700 The Federations Top Secret! (1/2)

Upon hearing Duan Muque's declaration, Wang Baole, who had just reached into his storage bracelet for another bag of snacks and started munching again, shook. He almost choked on his chips. His eyes widened, and he could hear buzzing in his ears. Fortunately, his throat was thicker than most. He took a huge gulp and forced the chips down, then swiftly set his bag of snacks aside. His breathing quickened as he stared at Duan Muque. He blurted out a question hastily.

\”You mean it?\”

In principle, Wang Baole's current strength and cultivation had made his becoming the Federation President a moot point, but this was his goal in life, a dream that he had pursued since childhood. It was his personal mission. He had entered the Ethereal Dao College largely because of his dream to become the Federation President. Besides, he had sent back so many sets of cultivation techniques when he had been on the ancient sword. Based on his calculations, that should have been enough for his promotion to Federation President.

However, since he had returned and gained a greater understanding of the current dilemma the Federation was in, he had realized the gravity of changing a president during wartime. He knew that something was amiss. He also knew Duan Muque's character. He would face great challenges if he were to force the man to retire and give up his presidency. It would be difficult even if he were the strongest cultivator in the Federation.

There were too many complications involved in taking over the office. This was his home. Besides, Duan Muque and the rest had always treated him well. There was no way he was going to force his way into office.

That was why he hadn't asked about the rewards he would be receiving. He had observed the discussion Feng Qiuran had with Duan Muque and the others and realized the situation with the Dao Palace. He planned to ask Li Xingwen in a roundabout way instead. He wanted to know if he could maybe get a promotion to the next Noble's rank. It would be best if he could be declared the next candidate in waiting for the presidency. However, if that were impossible, he would be satisfied with a promotion to Secondary Rank One Noble.

He hadn't expected Duan Muque to initiate the succession himself. His excitement peaked at that moment, especially when he saw Duan Muque nod after he asked him to repeat himself. Excitement and glee flooded his brain, causing him to feel slightly faint. His breathing quickened, and he smacked his chest hard, his eyes red.

\”The Federation is going to win this war. The Never-Ending Clan and the Dao Palace are going to lose. I'll kill whoever stops me from becoming the Federation President!\”

Duan Muque watched the intense emotions playing on Wang Baole's face. He had no idea whether he should laugh or weep. Li Xingwen smiled. He wasn't surprised by Duan Muque's declaration. If not for Wang Baole's young age, he could have become the president right away.

He knew Duan Muque's character. His successor had a strategist's mind. He had ambition and vision. He also had his own pride. Their failure at Mercury had dealt a heavy blow to Duan Muque. Others might not have realized it, but Li Xingwen knew how serious an impact it had on him!

On the other hand, Duan Muque knew his responsibilities as well. He wasn't going to let Wang Baole be the president who would witness the civilization's end. He was going to be the one to shoulder the burden of their loss. If they won, however… he was going to be there, fighting with all that he had to prove his worth with their victory. He wanted the future generations to know his contributions to the Federation. He wanted Wang Baole to begin his presidency with a fresh new era!

\”Baole, your mission will no longer be to fight. You're going to have to… ensure that you and many others with equally important missions stay safe and survive!\” Li Xingwen took a deep breath, then gave Wang Baole a meaningful look.

Wang Baole shuddered when he heard that. He shoved down the rising excitement and cleared his mind. It took him less than a second to understand Duan Muque's choice, as well as the meaning hidden behind Li Xingwen's words.

If they won, Wang Baole would be the future president. If they lost, he would have to shoulder the burdens of protecting their civilization and ensuring its survival!

\”How much longer can the Venusian line of defense last?\” An unfathomable light appeared in Wang Baole's eyes after a long bout of silence. He stopped worrying about his future presidency and finally asked solemnly.

\”If nothing unexpected happens, it will collapse completely the next time the Never-Ending Clan launches a full-frontal attack,\” Duan Muque replied hoarsely. He finally admitted to the inevitable end that he hadn't wished to accept but couldn't deny.

\”The Federation made preparations many years ago for war with the Dao Palace. The plan had been to make use of the Solar System Array Formation and the three lines of defenses on Mercury, Venus, and Mars. Unfortunately… there wasn't enough time. With the additional Never-Ending Clan forces and their terrifying battleship, we aren't their match, even after we include you and Feng Qiuran.\” Li Xingwen sighed. He smiled wryly as he spoke.

\”The fall of Mercury was my fault!\” Duan Muque said solemnly.

\”Duanmu, you don't have to blame yourself for that. Even if we were to blow up Mercury, the war would still continue. It would only have given us more time, time that still wouldn't be enough for us to prepare for a complete war. We would still have ended up here.\” Li Xingwen shook his head, then turned towards Wang Baole.

\”Baole, Earth is the origin and the core of our civilization. The objective of this battle is to ensure that the Solar System Array Formation, which was set up to protect Earth, does not get destroyed.\”

\”As long as the array formation survives, the Federation will have the power to defend itself. Our civilization will have hope of survival. Mars and Venus are the two key points supporting the Solar System Array Formation. As long as either of these planets remains, the array formation will stand indefinitely. Destroying just one of them will not affect the array formation,\” Li Xingwen said. At that juncture, Wang Baole frowned and interrupted him.

\”Grandmaster, President Duanmu, I have two questions!