Chapter 140: Leaving the Imperial Capital Star

Inside the Imperial Palace, Lei Yaotian met with His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire, Balthers. When Balthers learned that Lei Yaotian was ‘fifteen years old’, he showed an expression of disbelief.

At this age, even within the Divine Glory Empire, it was merely the age for elementary school.

But Lei Yaotian had to follow his father’s last wishes, leading his tribe thousands of miles to arrive at the Divine Glory Empire.

He also brought along the technology the Divine Glory Empire needed.

Therefore, Balthers felt quite positively towards Lei Yaotian. After all, Lei Yaotian seemed easy to get along with and was very young. If the interaction went well, perhaps they could become friends in the future, and maybe even become his own support.

However, when Balthers heard from his younger sister that his own half-brother had already made the first move, his expression turned sour.

He knew someone within the Empire would inevitably jump out to seize benefits, but he never expected the first one to jump out wasn’t one of those big nobles holding ulterior motives, but a member of the Royal Family.

Thus, Balthers’s anger flared.

But he couldn’t say much about this in front of Lei Yaotian.

“What are your plans? You are now a citizen of the Empire, and your tribe’s people also hold the status of Imperial subjects. From now on, you are all members of the Divine Glory Empire. How do you want to proceed into the future?” Balthers looked at this ‘young’ little fellow and asked.

“Well, studying first, I suppose. My father always wanted me to learn the formal culture of the Divine Glory. But as you know, I never had such an opportunity.” Lei Yaotian gave Balthers the explanation Wangcai had long since taught him.

“Now that I’ve become an Imperial citizen, I think I can attend school, right?”

Balthers nodded and said to Lei Yaotian, “My intention was to keep you in the Imperial Capital; after all, the educational environment here is much better. However, the technology you possess has attracted the covetous eyes of many. So keeping you on the Imperial Capital Star isn’t a good choice. It will bring you a lot of trouble.”

“Your Majesty, if possible, I would like to become your personal vassal. That way, who else could think to prey on me?” After observing the His Majesty’s expression briefly, Lei Yaotian cautiously tested the waters with this question.

When Balthers heard this young fellow say he wanted to become his vassal, he got truly excited for a moment.

After all, Lei Yaotian had a large tribe behind him and possessed unknown technology. If he became his vassal, the strength of his faction would definitely increase significantly.

But then, Lei Yaotian would inevitably face the fierce attacks of other factions.

Because those opposing factions would absolutely not stand by and watch such strength join the faction of the Empire’s Emperor himself. Even if Lei Yaotian was himself but a minor figure, it was unacceptable, especially since Lei Yaotian also controlled some unknown technology.

He, this Emperor, had only just inherited the throne, and his grasp on power wasn’t yet stable. The power of the opposition factions was roughly equal to his own, maintaining a delicate balance across the Empire.

Neither side wished to see this balance destroyed and ignite a bloody conflict leading to civil war.

Yet, this delicate situation had begun precisely because of Lei Yaotian’s arrival. Although Lei Yaotian didn’t appear particularly strong for now, no one was willing to see him join the opposing faction’s camp. Including this Emperor; he didn’t wish to see that either.

However, what pleased His Majesty Balthers was that the ‘child’ of the Saiyan Race seemed rather perceptive towards his faction. At the very least, his conduct towards him personally could be considered quite favorable.

Therefore, Balthers believed that with a little more time, Lei Yaotian would surely join his faction.

Of course, the prerequisite was that this leader of the Saiyan Clan could survive.

It should be acknowledged he had just offended a rather petty Prince.

For now, Balthers had no intention of upsetting such an influential Prince for Lei Yaotian’s sake. After all, everything concerning Lei Yaotian was still just speculation; Balthers hadn’t seen any concrete value in Lei Yaotian worth protecting him for.

For Balthers, everyone had a value. If Lei Yaotian demonstrated his worth, Balthers would not mind turning against that half-brother.

But for now, Balthers didn’t see Lei Yaotian offering substantial value to him; just relying on those two pieces of technology wasn’t enough.

