.
Are you kidding me?
Their loss of ten aircraft carrier battle groups in the previous battle had already become a laughingstock. If they were to cede land again, the United States would have no dignity left.
However, ten minutes after the United States issued its rejection statement...
Hundreds of submarines emerged from beneath the waters of the United States, and tens of thousands of unmanned combat aircraft mysteriously appeared in the airspace above the United States. Not only that, but in addition to this, more than 70 aircraft carriers were lined up, completely surrounding the territory of the United States.