Chapter 1424
Chapter 1424 - 1420: Preparing the Kingdom
1,473 words
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8 min read
In the past, every so often, the communication boards of Earth’s high level would be full of various complaints and quarrels.
But the recent boards have improved quite a bit... Not because someone is forcefully managing public opinion, but because the situation has indeed gotten a lot better.
On one hand, the war tax and the rotation mechanism for advanced combat power have given those unlucky ones struggling on the frontline a chance to breathe.
At the same time, not having to see the heart-wrenching reality of fighting to the death while others idle away at the rear has greatly improved their morale.
More importantly, the temporary command center dispatched by the Eastern Country has taken over... The difference is like night and day between commanding legions that listen to orders, and the collective combat power of warlords who remain unmoved when allies are in trouble.
Despite various discounts and haggling, but at least when the frontline was certain that reinforcements would come from the rear, their enthusiasm and initiative for battle would be much stronger.
At least, they wouldn’t prepare to run away as soon as the fight started.
As the situation improved, the moods of the Big Shots communicating also got a lot better, and more and more combat powers were willing to lend a hand and do some "extra work," which led to a virtuous cycle in the overall state of affairs.
Overlord Arkur: Little Lu, how’s the taste of the frontline? Shouldn’t you have an eighth-tier and three seventh-tiers over there? Do you need my help, nephew?
The news of Lu Ping’an taking up rotation on the frontline was hardly a secret, and the Big Shots had always been keeping an eye on it.
After all, his actual abilities and his on-paper stats differed too greatly, having collected piles of fragments when he was sixth-tier, with a record of killing Rule-levels... How much combat power he really possessed, no one was certain.
This time, the record of killing Bane was confirmed, and most evaluations rated him as being over eighth-tier. However, as one of the "elders" who invited him to this planet, Arkur was still somewhat unsure.
After all, he had witnessed Lu fully unleash his power at the "Martial God Fighting Festival" six months ago... Lu showed great potential, but from the perspective of a Quasi-God, that was all. They had seen too many talents fail to realize their capabilities; only acquired combat power was truly valuable.
Peace Road (Lu Ping’an): Not bad, took down a seventh-tier thickheaded youngster. Now there’s just one eighth-tier, and two seventh-tiers on the other side. Not much pressure.
Upon hearing this, Quasi-God Arkur really struggled to comprehend.
The others discussed briefly, mentioning a few platitudes like "heroes emerge from the youth," after all, defeating a Rule-level wasn’t difficult, but truly killing one off was rare.
Overlord Arkur: Alright then, Little Lu, be careful of their retaliation...
Watching the elders strategize for him, Lu Ping’an also responded amiably and naturally.
And this particular kill had thoroughly cemented Lu Ping’an’s standing as high-level combat power among the high level.
Lu Ping’an’s tour of duty was two months, but he doubted he would last that long.
It wasn’t that he harbored any resentment towards the job, but after eliminating that troublemaker, the battlefield had fallen into a bizarre balance, and he had plenty of time to pursue his own matters after reporting in and punching the clock each day.
And some matters simply couldn’t be avoided.
"The preparations for nation-building are almost complete, right..."
The Salvation Army, with the support of the Eastern Country, was growing rapidly, undergoing continuous reorganization and redeployment within... That’s a rather elegant way of putting it. To be blunt, they were all fighting for power, jockeying for positions.
"Annoying, extremely annoying. For the sake of a Director’s position, all feelings of camaraderie have been thrown to the wayside..."
In the letter, Marshal Lu from the Salvation Army complained to her mentor in this way.
But Lu Ping’an felt this had already exceeded expectations... The rapid expansion process of the Salvation Army back then was a bit like the uprising armies of the Eastern Country dynasties on Earth; just shouting a slogan could start a rebellion.
As many Lu rebels there were, just as many Lu leaders and Marshals; the reason why Lulu, the Grand Marshal, is so staunch is that she is recognized as the supreme leader by the branches of the rebels, transcending the limits of ordinary branches.
But when it came time to rebuild the nation, such nominal superiors weren’t so effective... Those branch leaders, on the one hand, worried their military power would be taken away, and on the other hand, hoped to secure a good position in the new state, being both greedy and timid.
Reorganizing all the military forces was basically the primary goal of nation-building, and the "positions" in the new state were precious and rare, coveted by all the leaders of the Salvation Army... If this was not handled well, let’s not mention nation-building; prepare for an internal war first.
"Tough it out, I’ll come to see you when the time comes..."
Lu naturally replied to the letter to comfort her and promised to attend the nation-building ceremony... In fact, due to his special status, he had to go no matter what.
In truth, if Lu Ping’an wasn’t on rotation, he probably couldn’t escape this matter.
After all, the ones currently enforcing reform and building the new state were actually forces from the Eastern Country... Even though the pressure of war was obvious and everyone knew that nation-building had clear military and political advantages, they still were unwilling to give up their territories and the power in their hands. They were pursuing authority and power on one hand, and attempting self-preservation in these Chaotic Times on the other.
Just thinking about it, Lu knew how difficult the task of completing nation-building within a few months would be... Even if it was just a nominal shell state.
"When the time comes, bring her a small gift to wish her luck with the promotion."
Lu was quite open-minded about it; after all, his proxy was the "Grand Marshal," whose identity, reputation, and strong personal strength ensured she was treated favorably.
Especially since she had served as a representative of this world and made a special visit to Earth, she had received full support from the Eastern Country... With the Eastern Country’s backing, her position would be very stable.
But there were downsides too. She was clearly too closely aligned with the Easterners, and unless the Eastern Country changed its consistent style of forcefully intervening in the internal affairs of other nations and races, she unlikely to become one of the top politicians in the new state, or even become the real leading figure in the military.
Lu had heard her complain that many of her former allies who had good relationships with her suddenly distanced themselves, and some even "advised" her to go into the Ministry of Education or something.
"Lulu, it must be that she’s made some people feel threatened..."
It wasn’t just about racial tensions; it came from many of the big shots in the Salvation Army feeling threatened by Lulu, who was clearly supported by the Easterners.
Especially since, according to the agreement, Easterners would serve as deputies and secretaries with real power in various key departments of the new government, these people were Lulu’s natural allies... This arrangement was negotiated by Lulu, and even if she had obtained permission from others before she left, they would definitely seize the moment to try and pin something on her.
In fact, the Eastern Country had indeed quietly asked if she intended to become the head of state...
"I only want to drive away those who have come to save my race; I don’t have that talent."
Even though she publicly stated this, it didn’t help much. Without the Easterners’ assistance, she might have already been squeezed out of the core layer... Even the leader of her own branch had some reservations about her.
"...Not holding a high military position, not being a military leader, might be a good thing."
Lu had some guesses but hadn’t managed to discuss them with Lulu, nor was it appropriate to mention in the letters.
During the early days of nation-building, life probably wouldn’t be easy... Before, the Exotic Realm Invaders each fought their own battles, but if there was a real "target," they would probably all see it as a main point of attack.
"...I’m afraid, that nation-building ceremony, won’t pass in peace."
— End of Chapter 1424 —