However, he couldn’t let Lei Yaotian die either. So, Balthers, together with Yana, began advising Lei Yaotian to simply leave the Imperial Capital, this troublesome place, and go to another star region.

Balthers believed that outside, Lei Yaotian could not only avoid some troubles but also allow him the opportunity to observe him thoroughly. If he discovered anything valuable, he could always recall him later.

Balthers’s thinking was simple.

But he had no idea that the things Lei Yaotian controlled were far beyond what he could comprehend.

Yet, the advice from Balthers and Yana was precisely what suited Lei Yaotian best.

In truth, Lei Yaotian didn’t particularly want to stay in the Imperial Capital, as it was crowded with powerful nobles. Then there were high-level figures or diplomatic delegations from other civilizations; here, he was completely a lower-class individual. Why should he stay in such a place?

It was entirely unnecessary.

Therefore, Lei Yaotian seized upon this opportunity to agree.

Still, Lei Yaotian needed to inquire where exactly he could go to avoid trouble, as suggested by the Emperor.

“Your Majesty Balthers, I personally truly appreciate this kindness. For myself, I am someone who absolutely dislikes trouble. So I wish to leave the Imperial Capital to escape those who seek to harm me. However, I am not very familiar with the Divine Glory Empire. Therefore, after leaving the Imperial Capital, where should I go?”

Lei Yaotian lowered his stance and inquired, “After all, I do not know much about Divine Glory culture, and I’m still very young. Studying remains vital for me. I surely cannot return to live among my people in the Barren Star Domain? Though, if you, Your Majesty, are willing to dispatch a teacher, I would not object to that.”

Sending a teacher wasn’t really an issue, but that alone couldn’t help Lei Yaotian integrate into the broader society of the Divine Glory Empire. This proposal was essentially impossible, making it an option His Majesty Balthers would not accept.

Even if personnel were dispatched into the Barren Star Domain, it would be tax officials and administrative officials, definitely not old-school scholars.

Therefore, Balthers pondered for a moment, then said to Lei Yaotian, “If it suits you, go to the Southern Star Region. There are several renowned academies there; you can choose one that catches your eye to study at. Moreover, my influence in the South is relatively strong. Those fools who know no better would not dare cause trouble for you there.”

It seemed that Southern region was this Emperor’s territory; this man certainly didn’t harbor purely good intentions either.

Lei Yaotian understood that this Balthers wasn’t much of an improvement.

But Lei Yaotian didn’t find it particularly bothersome. In essence, staying within the Emperor’s sphere of control would inevitably be less troublesome than being at the tumultuous heart of the Imperial Capital.

Even though some level of surveillance in the Southern Star Region would be unavoidable.

“Alright then, I shall proceed to the Southern Star Region.” Lei Yaotian gave a nod.

Seeing how readily Lei Yaotian understood his implied meaning and complied, Balthers couldn’t help but develop a considerably favorable view of him in his heart.

“I am aware of the harsh conditions of the Barren Star Domain. Therefore, it shall exist as your territory. Consequently, I will not dispatch administrative or tax officials to that region. This implies whatever planets within the Barren Star Domain your Saiyan Race can develop will belong to your race.”

These words from Balthers pleased Lei Yaotian immensely; it struck right at his core desires. Nothing could exceed the beauty of this arrangement.

The Barren Star Domain was vast. Though it held no value for the Divine Glory Empire, its worth was utterly incalculable for Lei Yaotian.

Though devoid of minerals and lacking inhabitable planets, with the Dimensional Trading System supporting him, such territory was irreplaceably important for Lei Yaotian.

Furthermore, this promise by His Majesty Balthers not to send administrative personnel or tax officials meant Lei Yaotian would essentially become the sole, supreme ruler—the top ruler—of the Barren Star Domain.

“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.” This time, Lei Yaotian’s words held sincere gratitude.

Balthers waved dismissively, addressing Lei Yaotian, “Don’t thank me either. In truth, I comprehend the reality concerning the Barren Star Domain. It has neither minerals nor Energy. To us, it remains merely waste ground. Handing it over signifies nothing extraordinary; moreover, that domain does not form part of our Divine Glory Empire’s territory at all.”

