Anyway, the genetic seeds aren’t precious to Gu Hang, they’re just a hundred points of grace. Nowadays, to extract a technology requires far more than this amount of money.
The only concern, in fact, is how to explain it after it’s created.
If now, taking advantage of this opportunity, and reaching an agreement with the Phoenix Battle Group… that would be almost a perfect situation.
Moreover, they had come over, almost clearly stating the situation, and the room for feigning ignorance was already slim.
Sitting upon his Planetary Governor’s throne, Gu Hang looked down at the four star warriors, his gaze especially focused on Matins and Rizzo.
He could see the relief and tension on Matins’s face.
He could also see that Priest Rizzo had opened his eyes at some point, his expression now filled with anticipation and even a touch of zeal!
Recalling what Matins had described, how they were guided to Rage Owl Star by praying to The Emperor through Rizzo, he clenched his teeth, deciding to take a gamble.
He had thought it through: in a desperate situation, these Phoenix individuals, whose minds were fully occupied with how to continue their battle group’s existence, might really abandon their quest for the origins when faced with genetic seeds that, while of unknown provenance, were indeed related to the Phoenix descendants. They might focus solely on the survival of their battle group.
The star warriors were called The Emperor’s Death Angels, and this was true; they all valued loyalty highly. But… were there no rebellions among star warriors?
That is not the case.
Rebellious battle groups, the Chaotic Starry Warriors Gang… these were all tangible realities.
Aren’t they all factions that split off from the loyal star warriors?
With the Phoenix now as they are, it’s conceivable that to fulfill their wish of continuing the battle group’s legacy, they would have a decent chance of agreeing to direct treason. Not to mention, what Gu Hang would ask them to do next was not even to betray anyone.
Furthermore, as Gu Hang looked at Rizzo, he always felt that this Priest might become key, and he might even become an inside supporter.
With these thoughts, Gu Hang took a deep breath and spoke solemnly to the four star warriors below: “If that’s what you say, I indeed have a potential solution that might help you…”
He made an opening statement but did not get into specifics, leaving room for negotiation.
He spoke slowly, and did not forget to observe the expressions of Matins and Rizzo.
The yearning on Matins’s face instantly filled with hope.
The Commander looked up at him with eager eyes, full of anticipation for what he would say next.
And the fervor on Rizzo’s face became even more pronounced.
The reactions of the two reassured Gu Hang somewhat.
Their first concern was not ‘why can this Planetary Governor help us obtain genetic seeds,’ but ‘we can agree to any condition,’ which in itself explained a lot.
He continued: “But this matter is too significant and unique, involving some secrets. It will also cost me greatly, which exceeds my level of support for you. So, if you need this kind of special help, I need you to agree to a few conditions.”
Matins eagerly interjected: “Name it! I will agree! No matter what the conditions, I will agree!”
He indeed had prepared himself to make any sacrifice.
Gu Hang raised a finger: “First, the Phoenix Battle Group must pledge allegiance to me.”
Just the first condition, and Matins was already stunned.
A battle group pledging allegiance to a Planetary Governor?
Had such a thing ever happened in the entire history of mankind?
Weren’t Planetary Governors civilians appointed by battle groups to manage their planets, at best serving as stewards, to be replaced if they weren’t up to the task?
Now, a battle group was to pledge allegiance to a Planetary Governor?
He found it somewhat unacceptable.
Gu Hang’s expression became grave: “I think I need to make myself clearer: this goes beyond the level of aid for allies. You should understand that. I can only pay the price for my own people, for my true own people.”
He paused, then leaned forward, fixing his gaze on Matins: “I’m ready to pay the price for the rejuvenation of the battle group, but the premise is, it must be ‘my battle group.’ So, Commander Matins, you said you were willing to pay any price. Does that still stand?”
“I…” Matins looked again towards Rizzo.
All he saw was the encouraging look in Priest Rizzo’s eyes.
“I agree,” Matins lowered his noble head.
“Then swear the oath,” Gu Hang said.
If he had already agreed, what more was there to say?
Matins knelt on one knee before Gu Hang, who was seated on the throne in front of The Emperor’s golden statue, and also bowed his proud head.
Following his lead, Rizzo and the two other star warriors also knelt.
Next, it should be the oath-taking segment.
But Commander Matins pursed his lips tightly.
He didn’t know how to begin.
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At this moment, Priest Rizzo spoke, “Leading the battle group in the oath, chanting the prayer, is my duty. I’ll do it.”
Matins breathed a sigh of relief,
At critical moments, the High Priest was somewhat useful, at least taking over the most awkward part for him.
But soon, he couldn’t muster a smile.
“From this day forth, I am of the Phoenix…”
The first sentence uttered by Rizzo made the DNA of all three stir.
It was the oath of the Phoenix Battle Group, which every battle brother must recite by heart upon formally joining the group, swearing allegiance in front of all their battle brothers to The Emperor. And afterward, this oath would be the preface to almost every banquet, gathering, and prayer session of the battle group.
They had long since learned it by heart.
In the past, and including now, it was always Priest Rizzo who led such prayer activities. Everyone was very familiar with it, so the three of them almost instinctively started reciting it along with him.
“From this day forth, I am of the Phoenix…”
“I am a sword of The Emperor and also a sword of Gu Hang.”
Their eyes went wide with disbelief, staring at Rizzo.
What the hell? You just changed the battle group’s oath?
If you’re going to swear allegiance, why mess with an oath that has been passed down for thousands of years?
And hey, how about consulting us first?
However, Priest Rizzo looked at them with a resolute and fervent expression, clearly prompting them to recite along with him.
What could Matins and the remaining two warriors do?
The situation had progressed this far; was there still room to stand up and say they refused?
They hesitated for a moment but ultimately, stiff-necked, they continued to recite along with the High Priest.
“I am a sword of The Emperor and also a sword of Gu Hang.”
“I am a shield of The Emperor and also a shield of Gu Hang.”
“I shall bring death to the enemies of humanity, I shall bring back glory for The Emperor and Gu Hang!”
“I shall sacrifice and die for The Emperor, and be reborn of fire because of Gu Hang!”
“From this day forth, I am the Phoenix, eternally warring on!”
…
Gu Hang felt awkward listening from above.
Having his name forcefully added to the oath, it sounded cringeworthy no matter how he listened.
Besides the awkwardness, a more core point was…guilt.
What merit did he have to be equated with The Emperor in an oath?
If others heard this, wouldn’t it provoke serious trouble?
But he also couldn’t bring himself to stop it, and he couldn’t quite pinpoint his feelings about it.
There was no way he didn’t feel a bit of dark pleasure.
A battle group was swearing allegiance to him, even changing the group’s oath; how could he not be pleased?
Although this battle group only had four people left, from this moment on, he could use the repeatable event to exchange genetic seeds without any reservations.
With the seal broken, was there any concern about the speed of powering up troops for someone hanging by a thread?
However, Gu Hang didn’t let the euphoria cloud his judgment.
He still remembered his priority.
After the Phoenix Battle Group finished the oath, Gu Hang raised his second finger…