At this point Balthers actually smiled, continuing, “To speak truthfully and strictly, I must actually thank you instead. Due to your tribe joining us and choosing to settle there, even within such territory, our Divine Glory Empire will formally include it into Imperial territory. Thus, it essentially represents an extension of Imperial land.”

This Emperor Balthers was indeed speaking facts now.

“Previously, our Empire held several small outposts within the Barren Star Domain. But since that region proved too desolate, they ultimately were decommissioned entirely. This achievement truly comes thanks to your Saiyan Race.”

Lei Yaotian involuntarily remembered the period he had spent stationed at one particular asteroid Military Outpost…

He conversed further with Balthers until finally, Balthers took his leave.

Lei Yaotian seized the moment to take his leave as well, escorted out by Yana.

Upon reaching outside the Imperial Palace, Yana spoke to Lei Yaotian: “Before his death, your father, Baronet Leipengte, certainly amassed considerable outstanding debt. Should your finances permit, I believe paying it off entirely is wise. This would prevent those unpleasant individuals from using it as a pretext to cause trouble, thereby sparing you unnecessary difficulties.”

Upon hearing this, Lei Yaotian nodded, saying, “Repaying debt remains fundamentally just. However, certain individuals truly asked for too much; their greed seemingly knows no restraint.” Subsequently, he recounted to Yana his earlier encounter with Arex.

Upon learning the Baron Arex had intended to charge interest at ten percent daily, Yana couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “Has Arex completely fallen into desperate poverty?!”

In reality, Yana comprehended Arex exploited this merely as cover to apply pressure upon Lei Yaotian.

Following this, Yana retrieved a metallic card and extended it toward Lei Yaotian, explaining, “The programming within this card holds my unique contact interface. So, within the Southern Star Region, should someone still pursue claims due to loans your father owed and thereby threaten you, you can contact me directly. I will handle that interference.”

Taking the card without polite refusal or excessive gratitude, Lei Yaotian stored it securely within his pocket.

Yana demonstrated willingness to extend this minor assistance, while Lei Yaotian certainly found it agreeable.

Seeking to foster relationship goodwill, Yana welcomed the prospect of Lei Yaotian contacting her during future difficulties.

…

Upon departing the Imperial Palace compound, Lei Yaotian avoided lingering. Accompanied by Wangcai and five Genetic Human guards, he performed a ceremonial burial for the actual bones of Baronet Leipengte within the capital’s designated memorial grounds. Subsequently, they proceeded directly to the orbital Port. Boarding a commercial vessel bound for Eagle Administrative Star, they traversed back towards their Space Carrier patiently waiting within that primary Port facility.

Lei Yaotian wore the distinctive black military Uniform signifying his status as a Noble within the Empire. Pinned prominently upon his chest rested the emblem showcasing their Clan’s heraldry: the ‘Violet Thorn Crossed Swords’ insignia.

“We depart now—bound for Twin Stars within the Southern Star Region!”

Inputting jump coordinates acquired earlier through Yana firmly into his Space Carrier’s primary navigation database, Lei Yaotian formally issued the launch command. Immediately, the large spacecraft disengaged its docking clamps, drifting gradually away from its anchoring Port bay.

Standing thoughtfully alone near a panoramic viewport, Lei Yaotian observed numerous Warships constantly navigating through this bustling orbital hub. He inwardly mused: “Were those aggressive fools outright idiots? Did they truly judge me vulnerable enough to pressurize, acting upon such urgent desperation?”

Curling his lips scornfully for an instant, he then signaled for Wangcai’s presence before both figures advanced jointly into the vessel’s central Command Room.

…

Entirely unaware at this precise moment, even while entangled amidst Divine Glory Empire affairs, Lei Yaotian remained oblivious toward developments involving his partners within the Dimensional Trading Device. Collaborators Andrew and Bruce instigated minor scale monopoly conflicts brewing elsewhere…